Cadillac ATS years to avoid (and the best years)
378 NHTSA owner complaints and 11 recalls across 6 model years, 2013 to 2018. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 378complaints
- 11recalls
- 21reported crashes
- 2reported fires
- 25reported injuries
Which Cadillac ATS years should you avoid?
No Cadillac ATS model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Cadillac ATS year has 32 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2013 (160) and 2014 (104).
What are the best Cadillac ATS years?
The Cadillac ATS years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2018 (21), 2015 (29) and 2017 (32). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 21 | 0.7× | 2 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2017 | 32 | 1.0× | 2 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2016 | 32 | 1.0× | 3 | 3 | 5 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2015 | 29 | 0.9× | 4 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2014 | 104 | 3.2× | 4 | 6 | 10 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2013 | 160 | 5.0× | 6 | 9 | 8 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 1 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Other systems1 (100%)
Recalls (11)
Airbags · 26V329000 · May 2026 · model years 2015, 2016
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Steering · 25V175000 · Mar 2025 · model years 2017, 2018
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 19V086000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2017
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 18V358000 · May 2018 · model year 2018
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Body & glass · 15V558000 · Sep 2015 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Body & glass · 15V463000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
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.
Brakes · 15V358000 · Jun 2015 · model year 2015
If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 14V488000 · Aug 2014 · model year 2013
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.
Safety · 14V446000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Transmission · 14V338000 · Jun 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
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.
Electrical system · 13V220000 · May 2013 · model year 2013
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.