NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
104 reports7,000 miles · Mar 11, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)CrashInjury
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH ON 8-11-14. MY HUSBAND BROUGHT MY A 2014 CADILLAC ATS FOR MY BIRTHDAY. A FEW MONTHS AFTER OWNERSHIP I NOTICED THAT WHEN IT RAINED THE CAR WOULD HYDROPLANE, BUT THE STABILITRAK WOULD MAKE THE VEHICLE JUMP BACK INTO IT'S LANE I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE LEASE MAINTENANCE PACKAGE THE DEALERSHIP DID TIRE R…
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
NHTSA ODI #10693529
16,228 miles · Feb 27, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
I TURNED A CORNER, DROVE THROUGH SOME SAND ON THE ROAD AND BROKE TRACTION. AFTER THAT, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHTS CAME ON AND WITHIN SEVERAL SECONDS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD ONSTAR SERVICE RUN REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS AND THEY FOUND ABS FAILING AND A CYLINDER MISFIRE. THE CAR TOOK AN IMMEDIATE LOSS IN POWER AND ST…
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I TURNED A CORNER, DROVE THROUGH SOME SAND ON THE ROAD AND BROKE TRACTION. AFTER THAT, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHTS CAME ON AND WITHIN SEVERAL SECONDS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD ONSTAR SERVICE RUN REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS AND THEY FOUND ABS FAILING AND A CYLINDER MISFIRE. THE CAR TOOK AN IMMEDIATE LOSS IN POWER AND STARTED TO SHAKE AT ALL POWER LEVELS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10691027
500 miles · Feb 6, 2015
Exterior Lighting
MY ATS IS EQUIPED WITH THE ADAPTIVE FORWARD LIGHT WHICH HAS AN AUTO-LEVELING AND CALIBRATION FEATURE. THIS MALFUNCTIONS INFREQUENTLY CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO BE AIMED TOO HIGH AND BLIND ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CAR NEED TO BE COMPLETE SHUTOFF THEN RESTARTED TO TRIGGER THE RECALIBRATION PROCESS TO FIX THIS INTERMITTENT ISSUE. *…
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MY ATS IS EQUIPED WITH THE ADAPTIVE FORWARD LIGHT WHICH HAS AN AUTO-LEVELING AND CALIBRATION FEATURE. THIS MALFUNCTIONS INFREQUENTLY CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO BE AIMED TOO HIGH AND BLIND ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CAR NEED TO BE COMPLETE SHUTOFF THEN RESTARTED TO TRIGGER THE RECALIBRATION PROCESS TO FIX THIS INTERMITTENT ISSUE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10681659
11,000 miles · Feb 3, 2015
Wheels
3 RIMS/WHEELS BENT UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS UNDER 11,000 MILES FROM NEW, DUE TO POOR QUALITY AND IMPROPER DESIGN, CAUSING A VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10681051
7,863 miles · Jan 23, 2015
Equipment Adaptive/mobilityStructure
PLEASE FORWARD TO [XXX] AT EXT. [XXX] COPY -----ORIGINAL MESSAGE----- FROM: [XXX] TO: [XXX] SENT: THU, JAN 15, 2015 8:06 PM SUBJECT: CUSTOMER NR. [XXX] AND [XXX] [XXX], RECALL #14340 (CORRECTED 4:00 PM JAN. 21/15 SERVICE 444512) WAS COMPLETED BY SULLIVAN CADILLAC OCALA FL. ON 7.29.14 ON OUR 2014 ATS …
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PLEASE FORWARD TO [XXX] AT EXT. [XXX] COPY -----ORIGINAL MESSAGE----- FROM: [XXX] TO: [XXX] SENT: THU, JAN 15, 2015 8:06 PM SUBJECT: CUSTOMER NR. [XXX] AND [XXX] [XXX], RECALL #14340 (CORRECTED 4:00 PM JAN. 21/15 SERVICE 444512) WAS COMPLETED BY SULLIVAN CADILLAC OCALA FL. ON 7.29.14 ON OUR 2014 ATS VIN # [XXX] AND: WE REPORTED TO YOU AND [XXX] AT GM CADILLAC (1 866 790 5600 #[XXX]) SOME 2/3 WEEKS AGO THAT (444512) IT HAD REOCCURRED. KINDLY PASS A COPY OF THIS EMAIL ON TO HER. I REPORTED TO YOU AND DONNA THAT ON MANY OCCASIONS WE (MY WIFE AND I) NEED TO OPEN OUR WINDOWS AT ENGINE STARTUP TO VENT THE A/C AIR BLOWING THRU THE INTERIOR AIR VENTS AS THE AIR AGAIN HAD A TOXIC/MOLDY SMELL FOR THE FIRST FEW MINUTES, AS WAS THE CASE PRIOR TO THE 7.29.14 SERVICE ABOVE. ON ONE OCCASION 3 WEEKS AGO AND AFTER HAVING VENTED THE CAR INTERIOR, I NEEDED TO STOP AND PARK AS I WAS FEELING NAUSEOUS. I MAY HAVE CLOSED THE WINDOW TOO SOON. I WAS OK IN FEW MINUTES AFTER OPENING THE DOOR. PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS YOU CAN WHEN YOU EXPECT GM CADILLAC WILL BE ABLE TO ALLEVIATE THIS ISSUE FOR US ONCE AND FOR ALL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10678451
6,700 miles · Jan 6, 2015
Engine
MY NEW CADILLAC WITH ONLY 6700 MILES ON IT HAD TO HAVE A BRAND NEW ENGINE PUT IT BECAUSE OF BAD PISTONS. THIS IS A VERY COMMON THING FOR CADILLAC ATS MODELS. IF YOU GO ON THE CADILLAC FORUMS WEBSITE, YOU WILL SEE MANY OTHER CADILLAC OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10670516
305 miles · Dec 27, 2014
SteeringSuspension
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. ACCORDING TO THEM, ALL THESE MODELS BEHAVE IN THE S…
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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. ACCORDING TO THEM, ALL THESE MODELS BEHAVE IN THE SAME WAY AND FOR ME TO MONITOR IT. I HAVE MONITORED IT AND IF ANYTHING IT IS GETTING WORSE. IF I DON'T GET ANY HELP FROM THE DEALER I WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIALIST, AT MY COST, EVEN IF IT STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ANY SUGGESTIONS? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10668423
4,447 miles · Oct 1, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,447.
NHTSA ODI #10640528
3,200 miles · Aug 1, 2014
SuspensionTiresWheels
I HAVE 2014 ATS CADILLAC 4.0 T ( WITH RUN FLAT TIRES)..WHEN IT RAINS WHILE I'M DRIVING AT SPEED OVER 35 MPH OR HIGHER MY VEHICLE WILL HYDROPLANE BUT WILL JUMP RIGHT BACK BECAUSE OF THE STABILITRAK STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. THIS WAS THE MOST TERRIFYING THING TO EXPERIENCE. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND GET MYSELF TOGETHER. I CALLED MY …
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I HAVE 2014 ATS CADILLAC 4.0 T ( WITH RUN FLAT TIRES)..WHEN IT RAINS WHILE I'M DRIVING AT SPEED OVER 35 MPH OR HIGHER MY VEHICLE WILL HYDROPLANE BUT WILL JUMP RIGHT BACK BECAUSE OF THE STABILITRAK STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. THIS WAS THE MOST TERRIFYING THING TO EXPERIENCE. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND GET MYSELF TOGETHER. I CALLED MY HUSBAND TO INFORM HIM OF THE ISSUE, WHICH HE LATER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FREIGHTING ORDEAL. NO MATTER WHAT DRIVING MODE THE CAR PERFORMS WORSE IN THE RAIN. I LIKE IN MICHIGAN AND IF MY CAR ACTS LIKE IN THE RAIN I'M TERRIFIED AND WILL NOT DRIVE MY CAR IN THE SNOW TOO. I REFUSE TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN....I AM TRULY SCARED FOR MY LIFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10618283
50 miles · Jul 3, 2014
Steering
VEHICLE WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON LEVEL ROADS, CAN'T KEEP IT IN A STRAIGHT LINE. DEALER REFUSES TO RECTIFY, SAYS THAT IT IS NORMAL, SINCE THEIR OTHER MODELS ARE THE SAME. IT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE YOU ARE AFRAID TO BLINK AND MAY END UP IN ANOTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC. JUST USING IT FOR CITY TRAFFIC NOW. CURRENT ODOMETER…
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VEHICLE WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON LEVEL ROADS, CAN'T KEEP IT IN A STRAIGHT LINE. DEALER REFUSES TO RECTIFY, SAYS THAT IT IS NORMAL, SINCE THEIR OTHER MODELS ARE THE SAME. IT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE YOU ARE AFRAID TO BLINK AND MAY END UP IN ANOTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC. JUST USING IT FOR CITY TRAFFIC NOW. CURRENT ODOMETER READING 1,600 KM SINCE NEW IN FEBRUARY 2014. HOW SAFE IS THE ELECTRIC STEERING? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10608090
Official recalls
4Sep 3, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Jul 24, 2015
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Jul 23, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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.
Jun 19, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗