Cadillac Ats-v problems

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The Cadillac ATS (ATS as an acronym for Alpha Touring Sedan) is a compact executive car (D-segment) manufactured by General Motors and marketed by Cadillac from 2012 to 2019, available in both four-door sedan and two-door coupé body styles. In the US, it is the brand's first locally-built entry-level premium car since the Cimarron, and in Europe, it is the successor of the Swedish-built Cadillac BLS. The ATS was developed at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan and assembled the ATS at the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan.

The ATS is based on General Motors' Alpha platform and is offered in either rear- or all-wheel drive configurations. The ATS base engine had been a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter I-4 gasoline engine that produces 202 hp (151 kW), until the 2016 model year. Optional engines include a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gasoline engine that produces 272 hp (203 kW) and a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine that produces 321 hp (239 kW). The 2.0-liter engine replaced the 2.5-liter engine as the base engine for the 2017 model year. All versions were equipped with a 6-speed GM 6L45 Hydra-Matic automatic transmission as standard until the 2015 model year. An 8-speed automatic transmission was introduced for the 2016 model year. The 2.0-liter turbocharged, rear-wheel drive version can be mated to an optional 6-speed Tremec M3L TR-3160 manual transmission.

Prior to the debut of the ATS, Cadillac's smallest vehicle was the E-segment CTS. The CTS was comparable in price to D-segment competitors like the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series, the Lexus IS and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, however was comparable in size and weight to the more expensive BMW 5 Series. Although Cadillac believed that customers would favor a Mercedes-Benz E-Class-sized sedan at the price of a 3 Series, this assumption was proven to be incorrect. Cadillac's research found that target customers who already owned vehicles like the 3 Series or A4 did not want a larger vehicle.

Cadillac debuted the ATS to the press in the United States in January 2012, placed the ATS into production in July 2012 and began selling the ATS in the United States in August 2012 as a 2013 model. GM began selling the ATS in China in November 2013. Cadillac sold the ATS in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, China, Japan, and South Korea. The ATS was replaced by the Cadillac CT4 in 2019 for the 2020 model year.

photo of Cadillac Ats-v car production

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Cadillac Ats-v model years

cadillac ats-v 2017 photo
Ats-v 2017
Cadillac

1

0

8

4.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac ats-v 2016 photo
Ats-v 2016
Cadillac

28

0

6

4.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Cadillac Ats-v problems

The Cadillac ATS-V has been praised for its powerful performance and sharp looks, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems and issues that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned problems with the Cadillac ATS-V, based on complaints from owners:

  • Rear View Mirror Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the rear view mirror, including problems with the auto-dimming feature and issues with the mirror's adjustment.
  • Rattling Noises: Several ATS-V owners have reported hearing rattling noises coming from various parts of the car, including the rear of the car and the drive train. These noises can be caused by a variety of issues, from loose parts to more serious mechanical problems.
  • CUE Infotainment System: The CUE infotainment system in the ATS-V has been criticized by some owners for being difficult to use and unresponsive at times. Some have reported issues with the touch-capacitive controls and the small size of the display screen.
  • Transmission Issues: Some ATS-V owners have reported issues with the transmission, including problems with shifting and issues with the transmission's software. In some cases, these issues have led to lawsuits against General Motors.
  • Limited Rear Seat Space: The ATS-V has been criticized for its limited rear seat space, which can make it difficult to transport passengers comfortably. The backseats are pathetically tiny no matter which one you get.
  • Lack of Cargo Space: The ATS-V has a small trunk and limited cargo space, which can make it difficult to transport larger items or luggage. The rear seats do not fold down so it’s hard to put much cargo in the car, since the trunk is also pretty snug.

It's important to note that not all ATS-V owners have experienced these issues, and many have reported positive experiences with the car. However, these are some of the most commonly reported problems that owners have mentioned. If you're considering purchasing an ATS-V, it's a good idea to do your research and be aware of these potential issues.

Cadillac Ats-v

Are Cadillac ATS-V reliable?

J.D. Power gives the ATS-V a high reliability rating of 84/100. There have been no notable complaints about the sedan, although this is partly due to it being an extremely low-volume vehicle. There have also been no recalls of the ATS-V specifically since 2016.

What are the main problems with Cadillac ATS?

Worst Issues

  • transmission shaking in the 2016 ATS. 4 complaints.
  • exhaust fumes from other vehicles entering cabin in the 2014 ATS. 2 complaints.
  • shaky in the 2014 ATS. 2 complaints.
  • engine failure in the 2013 ATS. 2 complaints.
  • axle seal failure in the 2015 ATS. 2 complaints.

Do Cadillac ATS have transmission problems?

Drivers have been dealing with shuddering and loss of speed, with NHTSA complaint boards filling up with various stories of Cadillac ATS transmission problems. Some people have found themselves stalled on the highway.

What is the life expectancy of a Cadillac ATS?

On average, a well-maintained Cadillac engine can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles (or more). Proper maintenance, regular oil changes, and addressing any issues promptly can significantly extend the engine's life.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Cadillac Ats-v years

We have researched Cadillac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Cadillac Ats-v cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Cadillac Ats-v model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Cadillac Ats-v model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Cadillac Ats-v years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Cadillac Ats-v car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Cadillac Ats-v , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Engine problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Cadillac Ats-v vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ats-v model years

A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Ats-v model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ats-v model years

There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Cadillac Ats-v . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Cadillac Ats-v vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-03-07
  • Date Complaint: 2024-03-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G6AA5RXXG0
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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.
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-03-05
  • Date Complaint: 2024-03-05
  • VIN: 1G6AG5RX0G0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-21
  • Date Complaint: 2023-11-03
  • VIN: 1G6AG5RX0G0
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 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.
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-10
  • Date Complaint: 2023-03-13
  • VIN: 1G6AJ5SS0G0
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: 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
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-07-18
  • Date Complaint: 2022-08-23
  • VIN: 1G6AE5SX4G0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CUE screen cracked and is unresponsive and now handsfree safety options don't work.
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-09-26
  • Date Complaint: 2021-09-27
  • VIN: 1G6AC5SX2G0
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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?
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 2021-04-22
  • VIN: 1G6AA5RA1G0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
  • Summary: 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.
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-01-31
  • Date Complaint: 2021-02-23
  • VIN: 1G6AH5RX9G0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 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.
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-11-07
  • Date Complaint: 2020-12-15
  • VIN: 1G6AB5RX2G0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-23
  • Date Complaint: 2020-11-01
  • VIN: 1G6AA5RA9G0
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 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.
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-05-04
  • Date Complaint: 2020-08-11
  • VIN: 1G6AB5RX4G0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-07-24
  • Date Complaint: 2020-07-28
  • VIN: 1G6AE5SX0G0
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: REAR VIEW MIRROR IS VERY FOGGY. I BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS ALREADY LIKE THAT.
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-07-01
  • Date Complaint: 2020-07-07
  • VIN: 1G6AB5RA7G0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: 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
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-03-13
  • Date Complaint: 2020-03-13
  • VIN: 1G6AG5RX8G0
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 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 .
Cadillac Ats-v 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-01-13
  • Date Complaint: 2020-02-21
  • VIN: 1G6AB5SX9G0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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.

Latest negative Cadillac Ats-v car reviews

  1. Fern Zboncak 2024-05-20

    Vehicle year: 2016

    The handling and pick up of the car were great, although the electronics were a little short. The seats were comfortable, but there was no rear seat and the trunk was small. Despite these drawbacks, the car was a sleeper and moved out quickly. However, after one month, I realized that buying this car was the biggest mistake I ever made. The CUE flat out did not work, and it has been in AutoNation of West Palm for over three months trying to fix the electronics. I strongly recommend researching the CUE systems for at least 4 years before making a purchase, as they have known about this issue and done nothing. This was the worst car I ever owned, and I would never buy another Caddy. I also own a ZO6/ZO7, and I have not had a single issue with their infotainment center. I suggest buying anything else unless you want to live without your car for months and spend your life at the dealership. Shame on Edmunds for not reporting this issue. I am currently seeking Lemon Law on this piece of crap they call a fine automobile. The car was serviced 4 times for the same issue, and I spent approximately 12 weeks without a vehicle. It was given back to me in horrible shape, with black spots in the paint that will need to be clay bared, etc. I am glad that GM bought the car back, and I was not stuck with it. Although it was fast, Caddy has a long way to go before anyone should buy one of these. I am just trying to save someone the headaches. Just google CUE issues, as they have known about this since 2013 but still sell the vehicles anyway. The handling of the car was great, better than my M3, and it was very fast. I loved the Recaro seats, but the interior was cheap for a 75 plus car. I bought a Mercedes CTS with 2000 miles on it, a 2016 that's a real machine with coil overs and RennTech tune 620HP, and wow what a monster. Good luck, and be very careful of the Caddys. I now know why their service department was always so backed up. Stay away from AutoNation at all costs, as it has the worst customer service I have ever experienced. They could learn a lot from Braman. I hope this truly helps someone from making a huge mistake and spending all that time in service. Sincerely, Paul Berger.

  2. Herbert Kessler 2024-01-27

    Vehicle year: 2017

    The handling and pick up of the car were great, although the electronics were a little short. The seats were comfortable, but there was no rear seat and the trunk was small. Despite these drawbacks, the car was a sleeper and moved out quickly. However, I had a bad experience with the CUE system. It did not work at all and had to be serviced multiple times. I would recommend researching the CUE system for at least 4 years before purchasing a Cadillac. I also own a ZO6/ZO7 and have had no issues with their infotainment center. If you want to avoid spending months at the dealership, I suggest buying a different car. I recently bought a Mercedes CTS with 2000 miles on it, and it's a real machine with coil overs and RennTech tune 620HP. Good luck and be very careful with Cadillacs. I hope this review helps someone avoid making a huge mistake. Sincerely, Paul Berger.

Latest positive Cadillac Ats-v car reviews

  1. Jett Nitzsche 2024-11-12

    Vehicle year: 2017

    I owned a particular VEE that lived up to all my expectations. It was powerful, smooth, and luxurious, and the 6-speed manual made it all go. Unfortunately, due to my disability, I couldn't dump that clutch like I used to, otherwise, it would still be black like Dark Vader and still in my driveway. I recently wanted an automatic, but the white one had engine problems, and the second one was overpriced for a 2016 VEE. I can't leave out the awesome BOSE system, which I enhanced with a box in the trunk for big boom and bottom. All the others gave me respect, that's all. 💯

  2. Ervin Zieme 2024-09-19

    Vehicle year: 2016

    I owned a particular VEE that lived up to all my expectations. It was powerful, smooth, and luxurious, and the 6-speed manual made it all go. Unfortunately, due to my disability, I couldn't dump that clutch like I used to, otherwise, it would still be black like Dark Vader and still in my driveway. I recently wanted an automatic, but the white one had engine problems, and the second one was overpriced for a 2016 VEE. I can't leave out the awesome BOSE system, which I enhanced with a box in the trunk for big boom and bottom. All the others gave me respect, that's all. 💯

  3. Hudson Wolff 2024-09-04

    Vehicle year: 2017

    You're in for a treat! This car is the best bang for your buck. Not only does it drive on rails, but the coupe has a timeless style that will turn heads. And let's not forget about the speed - it's faster than a bat out of hell!

  4. Justyn Quitzon 2024-07-06

    Vehicle year: 2017

    ATS V is an amazing automobile! The power and handling of this car is superb! No issues or problems in the years and miles that I have owned it from buying new.

  5. Norval Frami 2024-05-03

    Vehicle year: 2016

    You're in for a treat! This car is the best bang for your buck. Not only does it drive on rails, but the coupe has a timeless style that will turn heads. And let's not forget about the speed - it's faster than a bat out of hell!

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