Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2015 Cadillac ATS with NHTSA between 2015 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 23
Against the median year of the Cadillac ATS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 74
14.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 45
26% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2015 Cadillac ATS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
614.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 53,099 mi
Electrical System
614.3%
Median failure at 72,349 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
511.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 85,000 mi
Other & Unspecified
49.5%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Lights
49.5%
Median failure at 36,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
37.1%
Brakes
37.1%
Median failure at 90,000 miles
Airbags
37.1%
Tires
24.8%
Median failure at 44,500 miles
Suspension
24.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 5,400 mi
Equipment & Accessories
12.4%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.4%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
12.4%
Engine & Cooling
12.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
315.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
210.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
15.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
736.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
421.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
210.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2015peak 3Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2015 Cadillac ATS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2026246328 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and metal fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury or death. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the driver-front airbag module.
Recall 20202913,715 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the electric power steering assist motor to the steering gear may corrode and break. This could cause a loss of power steering assist. Safety Risk: A loss of power steering assist may result in a sudden increase in steering effort, especially at low vehicle speeds. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the bolts that attach the electric power steering motor and apply a protective wax coating. If the bolts cannot be removed due to corrosion, the steering gear will be replaced.
Recall 20184631,851 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the bolts that attach the electric power steering assist motor to the steering gear housing may corrode and break. This could cause a loss of power steering assist. The resulting increase in steering effort could create the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the mounting bolts and apply a corrosion protection coating to the gear housing and bolts. If the bolts bolt cannot be removed, a replacement steering gear will be installed.
Recall 201539010,381 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain 4-door sedans, the coil antenna module located in the driver side rear pillar, which powers the rear defogger system, could generate significant temperatures if the module is subjected to excessive cycling or continuous operation. This could result in a fire developing inside the rear pillar on the driver’s side of the vehicle, which could cause injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update the Electronic Climate Control (ECC) module software to remove the automatic rear defogger “on” function that occurs as a result of manual or remote start of the vehicle. 2013 models also have a “continuous on” feature (enabled at highway speeds in low temperatures) that will also be disabled. Note: The base functionality of the rear defogger will not be lost.
Recall 20153227,922 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles equipped with power-operated sunroof system may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 118 - Power-Operated Window, Partition and Roof Panel Systems. The roof panels could close automatically when the non-recessed portion of the “Slide” or “Tilt” switches are pressed and the roof panel is open, which is contrary to the standard. The switch could be more susceptible to an inadvertent actuation, which could result in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the roof console accessory switch trim plate. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2015-075. Vehicles having been serviced as part of the previous recall will require re-inspection and repair.
Recall 2015245323 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the vehicle service brakes may fracture. If this occurs, the vehicle service brakes will not function, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Note: The parking brake would continue to function properly. Correction: Dealers will inspect the bracket and brake pedal, and replace if necessary.
Recall 20150756,431 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles equipped with power-operated sunroof system may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 118 - Power-Operated Window, Partition and Roof Panel Systems. The roof panels could close automatically when the non-recessed portion of the “Slide” or “Tilt” switches are pressed and the roof panel is open, which is contrary to the standard. The switch could be more susceptible to an inadvertent actuation, which could result in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the roof console accessory switch trim plate.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 5,400 milesLittleton, COCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
FIRST IN LINE WHILE STOPPED AT A LEFT-TURN LIGHT ON A CITY STREET. LIGHT TURNED GREEN, BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. MID-WAY THROUGH THE TURN, HEARD A "POP", LOST STEERING CONTROL, AND THE REAR END SPUN CAR INTO THE CURB. KEEP IN MIND THIS IS A 4-WHEEL-DRIVE CAR. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, THE NOSE OF THE CAR WAS RESTING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND WHEEL. THE RIGHT-REAR WHEEL WAS SCRATCHED AND ABRADED ALL AROUND BECAUSE IT WAS STILL SPINNING WHEN IT HIT THE CURB. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL HAS DAMAGE ONLY ON HALF OF IT BECAUSE IT STOPPED SPINNING WHEN THE NOSE DROPPED ONTO IT. LOOKING UNDER THE CAR I SAW THE FRONT-RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN MID-TURN. IN ADDITION TO FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION DAMAGE, VEHICLE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION. NO DAMAGE TO BODY FROM THE INCIDENT. GM HAD A REPRESENTATIVE INSPECT THE CAR AND PULL THE "BLACK BOX" DATA ON OCTOBER 8, 2015. MAXIMUM SPEED DURING THE INCIDENT WAS 38MPH. WERE ABLE TO JACK UP THE CAR. FRONT WHEEL HANGING LOOSE AND EASY TO MOVE BY HAND. STRUT/SHOCK/SPRINT TOWER ATTACHMENT BROKEN AT WHEEL HUB BEHIND BRAKE DISK. FRONT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE-AXEL BROKEN. ANTI-ROLL BAR LINKAGE BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #10780932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,400 milesLittleton, COCrash1 injured
STEERING
FIRST IN LINE WHILE STOPPED AT A LEFT-TURN LIGHT ON A CITY STREET. LIGHT TURNED GREEN, BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. MID-WAY THROUGH THE TURN, HEARD A "POP", LOST STEERING CONTROL, AND THE REAR END SPUN CAR INTO THE CURB. KEEP IN MIND THIS IS A 4-WHEEL-DRIVE CAR. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, THE NOSE OF THE CAR WAS RESTING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND WHEEL. THE RIGHT-REAR WHEEL WAS SCRATCHED AND ABRADED ALL AROUND BECAUSE IT WAS STILL SPINNING WHEN IT HIT THE CURB. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL HAS DAMAGE ONLY ON HALF OF IT BECAUSE IT STOPPED SPINNING WHEN THE NOSE DROPPED ONTO IT. LOOKING UNDER THE CAR I SAW THE FRONT-RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN MID-TURN. IN ADDITION TO FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION DAMAGE, VEHICLE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION. NO DAMAGE TO BODY FROM THE INCIDENT. GM HAD A REPRESENTATIVE INSPECT THE CAR AND PULL THE "BLACK BOX" DATA ON OCTOBER 8, 2015. MAXIMUM SPEED DURING THE INCIDENT WAS 38MPH. WERE ABLE TO JACK UP THE CAR. FRONT WHEEL HANGING LOOSE AND EASY TO MOVE BY HAND. STRUT/SHOCK/SPRINT TOWER ATTACHMENT BROKEN AT WHEEL HUB BEHIND BRAKE DISK. FRONT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE-AXEL BROKEN. ANTI-ROLL BAR LINKAGE BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #10780932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,400 milesLittleton, COCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
FIRST IN LINE WHILE STOPPED AT A LEFT-TURN LIGHT ON A CITY STREET. LIGHT TURNED GREEN, BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. MID-WAY THROUGH THE TURN, HEARD A "POP", LOST STEERING CONTROL, AND THE REAR END SPUN CAR INTO THE CURB. KEEP IN MIND THIS IS A 4-WHEEL-DRIVE CAR. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, THE NOSE OF THE CAR WAS RESTING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND WHEEL. THE RIGHT-REAR WHEEL WAS SCRATCHED AND ABRADED ALL AROUND BECAUSE IT WAS STILL SPINNING WHEN IT HIT THE CURB. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL HAS DAMAGE ONLY ON HALF OF IT BECAUSE IT STOPPED SPINNING WHEN THE NOSE DROPPED ONTO IT. LOOKING UNDER THE CAR I SAW THE FRONT-RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN MID-TURN. IN ADDITION TO FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION DAMAGE, VEHICLE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION. NO DAMAGE TO BODY FROM THE INCIDENT. GM HAD A REPRESENTATIVE INSPECT THE CAR AND PULL THE "BLACK BOX" DATA ON OCTOBER 8, 2015. MAXIMUM SPEED DURING THE INCIDENT WAS 38MPH. WERE ABLE TO JACK UP THE CAR. FRONT WHEEL HANGING LOOSE AND EASY TO MOVE BY HAND. STRUT/SHOCK/SPRINT TOWER ATTACHMENT BROKEN AT WHEEL HUB BEHIND BRAKE DISK. FRONT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE-AXEL BROKEN. ANTI-ROLL BAR LINKAGE BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #10780932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Cedar Hill, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V329000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11751834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington Hills, MI
ENGINE
Fuel and/or combustion problem leading to excessive emissions at unpredictable times. I mean so much smoke suddenly comes out that the driver behind can't see, and it seems the car may be on fire.
NHTSA complaint #11733655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington Hills, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel and/or combustion problem leading to excessive emissions at unpredictable times. I mean so much smoke suddenly comes out that the driver behind can't see, and it seems the car may be on fire.
NHTSA complaint #11733655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Ignace, MI
STEERING
I bought my car from a dealership. Owned it for 2yrs 2mo. 107k miles First issue came up after 3-4 months. Faulty power steering. Took it to service at a dealership they said I would need my wire harness assembly replaced as well as a steering gear. Problem still persists. Also one of the mechanics there showed me that the previous owner glued harness connector components together which is why I started seeing issues that weren't there before. Now today three new warning/service lights: abs, brake warning and traction control lights. I think it is the battery but I haven't tested it. Someone online with the same issue said he had to replace the electronic brake control module. So this issue has not been diagnosed. As a result of the traction control malfunctioning suddenly I spun out on the highway in slippery conditions but did not collide with anything. Both issues are available for inspection. More information can be found on the quote in the attatchment.
NHTSA complaint #11716084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Ignace, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought my car from a dealership. Owned it for 2yrs 2mo. 107k miles First issue came up after 3-4 months. Faulty power steering. Took it to service at a dealership they said I would need my wire harness assembly replaced as well as a steering gear. Problem still persists. Also one of the mechanics there showed me that the previous owner glued harness connector components together which is why I started seeing issues that weren't there before. Now today three new warning/service lights: abs, brake warning and traction control lights. I think it is the battery but I haven't tested it. Someone online with the same issue said he had to replace the electronic brake control module. So this issue has not been diagnosed. As a result of the traction control malfunctioning suddenly I spun out on the highway in slippery conditions but did not collide with anything. Both issues are available for inspection. More information can be found on the quote in the attatchment.
NHTSA complaint #11716084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesAdell, WI
TIRES
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Fire Hawk A5V2, Tire Size: 225/45/R18, DOT Number: 17X4F9J46. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH in rain, the vehicle hydroplaned. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The tire failure mileage was approximately 1,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunedin, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We have owned the 2015 ATS Cadillac since August 31, 2016 . The rear glass is blurry when looking back from the front seat. We replaced the rear view mirror thought that was the problem but didn’t correct. I checked on the windshield glass. I took these number off the rear glass. GM DOT-376 AS2 M2H3 Trans 70 o/o Min. E6 43R-008011 AGC Automotive 30 B A006450 Tempered GS.I have a picture showing the above Info. Taken from the rear glass…..
NHTSA complaint #11671420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunedin, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
We have owned the 2015 ATS Cadillac since August 31, 2016 . The rear glass is blurry when looking back from the front seat. We replaced the rear view mirror thought that was the problem but didn’t correct. I checked on the windshield glass. I took these number off the rear glass. GM DOT-376 AS2 M2H3 Trans 70 o/o Min. E6 43R-008011 AGC Automotive 30 B A006450 Tempered GS.I have a picture showing the above Info. Taken from the rear glass…..
NHTSA complaint #11671420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The white pearl paint is chippng off everywhere. It started aat the drivers door directly under the rear view mirror. The underside of the trunk deck lid is completely paint free at this point. There are bubbles eroding on the drivers side rear fender area. When a paint meter was used to check the thickneess of the paint - it was disagnosed at a "1'", WHICH IS THE THINNEST possible number on the paint meter. I would like to demand that these parts of my PRISTINE car be repainted at no cost to myself.
NHTSA complaint #11646661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrance, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The CUE SYSTEM not totally working, and panel plastic is all spider web looking. I view this as a very bad problem( it won’t go to settings), no radio, can’t set the clock Not sure on all the problems as I can’t get to it to find out.
NHTSA complaint #11594208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrance, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The CUE SYSTEM not totally working, and panel plastic is all spider web looking. I view this as a very bad problem( it won’t go to settings), no radio, can’t set the clock Not sure on all the problems as I can’t get to it to find out.
NHTSA complaint #11594208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrance, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The CUE SYSTEM not totally working, and panel plastic is all spider web looking. I view this as a very bad problem( it won’t go to settings), no radio, can’t set the clock Not sure on all the problems as I can’t get to it to find out.
NHTSA complaint #11594208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesLong Beach, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle hesitated to respond as needed. The brake assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake sensors had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 132,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11584055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Traverse City, MI
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11577647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Traverse City, MI
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11577647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport Beach, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I received a warning message : Right low beam light failure. I took the car to the deal and was quoted a price of $900.00 to replace the light. This is a safety issue and should not cost that much to replace a light. Searching the web, that is an average price for this type of repair???
NHTSA complaint #11549600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The cue system screen has become unresponsive due to separation of the glue the system is pretty much the heart of the car everything electrical is controlled thre that screen along with the back up camera
NHTSA complaint #11529854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The cue system screen has become unresponsive due to separation of the glue the system is pretty much the heart of the car everything electrical is controlled thre that screen along with the back up camera
NHTSA complaint #11529854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Crescenta, CA
POWER TRAIN
My rear differential completely stopped on the freeway, not moving and saying over 100 mph and my car was barely rolling I am extremely lucky that I did not get rear ended because I was very close to that happening, a few cars had swerved to not crash. Luckily I was able to push my car to the exit and get off of the freeway to wait for the flatbed to pick me up. It is available to be inspected it’s just parked until I can get it fixed, the part is $1800 and I have not been able to afford it. I had a mechanic come and look at it and I was told what part it is. There was absolutely no warning lights for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11519173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesBaton Rouge, LA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact activated the parking brake, and the vehicle was able to stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the brake pedal assembly and the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed be being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V203000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #11498422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,500 milesNorthampton, MA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact decelerated and pulled into the driveway of a business. However, the contact was able to park on the side of the driveway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering gear motor bolts were fractured. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the failure was associated with GM Campaign Number: N202301950 (Loss of Power Assist, Steering-Gear Motor Bolts Broken). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 49,500.
NHTSA complaint #11496103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conover, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The CUE screen doesn’t work, has spider web on each corner, can’t use hands free phone or navigation, the screen won’t change from the taking your eyes off message while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11456835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millbury, MA
STEERING
The contact’s son owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while his son was exiting his driveway, the vehicle lost power steering assist with the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the bolts holding the steering motor had corroded and fallen out of the rack and pinion. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle; the dealer referred him to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact immediately called the manufacturer and was informed that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the rack and pinion; however, the vehicle no longer qualified under the warranty. The contact’s son had the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11446114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pacifica, CA
POWER TRAIN
At 38,000 miles, rear differential leak discovered. Dealership repaired leak. At 42,000 dear differential leak discovered. Prognosis: rear differential failure. Dealership replaced rear differential, shocks. Cost repairs paid by me (cadillac rejected paying repairs).
NHTSA complaint #11418215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pacifica, CA
SUSPENSION
At 38,000 miles, rear differential leak discovered. Dealership repaired leak. At 42,000 dear differential leak discovered. Prognosis: rear differential failure. Dealership replaced rear differential, shocks. Cost repairs paid by me (cadillac rejected paying repairs).
NHTSA complaint #11418215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.