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Model-year record

2018 Cadillac ATS
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 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

21

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

24

EPA estimate

Known issues

Power Train issues lead owner complaints (29% of 21 reports), followed by electrical system (14%).

Power Train29% · 6 reports
Electrical System14% · 3 reports
Steering14% · 3 reports
Air Bags10% · 2 reports
Exterior Lighting10% · 2 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System5% · 1 report
Structure5% · 1 report
Suspension5% · 1 report

+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 21 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11672691, ODI 11557178, ODI 11528735, ODI 11504832, ODI 11467229.

Individual complaint reports(21)

Showing the 21 most recent reports
StructureMay 2026 · ODI 11737210Details +

Both side mirrors failed. Internal components corroded, one almost fell off when driving, the other later became completely detached. Failed parts that could have caused a major safety issue if they were to fail during operation.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11737210 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2025 · ODI 11706515Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the F-module, Part Number: 86815664, used to control the engine Auto START/STOP, needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted for the part and informed the contact that the part was not available. The contact had contacted approximately 6 dealers, who confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,527.

Reported
Dec 2025
Incident date
Nov 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11706515 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2025 · ODI 11672691Details +

Rear differential. This part will be available after removal. This put me at risk of potentially locking up while driving. According to the dealership, Faulkner Cadillac, "found rear differential bearings damaged, causing noise in the rear end. The Rear Differential will need replaced." There were no warning lights, but there was noise - a new, not normal noise I noticed two weeks prior to the diagnostic procedure by the dealership service department. This is the second rear differential failure. The service writer said there was no sign of leakage.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jun 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11672691 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2025 · ODI 11671972Details +

My vehicle recently started experiencing an issue where the power steering would randomly cut out while I was driving. If I pulled over and shut the car off and then turned it back on the power steering would come back. But sometimes I would have to do this multiple times in a single drive just to keep the power steering on. I know that there is already a recall for this for some 2018 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles, but mine was not included in the recall, despite having the same issue. Took it to the dealer for diagnostic and they ended up having to replace the control module for the power steering which cost me around $2000.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
May 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11671972 at NHTSA →
SteeringJan 2025 · ODI 11637598Details +

The power steering will randomly stop working while driving! We have had it in the shop 3 times and they can't find anything! We have replaced alternator, battery and it still isn't fixed! I seen u had a recall on the 16, 17, and some 18s for this issue! We have always bought GMs and are very disappointed! Could u please! Fix this issue on our car! Our car must have been over looked on this issue!

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Nov 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11637598 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2024 · ODI 11596850Details +

The car was parked outside at around 85 degrees. After entering the vehicle and driving with the AC on for a few minutes the CUE screen started to crack on the inside like a spider web. This has already been reported in 11576315 and 11325962. But I can't find any manufacturer communication on these. On the Internet I found that there is a class action lawsuit but only up to the year 2017 and it has already been settled privately. Since the vehicle is out of warranty there is no effort from GM to pay for the replacement. Since the CUE screen is essential for the vehicle operations, i.e. settings, navigation etc. it's a safety issue. On the Internet there are crowds of people complaining about the same issue. GM should react and offer replacement. Especially a replacement where the issue is fixed, otherwise the replacement will crack again after some years. Thanks and BR

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11596850 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 2024 · ODI 11592545Details +

While driving started to smell gas. On same day, car stalled at an intersection in a downtown area. I could not start car. Had to push car in busy traffic to a safe place and called a tow truck. Auto shop I took to said the fuel pump came loose somehow and caused the fuel lines to break causing the fuel leak. Had lines repaired. Fuel pump was not replaced and is working.

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11592545 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2024 · ODI 11576315Details +

Hi, the cue screen is cracked which makes it no longer handsfree. It cracked in July of 2023 and it's a 2018, purchased in October 2017, the dealer will not fix it, I don't have $1500 to replace it with a one year warranty and it could happen again. I am not eligible for the class action suit which stopped with cars up to 2017. Please advise since this is an extreme hazard since the screen cracks and if driving using navigation it can cause an accident !

Reported
Mar 2024
Incident date
Jul 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11576315 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2023 · ODI 11557178Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal growling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact looked underneath the vehicle, checked the tires, and checked the inside of the vehicle but found no failure. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and heard an abnormal winding or rubber sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11557178 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2023 · ODI 11528735Details +

Unexpected shutter of vehicle, loss of power, unpredictable forward motion, erratic movement, delayed acceleration.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11528735 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2023 · ODI 11528452Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while the front passenger’s side seat was occupied, the air bag (SRS) restraint system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the presence module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11528452 at NHTSA →
SuspensionApr 2023 · ODI 11515451Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and axles, gaskets, and seals were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the dealer stated that the rear-end needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 59,800.

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11515451 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingFeb 2023 · ODI 11509195Details +

5am, 2/9/23, it's dark and I'm driving 90 minutes to Portland Airport. ~10 cars that came up behind with what seemed to me to have their bright lights on high beam. Approximately 7 vehicles of these were: ALL Ford F-150 (newish) pickups. Bright lights shining in rear view mirrors is a visibility hazard at night. It seems very unusual that 3/4 of the "high beam" vehicles behind me, were Ford F-150 pickups. (the others were: 1 that did have high beams, 1 with after-market blue lights that were extra bright, one with incorrectly adjusted head light angle).

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Feb 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11509195 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2023 · ODI 11504832Details +

2018 cadillac ats (most of the cadillac vehicles reported same issue). The transmission fluid is wrong fluid by manufacturer and driving at regular speed all of a sudden it starts shuddering and loses power or slows down at freeway speeds or any local roads. took the car for inspection to a local dealer and they said it is the transmission fluid which has to be upgraded and charged me hundreds of dollars. But how it is not recalled by GM since they sold the cars with wrong transmission fluid which is causing these issues?

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11504832 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2022 · ODI 11467229Details +

Transmission shudder noticed between 42 to 48 mph. It appears the transmission is shaking, it seems to be continually shifting between gears in the 42 to 48 mph range.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11467229 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2022 · ODI 11456480 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

Vehicle was involved in a accident all front damage and airbags didn’t deploy

Reported
Mar 2022
Incident date
Mar 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11456480 at NHTSA →
TiresNov 2021 · ODI 11440887Details +

This is the 3rd tire now that I am going to have to replace. PEPE Cadillac replaced the 1st one on 4/21/20 and another one on 6/30/21 and now another one any day. It seems like the tires start bulging off the rim and as per the dealership they are unsafe to drive and need to be replaced. It cost me $276.51 and $274.49 respectively and whatever its going to cost now to replace the 3rd one. First one failed at 10,856 miles, Second one failed at 16,244 miles and now the 3rd one at 19,967 miles. I am attaching the dealership invoices and photo for y our review. Also, as per the dealership employee GM is aware of this problem but is not doing anything.

Reported
Nov 2021
Incident date
Apr 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11440887 at NHTSA →
SteeringAug 2020 · ODI 11343094Details +

NO POWER STEERING CLUSTER WARNING SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11343094 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMay 2020 · ODI 11325962Details +

THE SCREEN IS STARTING TO SPIDER CRACK UNDERNEATH THE GLASS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11325962 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2018 · ODI 11104928Details +

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Jul 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11104928 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingApr 2018 · ODI 11089720Details +

WOULD THE DEPT. OF TRANSPORATION BE SO NICE TO TEST VEHICLE LIGHTS AND REMOVE SOME FROM THE ROAD AS THEY ARE CAUSING A LOT OF DEATHS. IF THERE IS SOMETHING BETWEEN A DRIVER & THEM THEY CANNOT BE SEEN. THE WORSE ONE I SEE IS THE NEW CADILLAC WITH 4 OF THE DANGEROUS LIGHTS. THANKS!

Reported
Apr 2018
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11089720 at NHTSA →

Recalls(2)

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.

Fuel System · 18V358000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Steering · 25V175000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

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

2018 Cadillac ATS 4 DR RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2018 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2018 Cadillac ATS 2DR AWD NHTSA source

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

2018 Cadillac ATS 2DR RWD 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
ATS2.0L 4-cylRear-Wheel Drive223125
ATS3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive203024
ATS2.0L 4-cylRear-Wheel Drive202923

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.

2018 Cadillac ATS: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Cadillac ATS?

Owners filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 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 2018 Cadillac ATS?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (29% of complaints) and electrical system (14%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac ATS have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Cadillac ATS, covering components such as fuel system. 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 2018 Cadillac ATS get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Cadillac ATS between 23 and 25 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.