2016 Cadillac ATS
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 160 |
| 2014 | 102 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2017 | 32 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
31% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20190912
19% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
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, 20240305
16% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20240328
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, 20170712
13% of complaints: wheels — 4 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20231103
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 15V463000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 15V558000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V329000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Cadillac ATS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V463000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V558000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V329000 (air bags) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.