The Cadillac ATS spans 2013–2019 with 29 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2013, 2014, 2016 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2019, 2018, 2015. It delivers up to 26 mpg combined and 5-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Cadillac ATS is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2013 to 2019 across multiple generations.
How to read a Cadillac ATS VIN — every digit explained
Every Cadillac ATS carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Cadillac and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this ATS.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your ATS, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Cadillac ATS have?
The Cadillac ATS has 29 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2013–2019. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2018 Cadillac ATS recalls 2
Steering:electric Power Assist System
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
2017 Cadillac ATS recalls 2
Steering:electric Power Assist System
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
Steering:electric Power Assist System
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
Risk. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.
2016 Cadillac ATS recalls 3
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous operation.
Risk. If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15299.
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience the roof panel closing automatically when the non-recessed switches are pressed and the roof panel is open. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Risk. Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix. 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. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.
2015 Cadillac ATS recalls 4
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous operation.
Risk. If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15299.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.
Risk. If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15352.
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience the roof panel closing automatically when the non-recessed switches are pressed and the roof panel is open. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Risk. Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix. 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. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.
2014 Cadillac ATS recalls 4
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. 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. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.
Seats
What's wrong. 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. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
Risk. A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience the roof panel closing automatically when the non-recessed switches are pressed and the roof panel is open. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Risk. Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix. 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. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous operation.
Risk. If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15299.
2013 Cadillac ATS recalls 6
Electrical System
What's wrong. 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 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk. If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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 recall number is 13158.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. 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. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.
Seat Belts:front
What's wrong. 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. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.
Risk. If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. 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. GM sent interim notifications on October 7, 2014 and will send a second notification when remedy parts are available. The recall began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.
Seats
What's wrong. 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. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
Risk. A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous operation.
Risk. If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix. 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15299.
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience the roof panel closing automatically when the non-recessed switches are pressed and the roof panel is open. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Risk. Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix. 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. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.
Best and worst years for the Cadillac ATS
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 2013, 2014, 2016 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2019, 2018, 2015.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 ATS | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2014 ATS | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2015 ATS | Steering | Best | |
| 2016 ATS | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2017 ATS | Steering | Average | |
| 2018 ATS | Power Train | Best | |
| 2019 ATS | Steering | Best |
What are the most common Cadillac ATS problems?
The most-reported Cadillac ATS problems are Seats (6 reports), Tires (10 reports) and Engine (72 reports) — out of 380 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Cadillac ATS specifications & dimensions
The 2019 Cadillac ATS measures 184″ long on a 109″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,571 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Cadillac ATS window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 109″ (277 cm) |
| Rear track | 62″ |
| Body / trim | Ats 2dr Coupe 2.0l Awd |
| Curb weight | 3,571 lb (1620 kg) |
| Front track | 61″ |
| Overall width | 73″ (185 cm) |
| Overall height | 54″ (136 cm) |
| Overall length | 184″ (468 cm) |
| Weight distribution (front/rear) | 51/49% |
How the ATS's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–2019 | 184″ | 73″ | 54″ | 109″ | 3,571 lb |
| 2013 | 183″ | 71″ | 54″ | 109″ | 3,314 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Cadillac ATS cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the ATS holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 96 cu ft of passenger volume and 14 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Cadillac ATS tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Cadillac ATS get?
The Cadillac ATS returns up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,400/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2019 Cadillac ATS (3.6L 6-cyl) gets 23 mpg combined and costs about $2,700/yr to fuel, emitting 396 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 5/10) — about $2,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 ATS | 19 | 29 | $2,700 | 396 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2018 ATS | 20 | 30 | $2,600 | 376 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2017 ATS | 20 | 30 | $2,600 | 376 | 6/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2016 ATS | 20 | 29 | $2,600 | 378 | 6/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2015 ATS | 18 | 27 | $2,850 | 412 | 8/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2014 ATS | 18 | 27 | $2,850 | 412 | 8/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2013 ATS | 19 | 27 | $2,850 | 408 | 6/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl |
The 2019 Cadillac ATS (2L 4-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $3,100/yr to fuel, emitting 352 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 5/10) — about $4,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 ATS | 22 | 30 | $3,100 | 352 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 ATS | 22 | 31 | $3,100 | 348 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 ATS | 22 | 32 | $2,400 | 347 | 6/10 | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2016 ATS | 22 | 32 | $2,400 | 348 | 6/10 | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2015 ATS | 21 | 32 | $2,500 | 356 | 8/10 | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2014 ATS | 22 | 32 | $2,400 | 344 | 8/10 | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2013 ATS | 22 | 32 | $2,400 | 344 | 9/10 | 2.5L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the ATS stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this ATS's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Cadillac ATS have? Power & range
The Cadillac ATS is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.6L 6-cyl, 2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.6L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | RWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Cadillac ATS cost to own?
A used Cadillac ATS sells for a median of about $14,900 for a 2018 — most listed between $7,500 and $17,994, from 202 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 ATS | $7,500–$17,994 | 10 | |
| 2017 ATS | $9,900–$29,995 | 64 | |
| 2016 ATS | $8,495–$15,900 | 36 | |
| 2015 ATS | $4,600–$15,988 | 22 | |
| 2014 ATS | $5,990–$10,995 | 30 | |
| 2013 ATS | $3,900–$9,500 | 40 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a ATS is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Cadillac ATS tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this ATS loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $12,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the ATS ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Cadillac ATS to insure?
A Cadillac ATS costs about $1,530 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 6% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (106, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the ATS's HLDI loss index. See Cadillac insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Cadillac ATS safe?
The Cadillac ATS earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 ATS | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2017 ATS | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2016 ATS | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2015 ATS | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2014 ATS | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2013 ATS | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars.
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How many miles does a Cadillac ATS last?
A well-maintained Cadillac ATS typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Cadillac ATS’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this ATS’s VIN free →All Cadillac ATS model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Cadillac ATS — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 ATS | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2018 ATS | 4 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2017 ATS | 4 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2016 ATS | 5 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2015 ATS | 4 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2014 ATS | 4 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2013 ATS | 6 recalls | ★★★★★ |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the ATS?
By owner-complaint volume, 2013, 2014, 2016 drew the most reports. 2019, 2018, 2015 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the ATS have?
29 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2013–2019. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the ATS get?
Up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the ATS safe?
The ATS earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a ATS last?
A well-maintained ATS typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the ATS reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the ATS is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Cadillac ATS warranty?
New Cadillac models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Cadillac dealer.
Where is the Cadillac ATS made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your ATS's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Cadillac may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a ATS weigh?
The ATS's curb weight is around 3,571 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the ATS have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.