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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2013–2019

Cadillac ATS recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 380 owner complaints for the Cadillac ATS, covering model years 2013 to 2019. The 2013 model year drew the most complaints (160), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Cadillac ATS VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 11 recall campaigns on file
  • 380 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 7 model years with data (2013–2019)
  • most complaints: 2013 (160 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (101 complaints)
  • latest recall 26V329000 (reported May 21, 2026)
  • 21 complaints reporting a crash (5.5%)
  • 2 complaints reporting a fire (0.5%)
  • 19 complaints reporting an injury (5.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Cadillac ATS complaints by model year

7 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2013 model year has the most complaints: 160 of 380, or 42.1%. Next come 2014 (104) and 2016 (32). The fewest are for 2019, with 2 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Cadillac ATS owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2013–2019Column chart of 380 complaints across 7 model years. The highest is 2013 with 160. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2013: 160 complaints16020132014: 104 complaints10420142015: 29 complaints2920152016: 32 complaints3220162017: 32 complaints3220172018: 21 complaints2120182019: 2 complaints22019
Cadillac ATS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Cadillac ATS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
20131609070
20141046260
2015291010
2016323040
2017321000
2018211010
201920000
All model years380212190

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Cadillac ATS components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 101 complaints (26.6% of all 380), followed by Electrical System (76) and Engine (71).

Components named most often in Cadillac ATS complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Cadillac ATS complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train10126.6%
Electrical System7620.0%
Engine7118.7%
Steering6116.1%
Unknown or Other5414.2%
Air Bags277.1%
Service Brakes236.1%
Exterior Lighting164.2%
Vehicle Speed Control164.2%
Wheels153.9%
Suspension143.7%
Visibility/Wiper123.2%
Fuel/Propulsion System102.6%
Tires102.6%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)92.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Cadillac ATS recalls

11 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name ATS, newest first. The 11 campaigns cover model years 2013 to 2018. The 2013 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 11 recall campaigns
Cadillac ATS recall campaigns covering each model year
2013: 6 campaigns2014: 4 campaigns2015: 4 campaigns2016: 3 campaigns2017: 2 campaigns2018: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 26V329000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2015–2016

    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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 25V175000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model years 2017–2018

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V086000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model year 2017

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.

    Consequence:
    Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V358000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model year 2018

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 15V558000

    Reported

    Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System

    Model years 2013–2016

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electronic Climate Control module to remove the automatic rear defogger "on" function, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15299.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 15V463000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model years 2013–2016

    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."

    Consequence:
    Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the roof console accessory switch trim plate, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15568. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 15V358000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages

    Model year 2015

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.

    Consequence:
    If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15352.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 14V488000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front

    Model year 2013

    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 the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.

    Consequence:
    If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. GM sent interim notifications on October 7, 2014 and will send a second notification when remedy parts are available. The recall began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 14V446000

    Reported

    Seats

    Model years 2013–2014

    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 an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

    Consequence:
    A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 14V338000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 2013–2014

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Show 1 more recall

  1. NHTSA campaign 13V220000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights; Electrical System

    Model year 2013

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

    Consequence:
    If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's recall number is 13158.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Cadillac ATS questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Cadillac ATS have?

NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recall campaigns for the Cadillac ATS, covering model years 2013 to 2019. The most recent, 26V329000, was reported on May 21, 2026 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2013 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which Cadillac ATS model year has the most complaints?

The 2013 model year, with 160 of the 380 complaints in NHTSA’s file (42.1%). The next are 2014 (104) and 2016 (32). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Cadillac ATS complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 101 complaints, or 26.6% of all 380. Electrical System (76) and Engine (71) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Cadillac ATS?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Cadillac dealer.

How many Cadillac ATS complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 380 complaints, 21 report a crash, 2 a fire, 19 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Cadillac models

8 models · most complaints first

The Cadillac models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Cadillac VIN decoder with every Cadillac model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Cadillac models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.