YearToAvoid

2014 Cadillac ATS Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 30 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 Cadillac ATS, 29% of all 104 complaints filed for the year, with median failure mileage of 52,500. A related recall (14V338000) covers a transmission shift cable issue, and one crash and one injury are recorded in this area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
30
29% of 104
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
52,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle rolling backward or forward unexpectedly after being shifted into park or reverse, sometimes with a grinding noise from the transmission.
  • Some describe the gear shift indicator not matching the actual gear engaged, causing the car to move in an unintended direction.
  • Several complaints mention the shift cable or bushing detaching from the transmission lever, leaving the vehicle stuck in one gear or unable to shift.
  • Owners note rear axle seal leaks on both sides that dealers observed but sometimes did not repair immediately.
  • A few reports describe the engine stalling or shutting down at stops, with RPMs dropping to zero and shuddering before restart.

When 2014 Cadillac ATS transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 1, 2014, latest Aug 24, 2026.

2014 Cadillac ATS transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month3Oct 2014Aug 2018May 2019Aug 2020Sep 2021Feb 2024Aug 2026
30 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2014 to Aug 2026; peak May 2024 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2014 Cadillac ATS

  1. NHTSA 14V338000Jun 19, 2014Transmission & Powertrain90,750 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.

    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.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by ATS model year

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

  1. 201345 (28%)
  2. 201430 (29%)
  3. 20155 (17%)
  4. 201610 (31%)
  5. 20175 (16%)
  6. 20186 (29%)
  7. 20190 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2014 Cadillac ATS have?
NHTSA lists 30 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 Cadillac ATS, which is 29% of the 104 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2014 Cadillac ATS?
Yes. Recall 14V338000, reported June 19, 2014, addresses a transmission shift cable issue where the cable may not be properly seated, which can cause unintended vehicle movement.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2014 ATS?
The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2014 ATS is 52,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Are the transmission problems dangerous?
NHTSA records one crash and one injury linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 ATS, including cases of the vehicle rolling unexpectedly after being shifted into park or reverse.

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.