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ProblemsByVinFile / 2014-CADILLAC-ATSNHTSA data synced 6 days ago
Cadillac
2014 Cadillac ATS problems
The 2014 Cadillac ATS has 104 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2014 Cadillac ATS has 104 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 27 complaints, typically surfacing around 65,363 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2014 ATS?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
Powertrain: 27 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 41,000–89,000 mi
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★5/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2014 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2014 Cadillac ATS? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 27 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,363 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 17 owner reports
· tends to show around 55,531 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 50,713 mi · ~$700 to fix
engine — 7 owner reports
· tends to show around 24,567 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 65,363 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2014 ATS· brakes
The front collision warning/auto braking feature malfunctioned at 45mph and flashed collision warning in hud and slammed on the brakes full force with no objects/cars anywhere near the vehicle. If someone had been behind us the car would have hit us. *js
Vehicle wanders at highway speeds, very hard to keep on road. Very unsafe to drive on highway, therefore it is only used in city at low speeds. After 11 months it has less than 3,000 km on it. Dealer says they can't do anything about it, it is because of the electric steering.…
Intermittent electric power steering assist failures. Failures seem to occur most often when the car is cold and backing out of drive way or parking spaces. Power steering will work for a very short period then fail leaving typically when in the middle of a backing maneuver…
The car is under full factory warranty. It has been to the Cadillac dealer 6 times for the same issue. The Cadillac ats has adaptive forward lighting and the headlights randomly will not properly align which causes poor visibility, often at highway speeds. The misalignment…
Had a problem with your 2014 Cadillac ATS?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015
If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015
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.
Fix: 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.
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
A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Cadillac ATS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2014 Cadillac ATS?
On the NHTSA data, the 2014 Cadillac ATS is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 27 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 41,000–89,000 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2014 Cadillac ATS?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 27 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,363 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2014 Cadillac ATS a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 104 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 65,363 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2014 Cadillac ATS?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 27 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,363 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 65,363 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Cadillac ATS has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Cadillac ATS?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 104 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 6 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Cadillac/ATS.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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