2013-2018 Cadillac ATS Problems: 5 Known Issues
2013-2018 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013-2018 Cadillac ATS has 5 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Electric Power-Steering Assist May Fail (Recall 25V175 / N252497020), High-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Detach and Damage Fuel Line (Recall 18V358 / 18188), Transmission Shift Cable Can Detach and Cause Rollaway (Recall 14V338 / 14179), Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture During Deployment (Recall 26V329 / N262555870) and Sunroof Switch Can Trigger Unintended Auto-Closure (Recall 15V463 / 15568). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
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.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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."
SEATS
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Cadillac ATS problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013-2018 Cadillac ATS has 5 documented issues. Documented issues include: Electric Power-Steering Assist May Fail (Recall 25V175 / N252497020), High-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Detach and Damage Fuel Line (Recall 18V358 / 18188), Transmission Shift Cable Can Detach and Cause Rollaway (Recall 14V338 / 14179). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Cadillac ATS reliable?
The 2013-2018 Cadillac ATS has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Electric Power-Steering Assist May Fail (Recall 25V175 / N252497020) and High-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Detach and Damage Fuel Line (Recall 18V358 / 18188) and Transmission Shift Cable Can Detach and Cause Rollaway (Recall 14V338 / 14179) and Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture During Deployment (Recall 26V329 / N262555870) and Sunroof Switch Can Trigger Unintended Auto-Closure (Recall 15V463 / 15568). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What year Cadillac ATS is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Cadillac ATS. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2013-2018 Cadillac ATS with 5 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS Electric Power-Steering Assist May Fail (Recall 25V175 / N252497020)?
On certain 2017-2018 ATS vehicles, electric power-steering assist can fail. Steering remains possible but requires greater effort, especially at low speeds, increasing crash risk. Severity: high.
What is the 2018 Cadillac ATS High-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Detach and Damage Fuel Line (Recall 18V358 / 18188)?
On certain 2018 ATS vehicles, the high-pressure fuel pump can detach from its mounting flange and damage the high-pressure fuel line, creating a fuel leak and fire risk. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS Transmission Shift Cable Can Detach and Cause Rollaway (Recall 14V338 / 14179)?
On certain 2013-2014 ATS vehicles, the transmission shift cable can detach at the shifter or transmission bracket. The selected gear may not match the indicated gear, and the vehicle may roll despite the shifter showing Park. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture During Deployment (Recall 26V329 / N262555870)?
Certain 2015-2016 ATS vehicles have a front-driver airbag inflator that may rupture during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS Sunroof Switch Can Trigger Unintended Auto-Closure (Recall 15V463 / 15568)?
Certain 2013-2016 ATS vehicles have a non-recessed roof-panel switch that can be pressed inadvertently and trigger unintended automatic sunroof closure, creating an injury risk. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.