Is the 2013 Cadillac ATS reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Cadillac ATS?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Cadillac ATS have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Cadillac ATS

○ Not enough data

2013 Cadillac ATS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:36.851Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 161
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 161 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2013	161
2014	104
2015	29
2016	32
2017	33
2018	22
2019	2

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

30% · 48 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I was pulling in to a parking spot behind a car at a very low speed when I pressed the brakes for the car to stop, instead it accelerated and smashed in to a car in front of me.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-26

Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control

Power train

29% · 47 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and shift linkage/cable/rod.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA: 14V338 Date Issued: 2014-06-18 Transmission shifter cable detach from Transmission. Vehicle will not change gears.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-22

The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and attempting to shift into drive, the vehicle failed to shift out of park. No warning lights were illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-18

Electrical system

22% · 36 reports

Steering

16% · 25 reports

Service brakes

11% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2013-06-13Electrical system, exterior lighting13V220000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May…

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-08-15Seats14V446000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-08-29Power train14V338000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-11-20Seat belts14V488000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-08-19Visibility15V463000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-10-16Visibility15V558000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Cadillac ATS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 48 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 47 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 36 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V220000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
Recall 14V446000 · Seats
Recall 14V338000 · Power train
Recall 14V488000 · Seat belts
Recall 15V463000 · Visibility
Recall 15V558000 · Visibility

FAQ

Is the 2013 Cadillac ATS reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Cadillac ATS?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Cadillac ATS have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.