Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2018 Cadillac ATS with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 14
Against the median year of the Cadillac ATS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
78% 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 2018 Cadillac ATS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
623.1%
Median failure at 84,000 miles
Steering
311.5%
Median failure at 24,271 miles
Airbags
311.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 19,000 mi
Electrical System
311.5%
Median failure at 25,763 miles
Other & Unspecified
27.7%
Median failure at 18,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
27.7%
Lights
27.7%
Equipment & Accessories
13.8%
Median failure at 18,000 miles
Tires
13.8%
Suspension
13.8%
Median failure at 59,800 miles
Body & Structure
13.8%
Engine & Cooling
13.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
666.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
111.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
111.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
111.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2018 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD
10.1% risk
2018 Cadillac ATS 4 DR RWD
10.1% risk
2018 Cadillac ATS 2DR RWD
—
—
—
—
2018 Cadillac ATS 2DR AWD
—
—
—
—
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.
Apr 2018peak 3May 2026
Recalls on the 2018 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.
18V358000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Newark, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Vehicle was involved in a accident all front damage and airbags didn’t deploy
NHTSA complaint #11456480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Churchville, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
Both side mirrors failed. Internal components corroded, one almost fell off when driving, the other later became completely detached. Failed parts that could have caused a major safety issue if they were to fail during operation.
NHTSA complaint #11737210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,527 milesVineland, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the F-module, Part Number: 86815664, used to control the engine Auto START/STOP, needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted for the part and informed the contact that the part was not available. The contact had contacted approximately 6 dealers, who confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,527.
NHTSA complaint #11706515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Cumberland, PA
POWER TRAIN
Rear differential. This part will be available after removal. This put me at risk of potentially locking up while driving. According to the dealership, Faulkner Cadillac, "found rear differential bearings damaged, causing noise in the rear end. The Rear Differential will need replaced." There were no warning lights, but there was noise - a new, not normal noise I noticed two weeks prior to the diagnostic procedure by the dealership service department. This is the second rear differential failure. The service writer said there was no sign of leakage.
NHTSA complaint #11672691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, TX
STEERING
My vehicle recently started experiencing an issue where the power steering would randomly cut out while I was driving. If I pulled over and shut the car off and then turned it back on the power steering would come back. But sometimes I would have to do this multiple times in a single drive just to keep the power steering on. I know that there is already a recall for this for some 2018 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles, but mine was not included in the recall, despite having the same issue. Took it to the dealer for diagnostic and they ended up having to replace the control module for the power steering which cost me around $2000.
NHTSA complaint #11671972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, MO
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
The power steering will randomly stop working while driving! We have had it in the shop 3 times and they can't find anything! We have replaced alternator, battery and it still isn't fixed! I seen u had a recall on the 16, 17, and some 18s for this issue! We have always bought GMs and are very disappointed! Could u please! Fix this issue on our car! Our car must have been over looked on this issue!
NHTSA complaint #11637598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car was parked outside at around 85 degrees. After entering the vehicle and driving with the AC on for a few minutes the CUE screen started to crack on the inside like a spider web. This has already been reported in 11576315 and 11325962. But I can't find any manufacturer communication on these. On the Internet I found that there is a class action lawsuit but only up to the year 2017 and it has already been settled privately. Since the vehicle is out of warranty there is no effort from GM to pay for the replacement. Since the CUE screen is essential for the vehicle operations, i.e. settings, navigation etc. it's a safety issue. On the Internet there are crowds of people complaining about the same issue. GM should react and offer replacement. Especially a replacement where the issue is fixed, otherwise the replacement will crack again after some years. Thanks and BR
NHTSA complaint #11596850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenfield, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving started to smell gas. On same day, car stalled at an intersection in a downtown area. I could not start car. Had to push car in busy traffic to a safe place and called a tow truck. Auto shop I took to said the fuel pump came loose somehow and caused the fuel lines to break causing the fuel leak. Had lines repaired. Fuel pump was not replaced and is working.
NHTSA complaint #11592545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milltown, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hi, the cue screen is cracked which makes it no longer handsfree. It cracked in July of 2023 and it's a 2018, purchased in October 2017, the dealer will not fix it, I don't have $1500 to replace it with a one year warranty and it could happen again. I am not eligible for the class action suit which stopped with cars up to 2017. Please advise since this is an extreme hazard since the screen cracks and if driving using navigation it can cause an accident !
NHTSA complaint #11576315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesDuluth, GA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal growling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact looked underneath the vehicle, checked the tires, and checked the inside of the vehicle but found no failure. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and heard an abnormal winding or rubber sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
NHTSA complaint #11557178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mooresville, IN
POWER TRAIN
Unexpected shutter of vehicle, loss of power, unpredictable forward motion, erratic movement, delayed acceleration.
NHTSA complaint #11528735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while the front passenger’s side seat was occupied, the air bag (SRS) restraint system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the presence module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11528452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while the front passenger’s side seat was occupied, the air bag (SRS) restraint system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the presence module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11528452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,800 milesInverness, FL
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and axles, gaskets, and seals were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the dealer stated that the rear-end needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 59,800.
NHTSA complaint #11515451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corvallis, OR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
5am, 2/9/23, it's dark and I'm driving 90 minutes to Portland Airport. ~10 cars that came up behind with what seemed to me to have their bright lights on high beam. Approximately 7 vehicles of these were: ALL Ford F-150 (newish) pickups. Bright lights shining in rear view mirrors is a visibility hazard at night. It seems very unusual that 3/4 of the "high beam" vehicles behind me, were Ford F-150 pickups. (the others were: 1 that did have high beams, 1 with after-market blue lights that were extra bright, one with incorrectly adjusted head light angle).
NHTSA complaint #11509195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westland, MI
POWER TRAIN
2018 cadillac ats (most of the cadillac vehicles reported same issue). The transmission fluid is wrong fluid by manufacturer and driving at regular speed all of a sudden it starts shuddering and loses power or slows down at freeway speeds or any local roads. took the car for inspection to a local dealer and they said it is the transmission fluid which has to be upgraded and charged me hundreds of dollars. But how it is not recalled by GM since they sold the cars with wrong transmission fluid which is causing these issues?
NHTSA complaint #11504832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Range, WI
POWER TRAIN
Transmission shudder noticed between 42 to 48 mph. It appears the transmission is shaking, it seems to be continually shifting between gears in the 42 to 48 mph range.
NHTSA complaint #11467229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Vehicle was involved in a accident all front damage and airbags didn’t deploy
NHTSA complaint #11456480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mahopac, NY
TIRES
This is the 3rd tire now that I am going to have to replace. PEPE Cadillac replaced the 1st one on 4/21/20 and another one on 6/30/21 and now another one any day. It seems like the tires start bulging off the rim and as per the dealership they are unsafe to drive and need to be replaced. It cost me $276.51 and $274.49 respectively and whatever its going to cost now to replace the 3rd one. First one failed at 10,856 miles, Second one failed at 16,244 miles and now the 3rd one at 19,967 miles. I am attaching the dealership invoices and photo for y our review. Also, as per the dealership employee GM is aware of this problem but is not doing anything.
NHTSA complaint #11440887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,271 milesBloomington, IN
STEERING
NO POWER STEERING CLUSTER WARNING SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE
NHTSA complaint #11343094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSaginaw, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE SCREEN IS STARTING TO SPIDER CRACK UNDERNEATH THE GLASS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11325962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSaginaw, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE SCREEN IS STARTING TO SPIDER CRACK UNDERNEATH THE GLASS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11325962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSaginaw, TX
EQUIPMENT
THE SCREEN IS STARTING TO SPIDER CRACK UNDERNEATH THE GLASS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11325962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doha, OH
POWER TRAIN
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP
NHTSA complaint #11104928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doha, OH
ENGINE
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP
NHTSA complaint #11104928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doha, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP
NHTSA complaint #11104928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
