Cadillac ATS problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 188 owner complaints and 11 recalls on file for the Cadillac ATS (2013–2019). The 2013 ATS has the most serious complaints, most often about transmission & drivetrain.

Complaints
188
Recalls
11
Model years
7
Worst year
2013

Complaints by model year

53201350201422201523201618201720201822019
NHTSA complaints per Cadillac ATS model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Cadillac ATS years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2013 Cadillac ATS — 53 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  2. 2014 Cadillac ATS — 50 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2019 (2 complaints).

Every Cadillac ATS model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 ATS20000Engine
2018 ATS201012Transmission & Drivetrain
2017 ATS180002Electrical System
2016 ATS231023Transmission & Drivetrain
2015 ATS220004Electrical System
2014 ATS500104Transmission & Drivetrain
2013 ATS532026Transmission & Drivetrain

Most common Cadillac ATS problem areas (all years)

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    60 complaints
  • Electrical System
    33 complaints
  • Steering
    23 complaints
  • Engine
    19 complaints
  • Airbags
    17 complaints
  • Suspension
    9 complaints
  • Lighting
    8 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    8 complaints
  • Brakes
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    7 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212022202320242025
Complaints about the Cadillac ATS received by NHTSA each month.

Cadillac ATS recalls

  • Recall 26V329000May 21, 20265,014 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 25V175000Mar 20, 2025934 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018

    Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V086000Feb 7, 201926,772 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V358000May 31, 2018895 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 15V558000Sep 3, 201596,145 vehiclesModel years 2013–2016

    Risk: If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.

  • Recall 15V463000Jul 24, 201563,665 vehiclesModel years 2013–2016

    Risk: Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.

  • Recall 15V358000Jun 9, 20152,163 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V488000Aug 8, 201448,114 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 14V446000Jul 23, 2014124,007 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 14V338000Jun 19, 201490,750 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

  • Recall 13V220000May 24, 201310,210 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Cadillac models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology