Avoid: 2016, 2014, 2013 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2019 (few owner reports)
7 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 6 model years, the Cadillac ATS has 444 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 21 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 2013 drew the most complaints (160), 2018 the fewest (21).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Cadillac ATS vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $10,180–$15,998.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2013 (160 complaints). Lowest: 2018 (21).
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving dynamics and reliability.
Catastrophic piston and piston ring failures, often around 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km), leading to misfires and requiring engine replacement. Linked to carbon buildup and potential bad piston castings in 2013-2015 models.
Recurring across multiple cylinders, often related to ignition coils, spark plugs, and fuel injectors, causing rough idle, stalling, and drivability issues.
Touchscreen delamination/"shattering," system freezes, unresponsiveness, and complete unit failures. Very costly to replace out of warranty.
Potential for failure, especially with extended oil change intervals, noted as a concern around 150,000-160,000 miles (240,000-257,000 km).
Failure every 3-4 years on early model years (e.g., 2013).
Owner insights cover all generations of the ATS. Individual model years are broken down above.
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