What year Cadillac ATS should I avoid?

Avoid the 2013 and 2014 Cadillac ATS. The 2013 model has a complaint index of 100 with 160 complaints and 6 recalls, and the 2014 model has an 83 complaint index with 104 complaints and 4 recalls.

Which Cadillac ATS year is the best?

The 2018 Cadillac ATS is the best year based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, with a complaint index of only 17, just 21 complaints, and 2 recalls.

What are the most common problems with the Cadillac ATS?

Across all model years, Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 27% of complaints, Electrical System problems for 23%, and Engine issues for 22%.

Are the 2015 and 2016 Cadillac ATS reliable?

They fall into a Caution category. The 2015 model has a complaint index of 50 with 29 complaints, and the 2016 model has a complaint index of 67 with 32 complaints.

How many recalls does the Cadillac ATS have overall?

Across the 2013-2019 model years, the Cadillac ATS has 11 recall campaigns total and 380 complaints logged with NHTSA.

Cadillac ATS Best and Worst Years (2013–2019)

Avoid 2013 and 2014 Cadillac ATS models; 2013 has the highest complaint index (100) with 160 complaints and 6 recalls, while 2014 follows with an 83 complaint index. The 2018 ATS is the best year, with a complaint index of just 17 and only 21 complaints.

Avoid 2013 Avoid 2014 Best 2018

Model years: 7; 2013–2019
NHTSA complaints: 380
Recall campaigns: 11
Crashes reported: 21
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain

ATS Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Cadillac ATS problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2013	Avoid	100	160	9	0	6	Engine	22.5	5★
2014	Avoid	83	104	6	2	4	Transmission & Powertrain	23	5★
2015	Caution	50	29	1	0	4	Electrical System	23	5★
2016	Caution	67	32	3	0	3	Transmission & Powertrain	24.5	5★
2017	Good	33	32	1	0	2	Steering	24.5	5★
2018	Best	17	21	1	0	2	Transmission & Powertrain	24	5★
2019	No verdict	0	2	0	0	0	Brakes	23.5	—

ATS years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Cadillac ATS Index 100 · 160 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2013 ATS has the highest complaint index (100) of any model year, with 160 complaints, 9 crashes, and 8 injuries reported to NHTSA. Engine problems dominate, making up 34% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 6,160 miles. Transmission and powertrain issues (28% of complaints) and electrical system faults (26%, median mileage 40,000) were also common. Six recall campaigns affect this year, including HVAC defogger, roof panel, and seat belt pretensioner recalls. Owners reported stalling, loss of steering, and unintended movement between drive and park.

2013 engine problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →2013 electrical system problems →

2014 Cadillac ATS Index 83 · 104 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2014 ATS carries a complaint index of 83, the second-worst among all model years, with 104 complaints, 6 crashes, 2 fires, and 10 injuries. Transmission and powertrain problems lead the complaints at 29% with a median failure mileage of 52,500. Electrical system issues follow at 19% (median mileage 54,189), and engine problems at 16%. Four recalls apply to this year, covering HVAC, roof panel, and seat structure defects. Owners reported hydroplaning, unexpected rolling on inclines, and brake failure to stop the vehicle.

2014 transmission & powertrain problems →2014 electrical system problems →2014 engine problems →

Most common Cadillac ATS problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Transmission & Powertrain101 (27%)
Electrical System89 (23%)
Engine84 (22%)
Steering61 (16%)
Other59 (16%)
Brakes35 (9%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires35 (9%)
Airbags27 (7%)
Fuel System13 (3%)
Visibility & Wipers13 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Cadillac ATS should I avoid?: Avoid the 2013 and 2014 Cadillac ATS. The 2013 model has a complaint index of 100 with 160 complaints and 6 recalls, and the 2014 model has an 83 complaint index with 104 complaints and 4 recalls.
Which Cadillac ATS year is the best?: The 2018 Cadillac ATS is the best year based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, with a complaint index of only 17, just 21 complaints, and 2 recalls.
What are the most common problems with the Cadillac ATS?: Across all model years, Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 27% of complaints, Electrical System problems for 23%, and Engine issues for 22%.
Are the 2015 and 2016 Cadillac ATS reliable?: They fall into a Caution category. The 2015 model has a complaint index of 50 with 29 complaints, and the 2016 model has a complaint index of 67 with 32 complaints.
How many recalls does the Cadillac ATS have overall?: Across the 2013-2019 model years, the Cadillac ATS has 11 recall campaigns total and 380 complaints logged with NHTSA.