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Model-year record

2016 Cadillac ATS
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2016 Cadillac ATS

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

35

Reports to NHTSA, 2016

Safety recalls

3

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

24.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Power Train issues lead owner complaints (31% of 35 reports), followed by air bags (14%).

Power Train31% · 11 reports
Air Bags14% · 5 reports
Electrical System11% · 4 reports
Steering11% · 4 reports
Engine6% · 2 reports
Visibility/Wiper6% · 2 reports
Wheels6% · 2 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling3% · 1 report

+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 35 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11255000, ODI 11633794, ODI 11626993, ODI 11575697, ODI 11383582.

Individual complaint reports(35)

Showing the 35 most recent reports
Air BagsJun 2026 · ODI 11744659Details +

Air bag dashboard light is on

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11744659 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11744660Details +

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V558000 Rear Defogger Coil Antenna Module may Overheat If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, not sure what is happening but car does seem to overheat off and on especially when radio is turned on

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Dec 1969
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11744660 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2026 · ODI 11735357Details +

On 3rd differential in 2 years. Dealer won’t fix without us paying ANOTHER $4,700. There is NO way a differential goes 3 times in 2 years. Something is wrong. Help!!

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11735357 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2025 · ODI 11701363Details +

My 2016 Cadillac ATS Coupe has a serious repeating safety defect. The vehicle violently shakes, vibrates, and becomes unstable while driving. This happened TWICE. Both times the rear bolts came out except one. Both mechanics who inspected it said they have NEVER seen this before. The first time, I paid $4,000 out of pocket at another shop. The problem happened again, proving this is a manufacturing defect. My AXP diagnostic on November 4, 2025 confirms major rear differential/axle issues. The vehicle is unsafe and undrivable. One mechanic told me DO NOT DRIVE IT. Cadillac told me the opposite — “safe to pick up” — even though they did no real diagnostic. Cadillac refused to give anything in writing, refused a loaner, and ignored multiple emails. A Cadillac representative told me they reviewed the previous calls, meaning they know the full history. They still refused to fix the dangerous defect. I have paid over $33k, paid $4k for the first repair, still owe $7k, and Cadillac now wants another $7k for the same issue. This is a major safety risk to me and other drivers.

Reported
Nov 2025
Incident date
Nov 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11701363 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2025 · ODI 11638325Details +

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed, and the passenger's side seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11638325 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2025 · ODI 11633794Details +

When driving at around 40-50mph you can feel that the car has a shudder vibration. Took the car into Cadillac where they are informing me that it is the torque converter that needs replacement. No warning lights. If not fixed can lead to transmission failure.

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Dec 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11633794 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2024 · ODI 11626993Details +

I’ve only had this vehicle for about 2 years now. I purchased it off of Carvana and had 30 days I could’ve returned the vehicle if there was issues. When I first got it, I noticed the vehicles gas pedal would shutter a tad while going up a hill or at a higher speed like on the highway. It would also jolt a little while taking off but when I took it to the dealership they were saying everything is normal and I believed everything was fine since there was no lights on the dash, it was my first time ever buying a car myself, and I had no reason not to trust them. The vehicle is now at a little less than 85,000 miles and I can’t drive it because of how bad it’s jerking, I did a little more research and come to find out this is a huge issue with GMs vehicles transmissions within that years range however my vehicle in particular isn’t on that list. The CTS and i believe even a few ATS Vs were on there but mine is doing the same exact behaviors as they’re describing. If there’s any way you guys can help me out it would honestly be a blessing

Reported
Nov 2024
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11626993 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2024 · ODI 11579990 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

The contact owned a 2016 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH and entering the expressway, she engaged the turn signal and verified that the road was cleared. The contact stated that while she was making the turn, an 18-wheeler truck suddenly hit the vehicle, causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was hit three times and spun onto the median, where the vehicle continued to spin until it hit the fence. The contact stated that her sister was occupying the front passenger's seat at the time of the accident. The air bags failed to deploy. Both the contact and her sister were transported to the hospital by emergency units. The contact stated that she sustained injuries on the left side of her body. The contact sustained severe pain on the left shoulder, left arm, left wrist, lower back, on and the neck down to under the shoulder blade. The contact's sister sustained injuries on the right side of the body. The contact sister sustained severe pain in the head, the ear, the right hip, the lower back, the abdomen, and the neck. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

Reported
Mar 2024
Incident date
Mar 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 11579990 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2024 · ODI 11575697Details +

Transmission drags. When stopping the car jerks bad and sometimes proceeds to accelerate. When at a stop auto start has a hard jerk I reported this problem to Cadillac dealership when I first got the car. They claim they couldn't find an issue. The touch pad goes out frequently.

Reported
Mar 2024
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11575697 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2023 · ODI 11553393Details +

Reporting a case for GM recall N182161890. I bought my vehicle in 2022. I was informed that my car had all the recalls completed on that vehicle. My vehicle had exactly what this recall was for happen to it on 10/20/23. After contacting Cadillac, they informed me that this recall was never completed on my vehicle. Cadillac then told me that this recall was expired so it can no longer be completed. They said that the recall expired on 11/30/2020. I was under the impression that recalls do not expire, especially ones that can cause lose of power steering and could lead to collision or injury. Cadillac told me it expired because it was a "Customer Satisfaction Program" recall and not a "Product Safety" recall. I'm confused on how the lose of steering is not a product safety issue. Cadillac is unwilling to fix the recall at this time, even though they have confirmed it had never been completed.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11553393 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperMar 2023 · ODI 11511593Details +

My back glass on my 2016 Cadillac ATS shattered on 3-10-2023. It looks like it got hot from the defroster lines as it shattered every inch of the back glass and separated from the seals. I contacted Cadillac and they started Case #9-9552142107. I had the car inspected at my dealership on 3-11-23. They filled out the report on this case number to support the findings of a current recall already in place. Recall date 2015-09-03 Recall no.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. When I contacted Cadillac they said I needed to contact NHTSA with the info to have my car put on the recall

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11511593 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2022 · ODI 11480821Details +

CUE screen cracked and is unresponsive and now handsfree safety options don't work.

Reported
Aug 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11480821 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2021 · ODI 11434480Details +

When driving, I accidentaley hit a curb on the front left rim and the side air bags deployed. There was no damage to vehicle other than hitting the rim. I want to know if there is a recall on this or if there has been any other incidents of this kind. The only deployed air bags were the side ones by the windows The front air bags did not deploy. I need answers to why the car deplyed air bags when it was a curb check and no physical damage to the car? Is there any recalls on this?

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Sep 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11434480 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11413323Details +

THE GAS FUEL TANK CONTINUOUSLY STOPS EVERY TIME YOU ARE PUMPING GAS. SO IT TAKES VERY LONG TO FILL UP THE TANK. MY CENTER ELECTRICAL SCREEN FOR THE RADIO, BLUETOOTH, ETC DOESN'T WORK. I PAID EXTRA FOR THE FEATURE AND IT DOESN'T WORK.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11413323 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesFeb 2021 · ODI 11397631Details +

DROVE MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE BRAKES FAILED. I APPLIED ALL OF MY FORCE TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN LESS THAN 14 MONTHS. HAD IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME. IT HAD NO BRAKE ASSIST AND A CRACKED PCV VALVE. THE VACUUM PUMP AND HOSE TO BOOSTER WAS REPLACED. 14 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN.

Reported
Feb 2021
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11397631 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2020 · ODI 11383582Details +

WHILE ARRIVING AT STOP LIGHTS THE CADDILLAC ROUGHLY SHIFTS DOWN JOLTING THE WHOLE VEHICLE. AROUND 1500 RPMS WHETHER ITS SITTING OR JUST PASSING 1500 RPMS THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND VIBRATES AGGRESIVELY UNTIL AROUND 2000 RPM. RPMS JUMP UP AND DOWN BETWEEN 1000 AND 3000 RPMS

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11383582 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2020 · ODI 11372540Details +

THE VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING. IT HAS HAPPENED AND RETURNED BUT IT GONE OUT TOTALLY NOW AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE PART OF THE CADILLAC POWER STEERING RECALL, BUT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED AS VEHICLE THAT IS AFFECTED.

Reported
Nov 2020
Incident date
Oct 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11372540 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2020 · ODI 11348530Details +

THE RADIO SCREEN IS CRACKING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE SCREEN I'M GETTING A SPIDERWEB EFFECT THAT IS NOT ALLOWING ME TO SEE THE SCREEN. CAN'T SEE THE SPEED OF MY AC FAN BECASUE I CAN'T SEE THE SCREEN, CAN'T CHANGE TO BLUETOOTH BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE THE SCREEN, CAN'T USE MY NAVIGATION SYSTEM THAT I PAID EXTRA FOR BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE THE SCREEN DUE TO THE SPIDERWEB EFFECT. THIS IS A DEFECT AS I HAVE USED THE RADIO UNDER NORMAL USE AND IT SHOULD NOT CRACK FROM THE INSIDE. I CAN'T USE ANY OF THE RADIO FEATURES DUE TO THIS ISSUE.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11348530 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperJul 2020 · ODI 11341882Details +

REAR VIEW MIRROR IS VERY FOGGY. I BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS ALREADY LIKE THAT.

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11341882 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2020 · ODI 11337876Details +

THERE WAS A SHUDDER TO THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION AND IT LURCHES FORWARD LIKE IT SKIPS GEARS WHEN GOING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE AND OFTEN FROM INCREASE SPEED

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11337876 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlMar 2020 · ODI 11317835Details +

WHEN OPERATING MY VEHICLE INTO DRIVE MANY TIMES WHEN TURNING THE FRONT WHEELS THE CAR LOOSE IT POWER AND STALLS. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING VEHICLE INTO OTHER CROSS SECTIONS OR SMIPLY TURNING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENHIS. THIS INCIDENT OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY OR MOVING FORWARD SLOWLY. I WAS MOVING FORWARD OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND INTO ON GOING TRAFFIC. LUCKLY I WAS ABLE TO BAGBACK INTO DRIVEWAY .

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11317835 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2020 · ODI 11310482Details +

AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 25 AND 35 MPH THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THE ENTIRE CAR IS VIBRATING. ENGINE RPM IS BETWEEN 1000 AND 1500. RESPONSE IS UNPREDICTABLE. THE CAR MAY SPEED UP OR ATTEMPT TO STALL. VERY DANGEROUS ENTERING HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC SITUATIONS OR ACCELERATING IN LOCAL TRAFFIC.

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11310482 at NHTSA →
WheelsFeb 2020 · ODI 11310130Details +

WE BOUGHT A USED 2016 ATS WITH 14,000 MILES. WITHIN 2 YEARS, WE HAVE HAD 4 CRACKED CADILLAC WHEELS. WE ALSO HAVE RUN FLAT TIRES, FACTORY INSTALLED. DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, POT HOLES AND SEAMS IN ASPHALT SEEM TO BE WHAT CAUSED OF CRACKED RIMS. I SUSPECTED A DEFECTIVE ISSUE AFTER 2ND CRACKED WHEEL. I ASKED AT LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT A RECALL AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T SEE ONE. I SEE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND FINALLY FOUND A COMPLAINT THROUGH CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THAT WAS NOTED ON NHTSA. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, FACTORY DEFECT AT CANNON CADILLAC IN LAKELAND, FL. IF DRIVEN ON RUN FLATS APPROX 15 MILES TO REPAIR FACILITY, TIRES CAN ALSO BE DAMAGED AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED WHICH WAS MY SITUATION. MY LAST WHEEL PURCHASED LASTED ME 1 YR, 3 WEEKS AND CRACKED BECAUSE OF SEAM IN ASPHALT ON THE FREEWAY. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. I NOW HAVE 35K MILES AND I'M LOOKING AT THE EXPENSE OF REPLACING ALL 4 WHEELS DUE TO CADILLAC STANDING BEHIND THIS DEFECTIVE WHEEL

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11310130 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2019 · ODI 11288691 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, A CAR WAS MERGING INTO MY LANE. I QUICKLY TURNED INTO THE NEXT AVAILABLE LANE AS IT WAS EMPTY, AND WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT, IT OVERCOMPENSATED AND VIOLENTLY TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, LEADING TO THE CAR SPINNING OUT ON THE FREEWAY. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL AT THAT POINT, UNTIL IT OVERCOMPENSATED TO THE RIGHT CAUSING ME TO SPIN OUT SOME MORE. THIS LED TO AN ACCIDENT, AND IT WAS A MIRACLE NO ONE WAS KILLED. DURING THE TIME OF THIS ACCIDENT, THE ROAD WAS IN GOOD SHAPE, VISIBILITY WAS GOOD, THE WEATHER WAS GOOD, IT WAS AROUND 60 DEGREES OUTSIDE, I HAD JUST GOT ON TO THE FREEWAY, AND WAS TRAVELLING AROUND 60 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED (I.E. NO SPEEDING), AND I WAS DRIVING WITH MY LEFT ARM (IT IS A MANUAL, AND MY RIGHT HAND WAS NOT ON THE STEERING WHEEL AT THE TIME) AND DUE TO THE POSITIONING (MY LEFT ARM RESTING ON THE ARMREST), IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO HAVE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ENOUGH TO HAVE SPUN OUT.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11288691 at NHTSA →
WheelsNov 2019 · ODI 11281720Details +

ALL 4 RIMS ARE CRACKING AND CAUSING AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRES. CANNON CADILLAC IN LAKELAND FL., HAS STATED THESE RIMS ARE A FACTORY DEFECT, BUT HAVE DENIED THE CLAIM TO REPLACE ALL THE RIMS WITH AN ACTIVE 2 YEAR WARRANTY STILL IN EFFECT. I ONLY NOTICED THIS PROBLEM ONCE I HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW TIRE AND SEEN THAT THE AIR PRESSURE WAS LOW ON THE TIRE. ONCE I TOOK MY CAR TO THE TIRE SHOP, THE TIRE TECHS INFORMED ME THE RIMS WHERE DEFECTIVE, AT THAT MOMENT I MADE A APPOINTMENT AT CANNON CADILLAC. THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT RESOLVED

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11281720 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2019 · ODI 11255000 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A GARAGE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR ACHES AND PAINS THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CADILLAC OF SANTA FE (505-240-6622, LOCATED AT 4450 CERRILLOS RD, SANTA FE, NM 87507) THE PREVIOUS DAY FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE IT STARTED. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE SAME DEALER AFTER THE CRASH AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN FEATURE IN THE VEHICLE THAT FAILED TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE SENIOR ADVISER STATED THAT THE PRODUCT DIVISION WOULD BE NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT CALLED BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 21,000. *DT CONSUMER TRADED IN THE VEHICLE.*JB

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11255000 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2019 · ODI 11246431Details +

TAKEN MULTIPLE TIMES TO DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES. GM HAS REPLACED IT AT 17475 MILES. MORE TRIPS FOR ISSUES WITH NEW TRANSMISSION. IMPROPER SHIFTING, HARD DOWN SHIFTING, HOLDING RPM GEAR LONGER THAN NORMAL.

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11246431 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2019 · ODI 11219748 · 1 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE LOUD NOISES AND DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RED NOLAND CADILLAC (719-633-4633, LOCATED AT 990 MOTOR CITY DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO ONE AVAILABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO ALPINE BUICK GMC SOUTH (719-301-2573, LOCATED AT 1313 MOTOR CITY DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE INSPECTED RIGHT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE DETACHED AND CAUSED CARBON MONOXIDE TO BLOW INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEALER THAT WAS WILLING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING AROUND LOOKING FOR DEALERS, THE CONTACT BECAME ILL AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DOCTOR INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HER ILLNESS WOULD HAVE BEEN FATAL HAD SHE NOT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO SEND A TOW TRUCK. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER THAT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR A TOW TRUCK, RATHER SPEAK WITH EITHER OF THE DEALERS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO LEWIS CHEVROLET CADILLAC OF GARDEN CITY (620-275-7171, LOCATED AT 1903 US-50 BUS, GARDEN CITY, KS 67846) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND STATED THAT SHE DID NOT FEEL SAFE RETRIEVING OR DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,700.

Reported
Jun 2019
Incident date
Jun 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 11219748 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2019 · ODI 11206974Details +

VEHICLE TENDS TO DO A HARD DOWN SHIFT WHEN IT'S AROUND 10-15 MPH AND IT WILL FEEL LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOUR CAR FROM BEHIND. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP 10-15 MPH VEHICLE WILL STALL SOMETIMES.

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11206974 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2019 · ODI 11205393Details +

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO AVOID A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. GOT A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND STABLITRACK LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY GOT P0300 CODE. HAD TO REPLACE THE PISTON AND RINGS. ONLY 70250 MILES AND GM WOULD NOT COMPLETELY COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS, I HAD TO PAY $1000.

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11205393 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2018 · ODI 11163386 · fireDetails +

ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 22ND I WAS GOING TO A CAR MEET. ON MY WAY TO THE MEET I WAS HAVING SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH MY CAR. THE RADIO AND MY SEATS WERE ACTING WEIRD. THE RADIO WOULD TURN UP AND DOWN BY ITSELF AND THE HEATED SEATS WOULD TURN ON AND OFF. I GOT TO THE MEET AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ON MY WAY HOME I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR WAS DOING THE SAME THING AND ABOUT A FEW MILES FROM MY HOUSE I STARTED TO SMELL ELECTRICAL BURNING. I WAS PULLING OVER WHEN SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN I GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THERE WHERE FLAMES SHOOTING FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT. I SLAMMED THE CAR IN PARK AND JUMPED OUT JUST IN TIME AS THE CAR WAS CONSUMED IN FLAMES. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND BEDFORD FIRE AND POLICE RESPONDED WITHIN MINUTES. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I BELIEVE THERE WAS AN ISSUE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OR THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT. I'M JUST HAPPY I DIDN'T HAVE ANYONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.

Reported
Dec 2018
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11163386 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2018 · ODI 11142383Details +

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SLOWLY OR IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY ROUGH BETWEEN THE LOWER GEARS ON UPSHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS AND WILL HOLD A GEAR HANGING WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE OR ACCELERATE AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RAPIDLY LUNGE FORWARD AND CAUSE A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT AS IT BECOMES HARD TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES SUDDENLY

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11142383 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherOct 2018 · ODI 11132982Details +

THE TOUCH SCREEN DOES NOT WORK. IT MOVES BY ITSELF AND EVEN WHEN WE SELECT AN OPTION IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT. IT IS A SCARY AS WE CANNOT RECEIVE PHONE CALLS AND IT IS A CONSTANT DISTRACTION WHERE THE WHOLE MENU IS NOT WORKING. WE HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER A COUPLE OF TIMES AND I ALSO KEPT A MESSAGE FOR THE MANAGER ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 28TH). HE NEVER REPLIED BACK. WE HAVE A FEW VIDEOS THAT SHOW THE TOUCH SCREEN IS NOT WORKING (IT WORKS A FEW TIMES). THE PROBLEM OCCURS MORE WHEN IT IS WARM WEATHER. MANY OTHER FOLKS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE (A GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS MANY FOLKS REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE).

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Sep 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11132982 at NHTSA →
TiresNov 2017 · ODI 11045915Details +

TIRES SPLIT AND BUBBLE EASILY

Reported
Nov 2017
Incident date
Nov 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11045915 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2017 · ODI 11004850Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT PLACED A MOBILE PHONE ON THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (HENNESSY CADILLAC LOCATED AT 3377 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH, GA 30096; (770) 680-7000) WHO STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 08/30/17*LJ

Reported
Jul 2017
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11004850 at NHTSA →

Recalls(3)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

VisibilityMar 2015 · 15V558000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

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Visibility · 15V463000Details +

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."

Risk: 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.

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Air Bags · 26V329000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2016 Cadillac ATS 4 DR RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2016 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2016 Cadillac ATS 2DR RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

2016 Cadillac ATS 2DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
ATS2.5L 4-cylRear-Wheel Drive223226
ATS2.0L 4-cylRear-Wheel Drive223125
ATS3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive202924
ATS2.0L 4-cylRear-Wheel Drive202823

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2016 Cadillac ATS: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2016 Cadillac ATS?

Owners filed 35 NHTSA complaints about the 2016 Cadillac ATS. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2016 Cadillac ATS?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (31% of complaints) and air bags (14%).

How many recalls does the 2016 Cadillac ATS have?

3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2016 Cadillac ATS, covering components such as visibility. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Cadillac ATS get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Cadillac ATS between 23 and 26 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.