Most common 2018 Cadillac ATS problems
Share of the 22 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac ATS complaints by model year
Best ATS years: 2015, 2016, 2017. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014. Compare all years →
2018 Cadillac ATS recalls (2)
Steering › Electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018.
What 2018 Cadillac ATS owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal growling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact looked underneath the vehicle, checked the tires, and checked the inside of the vehicle but found no failure. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and heard an abnormal winding or rubber sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
The vehicle has suffered a severe mechanical failure of the rear differential assembly, rendering it completely undrivable. This mechanical failure is a direct result of a known manufacturer defect documented in General Motors Technical Service Bulletin PIP5898/PIP5898B, regarding misoriented factory side bearing retaining snap rings that block internal oil ports, leading to fluid leaks, severe fluid starvation, and eventual component seizure. The component failure poses an extreme safety hazard to myself and other motorist. When a rear differential suffers catastrophic failure, this is known to cause the rear wheels and tires to lock up completely while driving leading to immediate loss of vehicle control, skidding, and high risk of high speed rear-end or rollover crash. …
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the F-module, Part Number: 86815664, used to control the engine Auto START/STOP, needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted for the part and informed the contact that the part was not available. The contact had contacted approximately 6 dealers, who confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,527.
The car was parked outside at around 85 degrees. After entering the vehicle and driving with the AC on for a few minutes the CUE screen started to crack on the inside like a spider web. This has already been reported in 11576315 and 11325962. But I can't find any manufacturer communication on these. On the Internet I found that there is a class action lawsuit but only up to the year 2017 and it has already been settled privately. Since the vehicle is out of warranty there is no effort from GM to pay for the replacement. Since the CUE screen is essential for the vehicle operations, i.e. settings, navigation etc. it's a safety issue. On the Internet there are crowds of people complaining about the same issue. GM should react and offer replacement. Especially a replacement where the issue is fixed, otherwise the replacement will crack again after some years. Thanks and BR
Steering
My vehicle recently started experiencing an issue where the power steering would randomly cut out while I was driving. If I pulled over and shut the car off and then turned it back on the power steering would come back. But sometimes I would have to do this multiple times in a single drive just to keep the power steering on. I know that there is already a recall for this for some 2018 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles, but mine was not included in the recall, despite having the same issue. Took it to the dealer for diagnostic and they ended up having to replace the control module for the power steering which cost me around $2000.
The power steering will randomly stop working while driving! We have had it in the shop 3 times and they can't find anything! We have replaced alternator, battery and it still isn't fixed! I seen u had a recall on the 16, 17, and some 18s for this issue! We have always bought GMs and are very disappointed! Could u please! Fix this issue on our car! Our car must have been over looked on this issue!
2018 Cadillac ATS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 22 / 31 / 25 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 29 / 23 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Cadillac ATS a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 ATS rates average: 23% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ATS at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Cadillac ATS?
The transmission & drivetrain — 7 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and steering (3).
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac ATS have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2018 Cadillac ATS, the most recent from March 20, 2025 (electric power assist system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac ATS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2016 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013 and 2014. See the full Cadillac ATS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Cadillac ATS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 34,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.