2013 Cadillac ATS: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Cadillac ATS has 160 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag 2.0l turbo (ltg) engine failures — 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. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

160
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
9
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
48
power train
45
electrical system
36
steering
25
service brakes
17

Recalls affecting the 2013 ATS

visibility:sun/moon roof assembly

Campaign 15V463000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience the roof panel closing automatically when the no…

visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system

Campaign 15V558000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defo…

seats

Campaign 14V446000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to …

seat belts:front

Campaign 14V488000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In…

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving dynamics and reliability. The ATS is very frequently praised for its exceptional handling, steering feel, and chassis dynamics, with many owners and community feedback stating it was superior to contemporary

  • 2.0L Turbo (LTG) engine failures — 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Chronic engine misfires — Recurring across multiple cylinders, often related to ignition coils, spark plugs, and fuel injectors, causing rough idle, stalling, and drivability issues. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system failures — Touchscreen delamination/"shattering," system freezes, unresponsiveness, and complete unit failures. Very costly to replace out of warranty. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Timing chain system issues (3.6L V6) — Potential for failure, especially with extended oil change intervals, noted as a concern around 150,000-160,000 miles (240,000-257,000 km). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Rear axle seal leaks — Failure every 3-4 years on early model years (e.g., 2013). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the ATS.

Typical used price

Used ATS listings typically run $9,799–$15,245 across 2013 to 2019 model years.

Other ATS model years

2016 ATS2015 ATS
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