2018 Cadillac Ats problems
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.
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Common 2018 Cadillac Ats problems
The 2018 Cadillac ATS is a luxury compact sedan that has been praised for its structural soundness and dependability, with a claim to last over 150,000 miles. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to certain problems and complaints from owners. Here are some of the common issues reported for the 2018 Cadillac ATS:
- Heated seats malfunction and tend to work overtime: Some owners have reported that the heated seats in their 2018 Cadillac ATS malfunction, either not working at all or working excessively, even when the temperature is set to a lower level.
- Windshield wiper module failure: The windshield wiper module in the 2018 Cadillac ATS has been known to fail, causing the wipers to stop working or operate erratically.
- Noise or locking up of the rear differential: Some owners have reported a noise coming from the rear differential, or the differential locking up, which can cause the car to vibrate or shake while driving.
- Infotainment screen malfunctions: The infotainment screen in the 2018 Cadillac ATS has been reported to malfunction, causing issues with the navigation system, radio, and other features.
- Brake pedal bracket prone to fracture: Some owners have reported that the brake pedal bracket in their 2018 Cadillac ATS is prone to fracture, which can cause the brake pedal to feel loose or unstable.
- Electric power steering prone to malfunction: The electric power steering in the 2018 Cadillac ATS has been reported to malfunction, causing issues with the steering and handling of the vehicle.
- Engine issues with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine: The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the 2018 Cadillac ATS has been reported to have issues with frequent misfires, rough idles, coolant leaks, and damaged pistons due to misfires.
- Faulty factory-installed battery causing electrical issues: Some owners of early model years of the 2018 Cadillac ATS have reported electrical issues caused by a faulty factory-installed battery, including dim interior lights, slow powered window function, and numerous dashboard warnings.
It is important to note that these issues may not affect all 2018 Cadillac ATS vehicles, and some of these problems may have been addressed through recalls or software updates. If you are considering purchasing a 2018 Cadillac ATS, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic to ensure that it is in good working condition and to address any potential issues before making a purchase.
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.
Are there any recalls on a 2018 Cadillac ATS?
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu and Colorado and GMC Terrain, Acadia and Canyon vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Are Cadillac ATS reliable?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 12% for the Cadillac ATS, compared to an average of 11% for luxury compact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
How long do Cadillac ATS usually last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
Are Cadillac ATS reliable?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 12% for the Cadillac ATS, compared to an average of 11% for luxury compact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
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.
Are there any recalls on a 2018 Cadillac ATS?
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu and Colorado and GMC Terrain, Acadia and Canyon vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
How long do Cadillac ATS usually last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
2018 Cadillac Ats car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Ats problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Cadillac Ats vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Cadillac Ats complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Cadillac Ats.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-24
- VIN: 1G6A95SX8J0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-18
- VIN: 1G6AE5RX2J0
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-05
- VIN: 1G6AF1RX7J0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 !
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-15
- VIN: 1G6AA5RX2J0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-24
- VIN: 1G6AE1RX5J0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Unexpected shutter of vehicle, loss of power, unpredictable forward motion, erratic movement, delayed acceleration.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- VIN: 1G6AF5SX7J0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-04
- VIN: 1G6AA5RX8J0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-09
- VIN: 1G6AB1RX2J0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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).
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-23
- VIN: 1G6AF5RX1J0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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?
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-02
- VIN: 1G6AF5SX6J0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6AB5RX6J0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Vehicle was involved in a accident all front damage and airbags didn’t deploy
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-20
- VIN: 1g6ae5rx5j0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-03
- VIN: 1G6AL5SY8J0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: NO POWER STEERING CLUSTER WARNING SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-18
- VIN: 1G6AF5RX2J0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE SCREEN IS STARTING TO SPIDER CRACK UNDERNEATH THE GLASS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-21
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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!
2018 Cadillac Ats recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Cadillac Ats.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2018 Cadillac Ats car reviews
Positive 2018 Cadillac Ats car reviews
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I bought my 2017 AWD Cadillac ATS Sport as a used car with 37K miles on it and I have never regretted it. Now, with 128000 miles on the clock, I can say that the maintenance has been minimal. I had to replace the brakes, headlights, tires, and one instance of bad engineering. The brakes were easy to replace and reasonably priced. The headlights were a bit tricky to get to, but the dealer was able to change them out for me. I switched the low profile run flats for regular tubeless tires and I was happy with the change. I only had to replace one set of F/R brakes and two sets of tires in the almost 100k miles that I put on it. The only major issue I had was when the ECM module went bad at 101k miles due to water getting into the enclosure through a badly designed plug system. It was a costly repair, but it was the only maintenance failure I have had. I have to say, with the carbon fiber accents, the Recaro bucket seats, and the peppy 2.0 liter turbo, it runs excellently with 16 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway at or above highway speed. And they provide a button to turn off the silly Auto Cut Off at stops, which is brilliant. This is the best car I have ever owned, including Jags, Jeeps, MGB, and Toyota. The only two complaints that I have are that it is low, so oncoming headlights are brighter, and the high beams are not as illuminating as I would like. As for the CUE system, it could be improved.
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Enjoyable car - inside and out - 2017 with 30,000 . Although the transmission shifts clunky and sometimes shutters, the dealer put some new improved fluid and it's much calmer now. It has good pep and handles the highway like a champ. The rear suspension is getting rusted and loose, but the dealer says it's weather-related and not a 'part failure' according to GM.
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It's a small car, but keep in mind that the back seat is quite cramped for adults. On the bright side, it has great acceleration and is very attractive!
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I can't find anything to dislike about this vehicle. The handling is spontaneous and all electronics work perfectly. I have never had an issue with this car. It's a true testament to Cadillac quality.
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This was my little brother's choice and I'm so happy for him!! The car drives very smoothly and has nice interiors. It's absolutely lovely!! Thank you so much, Mr. Manny!!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Cadillac Ats problems:
2018 Cadillac ATS Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Cadillac ATS? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
How reliable is an ATS ? | Cadillac Owners Forum
Oct 30, 2020 ... More serious problems include the 2L turbo munching pistons from what seems to be excessive knocking or LSPI and rear differential failure from ...
2018 Cadillac ATS Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
2018 Cadillac ATS vehicles have 1 known recalls. The most common recall is: High Pressure Fuel Pump Detaches Causing Damage And Leak To Fuel Line. High Pressure ...
2018 transmission problems | Cadillac Owners Forum
Feb 11, 2020 ... 2018 transmission problems · Hesitation / slippage when accelerating (like it can't decide to downshift or just go) · a "shudder" at highway ...
2018 CT6 8 speed transmission problems - Cadillac Society
He found there is a class action lawsuit from issues with this transmission. Records showed his car had the torque converter replaced in 2016 trying to correct ...
Other years of Cadillac Ats
Are you having problems with your 2018 Cadillac Ats?
Hershel Bahringer 2024-11-27
I recently purchased a 2018 Cadillac ATS with low mileage. Unfortunately, on my second day of driving, I experienced a flat tire on the highway. After calling AAA for assistance, I was surprised to learn that the Cadillac ATS does not come with a spare tire. As it turns out, I had been driving a different model, the CTS, for years. I was disappointed to learn this after investing in the ATS, and have since taken the car to the Cadillac dealership. Overall, this experience has been a frustrating one, but I remain hopeful that the dealership will be able to assist me in resolving this issue.
Merle Hauck 2024-07-19
Hey there! Just wanted to let you know that this car doesn't come with a CD player and it can be a bit bumpy on rough roads. You might also notice some road noise. The tires can be a bit pricey to replace, but it's definitely worth it for the quick acceleration you get from the turbo engine. Just keep in mind that premium gas is required. Thanks for considering this car!