Is the 2016 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 2016 Cadillac ATS?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Cadillac ATS have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Cadillac ATS

○ Not enough data

2016 Cadillac ATS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:33:47.964Z

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: 32
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2016: 32 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.

Power train

31% · 10 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Cadillac ATS. While the contact was pulling into a driveway, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a garage. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-12

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Electrical system

19% · 6 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Transmission drags. When stopping the car jerks bad and sometimes proceeds to accelerate. When at a stop auto start has a hard jerk I reported this problem to Cadillac dealership when I first got the car. They claim they couldn't find an issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-05

Air bags

16% · 5 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2016 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH and entering the expressway, she engaged the turn signal and verified that the road was cleared.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-28

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Cadillac ATS. While driving various speeds, the contact placed a mobile phone on the passenger seat and the air bag indicator illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-12

Wheels

13% · 4 reports

Steering

13% · 4 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-03

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

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 →
R

2027-08-16Air bags26V329000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Cadillac ATS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V463000 · Visibility
Recall 15V558000 · Visibility
Recall 26V329000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2016 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 2016 Cadillac ATS?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Cadillac ATS have?: 3 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.