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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-CADILLAC-ATS
2016 · cadillac

cadillac ATS problems

2 safety recalls. 32 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
9 reports · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
4 reports · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
4 reports · avg $850
severe
steering
4 reports · avg $700
severe
engine
3 reports · avg $3,100
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 ATS · electrical Fire
ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 22ND I WAS GOING TO A CAR MEET. ON MY WAY TO THE MEET I WAS HAVING SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH MY CAR. THE RADIO AND MY SEATS WERE ACTING WEIRD. THE RADIO WOULD TURN UP AND DOWN BY ITSELF AND THE HEATED SEATS WOULD TURN ON AND OFF. I GOT TO THE MEET AND…
12/25/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11163386.0
2016 ATS · powertrain
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
12/15/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11383582.0
2016 ATS · steering Crash
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, A CAR WAS MERGING INTO MY LANE. I QUICKLY TURNED INTO THE NEXT AVAILABLE LANE AS IT WAS EMPTY, AND WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT, IT OVERCOMPENSATED AND VIOLENTLY TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, LEADING TO THE CAR…
12/12/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11288691.0
2016 ATS · steering
My 2016 Cadillac ATS Coupe has a serious repeating safety defect. The vehicle violently shakes, vibrates, and becomes unstable while driving. This happened TWICE. Both times the rear bolts came out except one. Both mechanics who inspected it said they have NEVER seen this…
11/24/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11701363.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 15V463000 24/07/2015

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.
severe NHTSA 15V558000 03/09/2015

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.

Common questions

Is the 2016 Cadillac ATS reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 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.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Cadillac ATS?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 9 complaints filed. 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. 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 2016 Cadillac ATS?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 32 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 13 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with cadillac. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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