2018 Cadillac ATS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2018 Cadillac ATS has a complaint index of 17, the lowest among the 7 model years with data, and ranks 6th worst (best overall) with a "Best" verdict. It has 21 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 17/100
- #6 of 7 ATS years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 21
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 20 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2018 Cadillac ATS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (29%)
- Electrical System5 (24%)
- Steering3 (14%)
- Airbags2 (10%)
- Fuel System2 (10%)
- Other2 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (10%)
- Engine1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Transmission shudders or hesitates between 42 and 48 mph, sometimes with a loss of power.
- Owners describe unpredictable forward motion and delayed acceleration tied to transmission fluid issues.
- The infotainment screen has developed spider cracks under the glass while the vehicle was parked.
- A power steering warning appeared telling the driver to 'service power steering, drive with care' at 24,271 miles.
- Rear tires have bulged off the rim and needed repeated replacement, reported at a median 59,800 miles.
- The airbag warning light illuminated due to a passenger seat presence module fault at 19,000 miles.
2018 Cadillac ATS recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V175000Mar 20, 2025Steering934 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
- NHTSA 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel System895 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
2018 Cadillac ATS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other ATS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Cadillac ATS reliable?
- Among the 7 ATS model years with data, 2018 has the lowest complaint index at 17 and carries a "Best" verdict relative to other ATS years. It has 21 complaints and 2 recalls.
- What problems does the 2018 Cadillac ATS have?
- NHTSA complaints point to transmission and powertrain issues, such as shuddering between 42 and 48 mph, as the top problem area with 6 complaints (29% share). Electrical system issues, including screen cracking, follow with 5 complaints (24% share).
- Does the 2018 Cadillac ATS have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 ATS: one for electric power steering assist failure and one for a high pressure fuel pump/pipe issue. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2018 ATS compare to other ATS model years?
- The 2018 ATS ranks 6th worst out of 7 years by complaint index (17), well below 2013's index of 100 and 2014's 83, which are both rated "Avoid." Only 2017, with an index of 33, is also rated "Good."
- Is the transmission shudder in the 2018 ATS dangerous?
- Owners describe shuddering, loss of power, and erratic movement at highway speeds, which NHTSA logs under Transmission & Powertrain, the top problem area with a median failure mileage of 84,000 miles. No crashes or fires were tied to this problem area.