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2014 Cadillac Ats

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Ats years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Cadillac Ats are substantially higher than the model-year median of 32.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

76 reports with mileage · 28 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.

  • Power Train. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports2 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

30 reports
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79,000 miles · Oct 14, 2019
Power Train

CAR WAS PARKED IN PARKING SPOT/LOT OF HEB. STARTED ENGINE AND GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS SHIFTING W/OUT PRESSING THE BRAKE WHILE REMAINING IN PARK. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. CALLED TOW TRUCK. TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE TO DRIVE IT TO PEP BOYS, A MECHANIC NEARBY. AFTER 5 DAYS, PEP BOYS STATED IT WAS A RECALL, HOWE…

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CAR WAS PARKED IN PARKING SPOT/LOT OF HEB. STARTED ENGINE AND GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS SHIFTING W/OUT PRESSING THE BRAKE WHILE REMAINING IN PARK. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. CALLED TOW TRUCK. TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE TO DRIVE IT TO PEP BOYS, A MECHANIC NEARBY. AFTER 5 DAYS, PEP BOYS STATED IT WAS A RECALL, HOWEVER MY VIN NO. IS NOT ASSOCIATED W/ANY RECALL PER CADILLAC. TOWED IT TO CADILLAC AND THEY STATED THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE CABLE THAT IS CONNECTED TO YOUR TRANSMISSION OR SHIFT LEVER GOT DETACHED. FURTHER THEY STATED THAT THIS PARTICULAR PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. IT APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT IS SIMILAR TO THE GM RECALL NO. 14179. *JS

NHTSA ODI #11268263

89,000 miles · May 22, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, EXITED THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDERNEATH, AND NOTICED THAT THE BUSHING CABLE WAS DETACHED, WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION LEVER. THE VEHIC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, EXITED THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDERNEATH, AND NOTICED THAT THE BUSHING CABLE WAS DETACHED, WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION LEVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11209298

154,000 miles · Nov 2, 2018
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE - TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTION DOES NOT MATCH THE INDICATED GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED OR UNEXPECTED DIRECTION. I WAS BACKING UP AND WENT TO PUT THE GEAR IN DRIVE AND I PRESSED THE GAS BUT THE CAR WENT BACKWARDS. I HIT THE BRAKE AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE GEAR HANDLE AND IT SHIFTED …

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TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE - TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTION DOES NOT MATCH THE INDICATED GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED OR UNEXPECTED DIRECTION. I WAS BACKING UP AND WENT TO PUT THE GEAR IN DRIVE AND I PRESSED THE GAS BUT THE CAR WENT BACKWARDS. I HIT THE BRAKE AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE GEAR HANDLE AND IT SHIFTED FORWARD VERY LOOSELY. ALTHOUGH IT DISPLAYED DRIVE ON THE GEARBOX, WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS THE CAR WOULD STILL GO IN REVERSE. CAPITAL CADILLAC IN SMYRNA, GA LATER CONFIRMED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT NEVER MENTIONED THIS RECALL "GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 90,750 MODEL YEAR 2013-2014 CADILLAC ATS, AND 2014 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ON THE AFFECTED ATS AND CTS VEHICLES MAY DETACH FROM EITHER THE BRACKET ON THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER OR THE BRACKET ON THE TRANSMISSION. IN FACT, I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT CAPITAL CADILLAC THAT THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER AND THAT HE DIDN'T KNOW WHEN IT WOULD COME IN.

NHTSA ODI #11144831

41,000 miles · Oct 2, 2018
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND HEARD GRINDING NOISES. ROUNTREE MOORE CHEVROLET (4316 WEST US HIGHWAY 90, LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32055, (386) 269-9222) WAS CONTACTED, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER APPLIED A SEAL ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND HEARD GRINDING NOISES. ROUNTREE MOORE CHEVROLET (4316 WEST US HIGHWAY 90, LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32055, (386) 269-9222) WAS CONTACTED, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER APPLIED A SEAL ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL DUE TO AXLE SEAL LEAKS ON BOTH SIDES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER EVALUATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 41,000.

NHTSA ODI #11132975

140,777 miles · Sep 17, 2018
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING TO A PARKING LOT, THE GEAR SHIFT SWITCHED TO REVERSE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS N…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING TO A PARKING LOT, THE GEAR SHIFT SWITCHED TO REVERSE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,777.

NHTSA ODI #11129878

49,038 miles · Aug 28, 2018
Power TrainInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND THE VEHICLE CAME OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE RAN OVER HER FEET. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE CONTACT'S MOTHER SUSTAINED FRACTURES OF THE LEFT FO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND THE VEHICLE CAME OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE RAN OVER HER FEET. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE CONTACT'S MOTHER SUSTAINED FRACTURES OF THE LEFT FOOT AND CONTUSIONS OF THE RIGHT HIP, AND UPPER LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V338000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION CADILLAC WEST PALM BEACH (2101 45TH ST, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33407, 561-291-6025) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACTUATOR ROD WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,038. **TR CONSUMER STATEED THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS CORRECT EXCEPT THERE WERE NO FRACTURES OF THE HIP. UPDATED 11/1/18*JB

NHTSA ODI #11123113

50,000 miles · Jun 18, 2018
EnginePower Train

AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE CAR LOST POWER ON THE OFF RAMP FROM THE HIGHWAY. THE AIR CONDITIONING SHUT OFF, AND I THEN NOTICED NOTHING ON THE CAR WAS WORKING, BRAKES, STEERING, ENGINE!! THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THIS PAST FRIDAY IT HAPPENED AGAIN AT RUSH HOUR AND M…

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AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE CAR LOST POWER ON THE OFF RAMP FROM THE HIGHWAY. THE AIR CONDITIONING SHUT OFF, AND I THEN NOTICED NOTHING ON THE CAR WAS WORKING, BRAKES, STEERING, ENGINE!! THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THIS PAST FRIDAY IT HAPPENED AGAIN AT RUSH HOUR AND MY WIFE ALMOST GOT INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I AM NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAVE A CAR I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE. I HAVE FOUND SOME OTHER POSTS OF THIS ISSUE, BUT NO RESOLUTION. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR SAFETY AND IF THEY CANNOT FIX, THE CAR SHOULD BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI #11102284

23,450 miles · Sep 19, 2016
EnginePower Train

0N MORE THAN FIVE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATED WHEN COMING TO A STOP. I'VE HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO GET THE RPM'S BACK TO NORMAL.THE LAST 2 TIMES MY WIFE HAS BEEN WITH ME IN THE CAR ,SHE NOW REFUSES TO RIDE IN THE CAR. I'VE HAD THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS THREE TIME SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT PROBLEM. THE…

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0N MORE THAN FIVE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATED WHEN COMING TO A STOP. I'VE HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO GET THE RPM'S BACK TO NORMAL.THE LAST 2 TIMES MY WIFE HAS BEEN WITH ME IN THE CAR ,SHE NOW REFUSES TO RIDE IN THE CAR. I'VE HAD THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS THREE TIME SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT PROBLEM. THE CAR WILL RUN FINE FOR A SHORT TIME THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SAME OLD PROBLEM OF ACCELERATING WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A STOP. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE AND WOULD LIKE THE LEASE TERMINATED A.S.A.P.

NHTSA ODI #10907610

13,000 miles · Feb 8, 2016
Power TrainCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE HEARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER CRASHING…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE HEARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN BETWEEN GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V338000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. ..UPDATED 03/16/16 *BF THE CONSUMER SOLD THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. UPDATED 03/22/16.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10824830

4,447 miles · Oct 1, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ATS. AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,447.

NHTSA ODI #10640528

Official recalls

4

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.

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.

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.