Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2017 Cadillac ATS with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 12
2.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
80% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
110.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
330.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
440.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
220.0%
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.
Jan 2018peak 3May 2026
Recalls on the 2017 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.
United States — NHTSA
25V175000
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.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V086000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202514438 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the power steering system could cause it to turn off while driving. The power steering assist may return when the vehicle is restarted. Note: This is an expansion of recall N182182760 (Transport Canada recall no. 2019-056). Safety Risk: A loss of power steering assist would 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 advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the power steering gear assembly.
Recall 20190561,507 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: A problem with the power steering system could cause it to turn off while driving. The power steering assist may return when the vehicle is restarted. Safety Risk: A loss of power steering assist would result in a sudden increase in steering effort, especially at low vehicle speeds. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the power steering gear assembly replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 2,414 milesWantagh, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
UPON BRAKING CAR SHAKES AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE BUT EVENTUALY STOPS. ABOUT 8 DAYS LATER WHILE PARKING THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE RESULTING IN A COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #11064482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Vacaville, CA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission fluid temperature sensor in the 8 speed automatic 8L90 transmission from GM is a known issue. Causes vehicle to shift/jerk erratically especially in stop and go traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11740000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
STEERING
Driving home message came up on the dash, saying, power steering problem. Next thing you know, it was extremely hard to turn the wheel left or right.
NHTSA complaint #11733798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, KY
WHEELS
I have replaced two brand new tires on the back right. I then saw that there was a TSB for the very issue im having with my vehicle. A slow loss of air from the back right tire. The TSB link is https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=11017016 Its a slow.loss of air that eventually ends you up with a blown tire on the side of the road which has happened twice to me now. There is no location on the vehicle for a spare tire coincidentally. I still have the tires with damage to them for proof . My brakes and rotors have been. Changed because the mechanic said that could be the issue. I never thought of it being the tire and rim until I saw the TSB for this which is exactly what it feels like when the air does get in the rim and begins to naw the wall of the tire.
NHTSA complaint #11721871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Round Rock, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
My Que Screen has webbed and makes it impossible to view my screen, important vehicles warnings and my maps for directions. This has been a recall in the past. Prior to me owning my vehicle. I can’t believe Cadillac installed junk in their vehicles. A third party is a direct extension of YoUR business. Do better. This is horrible. I demand a recall repair. If this was known and you all didn’t want to fix these vehicles should be pulled off the roadways. Right your wrongs.
NHTSA complaint #11687205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hackettstown, NJ
AIR BAGS
In center console there is a dual USB port for either charging or data for CarPlay. When two phones are plugged in and charging, and one phone is in passengers hand, while vehicle is in motion or stopped, the airbag warning light will illuminate. When the phone is removed from passenger seat, airbag warning light turns off. This will happen any number of times and is very easy to reproduce issue. This problem is only occurring more often now that I have a passenger in the car. But it will happen if any phone is plugged in and sitting on the seat. It went to the dealer with this issue a couple years ago but they couldn’t get it to happen again because the phone wasn’t on the seat plugged in. If the airbag warning light is on, then the system will not function, therefore, if this happened right before an accident, the airbags may not deploy, putting all passengers at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11665197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hackettstown, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In center console there is a dual USB port for either charging or data for CarPlay. When two phones are plugged in and charging, and one phone is in passengers hand, while vehicle is in motion or stopped, the airbag warning light will illuminate. When the phone is removed from passenger seat, airbag warning light turns off. This will happen any number of times and is very easy to reproduce issue. This problem is only occurring more often now that I have a passenger in the car. But it will happen if any phone is plugged in and sitting on the seat. It went to the dealer with this issue a couple years ago but they couldn’t get it to happen again because the phone wasn’t on the seat plugged in. If the airbag warning light is on, then the system will not function, therefore, if this happened right before an accident, the airbags may not deploy, putting all passengers at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11665197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boulder City, NV
POWER TRAIN
1. The transmission shudders at high speeds and at low speeds it either hesitates to shift gears or it lurches forward causing a rough shifting of gears. 2. I feel as though when I am braking and my car lurches forward, sometimes I have to brake even harder just to get the car to stop in time. This has caused me to almost hit pedestrians and/or other car. At high speeds, when the transmission shudders, I feel as though I have to slow down in order to stop the aggressive shaking, making others driving behind me have to slow down. 3. A former family mechanic has tried to resolve the transmission issue for me and he was unsuccessful in doing so. I have not taken it to a dealer or a big name mechanic. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected by insurance, police or the manufacturer. Only a family mechanic. 5. As far as I know, there was no prior indicating symptoms of the issue as I bought the car how it currently is. I was told upon purchase that the transmission has a shudder at high speeds and at hesitation of shifting gears at low speeds
NHTSA complaint #11663588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing intermittent loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to Auto Repair Garage, where a routine inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure progressively increased. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system screen was frozen. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V175000 (Steering). An appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11658980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
They have terrible transmission that barely make it to 50,000 miles before problems start happening. Parts are not cheap at all it’s General Motors 8 speed transmissions my 2017 caddilac ATS is on its 2nd transmission and it’s already driving terrible I fear I may be left stranded next time this happens. The car has a new transmission with only over 37 thousand miles on the transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11649157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, with the service power steering message displayed. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle functioned normally. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11647373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, with the service power steering message displayed. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle functioned normally. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11647373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Mirage, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Cadillac Cue screen is frozen and cracking, and apply play and GPS are no longer visible on the screen when driving. Instead, I would have to look down at my phone while I’m driving to use the gps.
NHTSA complaint #11576479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Park, FL
AIR BAGS
My air bag light randomly appeared and has been on for at about year now the dealership wants me to pay a ridiculous amount of money for all of these safety hazards including to fix my “airbag sensor” when I have never used the airbags. I am the one and only owner of the car which I purchased directly from the Ed Morse bayview Cadillac dealership. Faulty airbags and or sensors are a huge safety hazard. I need to know my airbags are working correctly as well as the sensors not only for my safety but as well as my child. My car has recently been diagnosed with serious transmission problems which include a vibration at 50 mph shuddering erratically and frequently to the point it is scary to drive. the transmission going out could cause me to get into an accident or be stuck in the road and put into danger which is another safety hazard. Lastly, The electric CUE screen is supposed to be used for safety for many reasons which include hands-free directions when you are lost and can use gps without having to use your phone while driving. You need the CUE screen to be able to access the radio for alerts and warnings. You need the CUE screen to able to use your phone hands-free to prevent accidents. The CUE screen is defective. The screens they use cannot withstand the heat and they sell you the car knowing the screens don’t last and will crack and no longer have the touch screen ability to control or use any of the features for our safety.
NHTSA complaint #11566405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Park, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My air bag light randomly appeared and has been on for at about year now the dealership wants me to pay a ridiculous amount of money for all of these safety hazards including to fix my “airbag sensor” when I have never used the airbags. I am the one and only owner of the car which I purchased directly from the Ed Morse bayview Cadillac dealership. Faulty airbags and or sensors are a huge safety hazard. I need to know my airbags are working correctly as well as the sensors not only for my safety but as well as my child. My car has recently been diagnosed with serious transmission problems which include a vibration at 50 mph shuddering erratically and frequently to the point it is scary to drive. the transmission going out could cause me to get into an accident or be stuck in the road and put into danger which is another safety hazard. Lastly, The electric CUE screen is supposed to be used for safety for many reasons which include hands-free directions when you are lost and can use gps without having to use your phone while driving. You need the CUE screen to be able to access the radio for alerts and warnings. You need the CUE screen to able to use your phone hands-free to prevent accidents. The CUE screen is defective. The screens they use cannot withstand the heat and they sell you the car knowing the screens don’t last and will crack and no longer have the touch screen ability to control or use any of the features for our safety.
NHTSA complaint #11566405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Park, FL
ENGINE
My air bag light randomly appeared and has been on for at about year now the dealership wants me to pay a ridiculous amount of money for all of these safety hazards including to fix my “airbag sensor” when I have never used the airbags. I am the one and only owner of the car which I purchased directly from the Ed Morse bayview Cadillac dealership. Faulty airbags and or sensors are a huge safety hazard. I need to know my airbags are working correctly as well as the sensors not only for my safety but as well as my child. My car has recently been diagnosed with serious transmission problems which include a vibration at 50 mph shuddering erratically and frequently to the point it is scary to drive. the transmission going out could cause me to get into an accident or be stuck in the road and put into danger which is another safety hazard. Lastly, The electric CUE screen is supposed to be used for safety for many reasons which include hands-free directions when you are lost and can use gps without having to use your phone while driving. You need the CUE screen to be able to access the radio for alerts and warnings. You need the CUE screen to able to use your phone hands-free to prevent accidents. The CUE screen is defective. The screens they use cannot withstand the heat and they sell you the car knowing the screens don’t last and will crack and no longer have the touch screen ability to control or use any of the features for our safety.
NHTSA complaint #11566405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Cadillac CUE Infotainment system has failed for the second time. Device was replaced 2 years ago
NHTSA complaint #11547225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trussville, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My headlight bulbs have been replaced and checked 2x by the used auto superstore which I will not name at this time ! and by the manufacturer (dealer) but once it’s dark out and the automatic brights come on and either both or one side goes completely out only to come back on sometimes or not at all which is very dangerous especially at night !
NHTSA complaint #11510177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trussville, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My headlight bulbs have been replaced and checked 2x by the used auto superstore which I will not name at this time ! and by the manufacturer (dealer) but once it’s dark out and the automatic brights come on and either both or one side goes completely out only to come back on sometimes or not at all which is very dangerous especially at night !
NHTSA complaint #11510177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trussville, AL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My headlight bulbs have been replaced and checked 2x by the used auto superstore which I will not name at this time ! and by the manufacturer (dealer) but once it’s dark out and the automatic brights come on and either both or one side goes completely out only to come back on sometimes or not at all which is very dangerous especially at night !
NHTSA complaint #11510177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,098 milesWestminster, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was very stiff and hard to depress causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact drove off the roadway to avoid a collision and activated the parking brake and shifted to park(P) causing the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop. During the failure the “Service Brake Assist" message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,098.
NHTSA complaint #11464773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honolulu, HI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Cadillac ATS is sold with a faulty driver console. The console is known as the Cadillac User Experience (CUE). Faulty-console is a serious safety issue for the following reasons: 1. Driver distractions: loss of navigation and unexpected changes in radio and air-conditioning are constant distractions. These distractions take the driver's attention away from the roadway. They also force driver's to make unexpected stops on highways and roadways. 2. Customer profile: Cadillac ATS customers are mostly seniors and mature individuals. Constant distractions have amplified impact. Considering the above major factors, the faulty console is a safety issue due to constant distractions. We paid $1,065.30 to replace the faulty CUE screen for something that must be recalled. There are many references made to faulty CUE consoles
NHTSA complaint #11459670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honolulu, HI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Cadillac ATS is sold with a faulty driver console. The console is known as the Cadillac User Experience (CUE). Faulty-console is a serious safety issue for the following reasons: 1. Driver distractions: loss of navigation and unexpected changes in radio and air-conditioning are constant distractions. These distractions take the driver's attention away from the roadway. They also force driver's to make unexpected stops on highways and roadways. 2. Customer profile: Cadillac ATS customers are mostly seniors and mature individuals. Constant distractions have amplified impact. Considering the above major factors, the faulty console is a safety issue due to constant distractions. We paid $1,065.30 to replace the faulty CUE screen for something that must be recalled. There are many references made to faulty CUE consoles on the internet and its time for NHTSA to take a step forward and call these faulty consoles and constant distractions a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11450216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crosby, TX
POWER TRAIN
Transmission causes car to shudder or shake/vibrate at lower speeds and lower rpm (auto shifting) It's been like this since it was purchased. If you perform manual shifting at 2500 RPM's or higher you don't experience the same shake/vibration. Ron Craft Cadillac says it's performing as expected.
NHTSA complaint #11435637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bear, DE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CUE ON MY CADILLAC 2018 ATS JUST STOP WORKING , I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT MILLIONS ,OF CADILLAC OWNERS CUE HAS STOPPED WORKING. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES, I GOT IT NEW IN 2018 JUNE. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS PROBLEM. MY NAME IS[XXX] ,EMAIL ADDRESS [XXX] PHONE [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11377074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bear, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CUE ON MY CADILLAC 2018 ATS JUST STOP WORKING , I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT MILLIONS ,OF CADILLAC OWNERS CUE HAS STOPPED WORKING. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES, I GOT IT NEW IN 2018 JUNE. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS PROBLEM. MY NAME IS[XXX] ,EMAIL ADDRESS [XXX] PHONE [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11377074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.