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2013 Cadillac Ats

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Ats years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Cadillac Ats are substantially higher than the model-year median of 32.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

124 reports with mileage · 36 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports0 fire reports7 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

17 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2018
Unknown Or Other

THE CUE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM IS STARTING TO FAIL. SEVERAL SELECTIONS I.E. "MEDIA" AND "SCAN" ARE NOT WORKING. THE CLEAR SCREEN COVER HAS STARTED TO CRACK. IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM TO THE DEGREE THAT THE SYSTEM FAILS TOTALLY SHUTTING DOWN ALL THE MUSIC CAPABILITIES, REAR CAMERA, AND USE OF THE …

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THE CUE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM IS STARTING TO FAIL. SEVERAL SELECTIONS I.E. "MEDIA" AND "SCAN" ARE NOT WORKING. THE CLEAR SCREEN COVER HAS STARTED TO CRACK. IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM TO THE DEGREE THAT THE SYSTEM FAILS TOTALLY SHUTTING DOWN ALL THE MUSIC CAPABILITIES, REAR CAMERA, AND USE OF THE ON STAR NAVIGATION SYSTEM AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #11115815

50,000 miles · Aug 28, 2017
Unknown Or Other

KEYS WERE IN OWNER'S HANDS WHILE OPENING THE TRUNK, AND THEN THE KEYS WERE ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED INTO THE TRUNK WHEN THE TRUNK WAS SHUT. WHEN OWNER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE TRUNK BY HITTING THE BUTTON ON THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK DID NOT OPEN. THEN THE OWNER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO ACCESS THE TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON, BUT T…

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KEYS WERE IN OWNER'S HANDS WHILE OPENING THE TRUNK, AND THEN THE KEYS WERE ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED INTO THE TRUNK WHEN THE TRUNK WAS SHUT. WHEN OWNER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE TRUNK BY HITTING THE BUTTON ON THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK DID NOT OPEN. THEN THE OWNER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO ACCESS THE TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE KEYS WERE INSIDE THE VEHICLE (I.E. TRUNK) AND THE DOOR DID NOT UNLOCK (I.E. THE BUTTON ON THE DOOR HANDLES DID NOT WORK).

NHTSA ODI #11020109

45,000 miles · Apr 4, 2016
Unknown Or OtherCrash

CAR SHUT OFF FOR THE SECOND TIME NO ON HAS LOOKED IN TO THIS. THIS IS MY SECOND CAR ACCIDENT AND NOW OUT OF WORK.

NHTSA ODI #10853269

45,000 miles · Mar 6, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or OtherCrashInjury

CADILLAC ATS LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSE OF CONTROL AS WELL AS RIGHT CONTROL ARM SNAPPING IN HALF. DRIVER THEN HIT DITCH AND THEN A TREE CAUSE DAMAGE TO FRONT OF THE CAR AND INJURY TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI #10840136

11,600 miles · Feb 16, 2016
Unknown Or Other

ENGINE IDLES AT START UP AND AT STOP LIGHT . AC COMES ON WHEN IT WANTS TO.

NHTSA ODI #10836322

9,800 miles · Feb 28, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesUnknown Or OtherCrash

CADILLAC ATS 2013 CONTINUES TO STALL AND TURN OFF CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING OF VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES FOR REPAIR, AND VEHICLE HAS STILL BEEN STALLING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10691265

16,500 miles · Sep 10, 2014
EngineSteeringUnknown Or Other

SINCE JUNE 2013, THE CADILLAC ATS HAS BEEN MAKING A VIBRATION FEELING. THE VIBRATION IS UNKNOWN, IT HAS BEEN TO SERVICE TWICE. FIRST I WAS SUGGESTED TO TRY A DIFFERENT GAS (PREMIUM GAS). THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR, SO I SWITCHED BACK TO REGULAR GAS. THEN RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT AND THAT PROBLEM …

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SINCE JUNE 2013, THE CADILLAC ATS HAS BEEN MAKING A VIBRATION FEELING. THE VIBRATION IS UNKNOWN, IT HAS BEEN TO SERVICE TWICE. FIRST I WAS SUGGESTED TO TRY A DIFFERENT GAS (PREMIUM GAS). THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR, SO I SWITCHED BACK TO REGULAR GAS. THEN RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT AND THAT PROBLEM WAS FIXED. BUT I ALSO ASKED SERVICE TO DRIVE VEHICLE AROUND WHILE IN THE SHOP TO FIGURE OUT THE OCCURRING VIBRATION ISSUE. SERVICE TOLD ME ALL THE CADILLAC ATS'S CARS DO THE SAME THING AND THAT THATS HOW THEY WERE MANUFACTURED, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. I DON'T WANT TO INSERT A DIFFERENT GAS TYPE IF THE CAR IS SUPPOSE TO TAKE REGULAR UNLEADED. (I BOUGHT CAR BECAUSE IT IS GAS SAVER). AS A CUSTOMER I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO CHANGE THE GAS AND SPEND MORE THAN I ALREADY AM MONTHLY IF THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY. NOR SHOULD I HAVE TO KEEP TAKING IT IN FOR RECALLS AND PAYING FOR A CAR ($552 PER MONTH) IF IT WAS NOT MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY IN THE FIRST PLACE. I HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXCHANGE MY DEFECTED VEHICLE AT THE COST OF GENERAL MOTORS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10632238

Official recalls

6

15V558000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

Sep 3, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.

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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15299.

15V463000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Jul 24, 2015

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.

14V488000 · Seat Belts:front

Aug 8, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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. 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.

14V446000 · Seats

Jul 23, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

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. 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.

14V338000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Jun 19, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.

13V220000 · Electrical System; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

May 24, 2013

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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 recall number is 13158.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

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."

Consequence: 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.

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 recall number is 13158.

Electrical System

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."

Consequence: 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.

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 recall number is 13158.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.