2016 Cadillac ATS: common problems and reliability

One of the worst ATS years.

One of the Cadillac ATS years to avoid. All ATS years

97 owner complaints, most about power train. 3 recalls.

Should I buy a 2016 ATS?

The 2016 Cadillac ATS has 97 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

97
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
9
Crash reports
3
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other ATS years only. How we score it

Is 2016 a good year for the ATS?

Across the 7 ATS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2019) to 160 (2013). With 97 complaints, the 2016 ATS sits above the model's median of 33.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

power train
29
electrical system
19
air bags
13
engine
12
steering
10

Recalls affecting the 2016 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 non-recessed switches are pressed and the roof panel is open. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."

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 defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous operation.

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 26V329000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving dynamics and reliability.

Owner insights cover all generations of the ATS. See the full ATS owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used ATS listings typically run $10,180–$15,998 across 2013 to 2019 model years.

Other ATS model years

Compare every ATS year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.

Compare the ATS against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy