YearToAvoid

2013 Cadillac ATS Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 21 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Cadillac ATS, 13% of all complaints for the year, with 3 crashes and 1 injury reported. Median mileage at failure was 11,300 miles. There are no related recalls on file for this issue.

Brakes complaints
21
13% of 160
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
11,300 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report unintended false activation of the collision-avoidance system, which slammed the brakes at freeway speeds with no vehicle ahead.
  • Some drivers described the brake pedal failing to slow the car during low-speed parking maneuvers, resulting in impact with another vehicle.
  • Multiple complaints describe the vehicle stalling or shutting off while decelerating or turning, which was accompanied by hard steering and stiff brakes.
  • Owners noted power steering and power brake assist dropping out together after the engine cut off briefly while driving at low speed.
  • Several drivers found the brake and gas pedals positioned close enough together that braking in heavy traffic sometimes caused unintended acceleration.

When 2013 Cadillac ATS brake complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 11, 2013, latest Feb 23, 2025.

2013 Cadillac ATS brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Nov 2013Mar 2014May 2014Jan 2015Mar 2016Jul 2019Jul 2020May 2024
21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2013 to Feb 2025; peak Nov 2013 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Cadillac ATS

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes complaints by ATS model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201321 (13%)
  2. 20145 (5%)
  3. 20153 (10%)
  4. 20162 (6%)
  5. 20173 (9%)
  6. 20180 (0%)
  7. 20191 (50%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2013 Cadillac ATS have?
NHTSA lists 21 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Cadillac ATS, which is 13% of the 160 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Cadillac ATS brakes?
No. NHTSA shows no related recalls filed for this brake issue on the 2013 Cadillac ATS.
At what mileage do 2013 Cadillac ATS brake problems usually show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 11,300 miles.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these brake complaints?
NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 1 injury among the 21 brake complaints for the 2013 Cadillac ATS.
Is the 2013 Cadillac ATS worse than other years for brake complaints?
Yes, relative to other ATS years. The 2013 model's 13% share of complaints tied to brakes is higher than 2014 (5%), 2016 (6%), and 2017 (9%), based on NHTSA data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.