61 of the 556 complaints filed about the Cadillac ATS are about the steering — 11% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2013.
61
Complaints
11%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
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.
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.
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 before. The first time, I paid $4,000 out of pocket at another shop. The problem happened again, proving this is a manufacturing defect. My AXP diagnostic on November 4, 2025 confirms major rear differential/axle issues. The vehicle is unsafe and undrivable. One mechanic told me DO NOT DRIVE IT. Cadillac told me the opposite — “safe to pick up” — even though they did no real diagnostic. Cadillac refused to give anything in writing, refused a loaner, and ignored multiple emails. A Cadillac representative told me they reviewed the previous calls, meaning they know the full history. They still refused to fix the dangerous defect. I have paid over $33k, paid $4k for the first repair, still owe $7k, and Cadillac now wants another $7k for the same issue. This is a major safety risk to me and other drivers.
NHTSA complaint #11701363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Vehicle has an issue where it intermittently throws errors, loses power, accelerates on its own, and is difficult to steer. I purchased it with 12,800 miles in it and it has been having this issue since then and no one has been able to fix it. It appears from maintenance records it has been happening since it had 2800 miles on it. It has happened many times with me since I purchased the vehicle in November of 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11689817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Vehicle would not steer lost power steering and loud noise. Had the vehicle towed to a mechanic. The mechanic informed me that the bolts for the electronic power steering had corroded causing the electronic steering motor to fall. He told me that it is a problem with these cars and gave me a reference number (N202301950) I called GM and they said it was not a recall it was a service bulletin which I never received and is now expired. The vehicle needs a whole new Electric Power Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly due to the faulty corroded GM Bolts not to mention that I could have died or someone else could have been killed due to losing the ability to steer the vehicle because of the faulty GM parts. GM said it is my responsibility to pay for repairs which is thousands of dollars again due to their faulty parts and no fault of my own also not normal wear and tear.
NHTSA complaint #11681368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
STEERING
I had a total loss of steering about two weeks ago, scariest thing ever in my 50 years of driving. A local automotive shop inspected the car and found one steering motor bolt missing and two broken/sheared laying in their casting holes.General Motors issued a Customer Satisfaction Program 18207 – Loss of Power Steering Assist directive for steering rack inspection and repair and/or replacement. My 2013 Cadillac ATS had the bolt failure exactly as described in the directive but is not covered as the directive program was in effect until November 30, 2020 and has expired. It was and is still a poor engineering design by GM engineering and it still effects those of us operating the models listed in GM CSP 18207. This should have been a recall and not have had an end date of 11/30/2020. I'm sure there are many owners like myself that were never notified by General Motors of this design flaw as it was never a formal recall. I would ask that the NHTSA review Customer Satisfaction Program 18207 as the loss of electric steering due to poor engineering design along with the safety of owners driving the affected vehicles still poses a danger and could seriously injure or kill someone. I do not understand why GM ended the program 11/30/2020. I would like to see either a CSP 18207 with no end date or preferably a recall to ensure owners are notified. I had never heard of an issue with my 2013 Cadillac ATS steering until I had this total steering failure. I only found out about Customer Satisfaction Program 18207 – Loss of Power Steering Assist because I searched the Web to see if other owners had experienced this failure. The repair cost to fix this is around $3,000 dollars. General Motors knows it was a poor design and in my opinion they should continue their 18207 Customer Satisfaction Program and not expect owners to pay. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11634096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the "Power Steering Fault Drive with Care" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was became aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
NHTSA complaint #11627586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
What are the cooling hoses that carry coolant from the engine to the radiator busted not once but twice. It has many electrical problems even when cleared with an OBD2 sensor they will still come on. The power steering is completely off and malfunctions.
NHTSA complaint #11570484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Reporting a case for GM recall N182161890. I bought my vehicle in 2022. I was informed that my car had all the recalls completed on that vehicle. My vehicle had exactly what this recall was for happen to it on 10/20/23. After contacting Cadillac, they informed me that this recall was never completed on my vehicle. Cadillac then told me that this recall was expired so it can no longer be completed. They said that the recall expired on 11/30/2020. I was under the impression that recalls do not expire, especially ones that can cause lose of power steering and could lead to collision or injury. Cadillac told me it expired because it was a "Customer Satisfaction Program" recall and not a "Product Safety" recall. I'm confused on how the lose of steering is not a product safety issue. Cadillac is unwilling to fix the recall at this time, even though they have confirmed it had never been completed.
NHTSA complaint #11553393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
STEERING
Power Steering locks up when trying to turn under 20 mph. Have found other safety recalls through GM for the same issue on the 2014 ATS and have contacted a dealer but they have stated it is not for my VIN #. Has happened multiple times before and the local dealer said nothing could be done because they could not duplicate. I had called another GM dealer and they sent me a safety recall bulletin pertaining to the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11486645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The car just blew out the airbags and the steering locked up
NHTSA complaint #11481483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
STEERING
While out driving, the vehicle would not shift gear into park upon arriving at a parking lot. The car was transported to an nearby garage and the transmission shift cable was found to be melted/severed upon undercarriage inspection. This is a recall for other models of 2013-2014 ATS. 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.
NHTSA complaint #11433357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
THE VEHICLE WAS LEAVING A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE POWER STEERING JUST STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON ANDHAD TO GET THE TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE POWER STEERING BOLTS CORRODED AND IN ORDER TO REMOVED THEM HE HAD TO REMOVE THE RACK AND PINION AND ALSO FOUND THOSE BOLTS TO BE CORRODED. MY DAUGHTER WAS USING THE VEHICLE AND USUALLY TRAVELS ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK
NHTSA complaint #11399813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.