2013 Cadillac ATS Problems
Compared with other Cadillac ATS years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 7.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 7.2× that of a typical Cadillac ATS year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 61 of its 161 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalls or shuts off when slowing or idling (36 complaints, median 6,320 mi).
- 6 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 161filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 33,375miles, 124 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl RWD · 19 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Cadillac ATS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2013 Cadillac ATS most often describe the engine quitting or idling roughly, and trouble shifting the automatic transmission. Many engine and stalling complaints arrive on cars with very low mileage, while transmission and electrical items (notably the center touch screen) tend to show up later. Reports cover both the 2.5L automatic and the 6-speed manual cars.
- Engine
Engine stalls or shuts off when slowing or idling
- 36 complaints (22%)
- median 6,320 mi at 1.4 yrs old (31 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2025
Complaints describe the engine dying quietly while coasting to a stop, at low speed, or while idling at a light, with some cars restarting right away and others needing a wait before they will start again. Several owners report rough idle and shuddering beforehand, along with check engine, StabiliTrak or traction control lights. Dealers are described as clearing codes, replacing single spark plugs, or reprogramming the transmission, with owners saying the stalling returned; some were told the behavior was normal. Many reports are under about 15,000 miles, including cars with only a few hundred to a few thousand miles.
What to check: Ask whether the car has a documented stalling history and whether any software updates or ignition/ spark plug work was done. Drive it through several slow stops and idle periods, including in cold weather, before deciding.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I was driving on the highway my car started to move like it was going to quit on me, I get my car serviced frequently and have replaced the sparkplugs and coil, changed all the gaskets, and I almost got into an accident because the stabilititrack light came on and car did not want to work as it should. This is the second time this has happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11339389, filed 2020-07, 103,900 miles“I have experienced an intermittent shudder/jerkiness in the past month while driving the vehicle at low speeds. Today, while slowing and turning into a parking lot, the engine shut off and I coasted the vehicle into a parking space and stopped. I turned on the ignition and the car started immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #10565692, filed 2014-02, 11,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic shifter cable detaches or car won't shift
- 23 complaints (14%)
- median 76,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2026
Owners describe the shifter feeling disconnected, the car refusing to come out of park or out of drive, or the selector moving without the transmission responding; one report notes the vehicle rolling backward after a shift attempt. Several complaints link this to the shifter cable coming loose at the bracket, and a few mention the repair being needed more than once. Some owners had already had recall 14V338000 performed and still describe the same failure. Reports span roughly 60,000 to 190,000 miles, with several in the 80,000-100,000 mile range.
What to check: Confirm with a dealer whether recall 14V338000 was completed, and have a mechanic check the shift cable attachment at both brackets. Test shifting through every gear, including park to drive and drive to reverse, before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I pulled over 2 see what a noise was put it in park thank god I did because when I try to put it back in gear it would not go into any gears but the shifter remove it just wasn't connected if I would have been in gear I can only imagine what would have happened”
NHTSA complaint #11265929, filed 2019-10, 82,000 miles“From 3/2013 to 3/2019 a 3 year period I have replaced all tires 3 times due to irregular wear inside, now experiencing roaring noise from read wheel. Tires were continually rotated during regular services with the rear passenger tire light illuminated showing low pressure low, dealer was advised on each occurrence prior to receiving service . …”
NHTSA complaint #11219857, filed 2019-06, 42,199 miles - Electrical system
CUE touch screen freezes, cracks or stops responding
- 14 complaints (9%)
- median 59,996 mi at 6.1 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2022
Complaints describe the center touch screen going unresponsive, bouncing or frozen, developing spider-web cracks without impact, or failing to power up, which also takes out radio and climate controls. Owners report repeat replacements, sometimes covered early on and later quoted several hundred to over a thousand dollars out of pocket. One owner also reports radio, A/C, heat and defroster going dead together. Mostly reported between roughly 40,000 and 105,000 miles, often out of warranty.
What to check: Operate every screen function (radio, climate, navigation) and inspect the glass for fine cracks or delamination. Ask whether the screen or radio has been replaced and keep the receipt if it has.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The touch screen froze up and had to be replaced that's the first issue. I replaced it. Now the second issue the touch screen starting cracking and it looks like spider webs. I have heard others has had the same problem. I shouldn't have to pay over $1300 for something that obviously has a defect in it.”
NHTSA complaint #11329218, filed 2020-06, 102,000 miles“The touch screen control on the center console is not working as designed. I am unable to to change functions, such as changing radio controls to air conditioning controls. I am umable to navigate the screen up/down and side to side. It bounces aroumd uncontrollable and when I drive the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11406772, filed 2021-04, 40,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist cuts out
- 20 complaints (12%)
- median 14,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2025
Owners report a power steering warning appearing and steering effort suddenly increasing, sometimes with a squealing or whining noise, at parking speeds or while driving. Some complaints describe the assist returning after a restart, while others led to towing; one report notes corroded power steering mounting bolts found during repair. A few owners mention the assist dropping out together with other electrical symptoms. Reported from around 14,000 to 103,000 miles, with several cases in the 70,000-85,000 mile range.
What to check: Check for a stored power steering warning and listen for noise while turning at low speed. Ask whether the steering gear or its hardware has been inspected for corrosion or grease seepage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Power steering just went out on the vehicle. We started the vehicle today with 73,000 miles and when we went to pull off once in drive the car gave a power steering warning appeared. When we try to turn the steering wheel it makes this loud squealing computerized sounding noise.”
NHTSA complaint #11352163, filed 2020-08, 73,000 miles“The vehicle was leaving a parking space when the power steering just stopped working in the middle of the road. The service power steering light came on andhad to get the towed to the mechanic. The mechanic found the power steering bolts corroded and in order to removed them he had to remove the rack and pinion and also found those bolts to be corroded. My daughter was using the vehicle and usually travels on the highway to work”
NHTSA complaint #11399813, filed 2021-03, 83,000 miles - Engine
Overheating, coolant loss and oil leaks
- 9 complaints (6%)
- median 50,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2025
Complaints describe an engine overheat message appearing while driving, an empty coolant reservoir, and diagnosis of a failed water pump or a leaking timing cover gasket. Owners report that repairs did not always resolve the overheating, and in one case an engine replacement was recommended. Some owners also describe oil and coolant leaks found on earlier visits. Reported from about 47,000 miles upward, including cars past 180,000 miles.
What to check: Look for coolant residue or oil weeping around the water pump and timing cover, check the coolant level cold, and ask whether the water pump has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Timing cover is leaking oil from the gasket which is a very common problem according to other 2013 ATS 2.0 owners. And when it leaks a massive amount of oil like it does the engine can seize up on the highway could and can result in an accident. The car only has 47,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11330474, filed 2020-06, 47,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that there were several progressing failures within months of owning the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who diagnosed that the intake o2 sensor may be the cause of the failures, but no data was found. The contact stated that there were electrical failures, the TPMS warning indicator kept illuminating, the vehicle was idling roughly, and there was a leak in the rear axle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11073133, filed 2018-02, 50,000 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on stalling behavior, the shifter cable, coolant and oil leaks, and the touch screen, and confirm which open recalls were completed. Service records showing the recall repairs and any water pump or screen work are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 161 consumer complaints for the 2013 Cadillac ATS. 124 of the complaints include a mileage, and 62% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 33,375 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 2,400 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Cadillac ATS model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine48 30%
- Electrical system36 22%
- Steering25 16%
- Brakes17 11%
- Other or unknown17 11%
- Vehicle speed control10 6.2%
- Air bags9 5.6%
- Exterior lighting7 4.3%
Also reported: Equipment (5), Fuel system (5), Suspension (5), Wheels (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Seat belts (3), Seats (3), Tires (3), Engine cooling (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Several times when slowing down or coming to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign the vehicle shudders and shut off have to restart it I've almost been hit a few times the major problem I'd like to have a low idle or something I don't understand”
NHTSA complaint #11265940, filed 2019-10, 95,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My sunroof will not close while parked my car did not start. The gauges and lights came on, but the car would not start while parked my defrost doesn't work on the front window when raining. The windshield is foggy while driving”
NHTSA complaint #10889015, filed 2016-07, 52,000 milesElectrical system: “2 sets of brand new micihlen tires were mounted onto my vehicle old tires were still in good shape but I was getting a rubbing sound from the tires after having the tires replace I'm still getting the same issue this sounds is more noticeable at a acceleration speed. (brakes are good) also with the lane departure it will go off at random times when I'm no where knew going over the street lines...”
NHTSA complaint #11032826, filed 2017-10, 85,000 milesSteering: “Takata recall was issued for my airbags. Nothing happened. My airbags were deemed to be dangerous/recalled/ same with my steering wheel (2).. Same for rear brakes. Your questions are not relevant. Nothing happened. Rather recall was announced on airbags, steering wheel (2) and on my rear brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11232942, filed 2019-07, 37,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
62% of the 124 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,000 and 66,400 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Cadillac ATS. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATS · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
| ATS · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2013 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Cadillac ATS version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATS RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,800 |
| ATS RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| ATS RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| ATS RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| ATS AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| ATS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| ATS RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| ATS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V558000Sep 3, 2015Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac systemCovers: Cadillac ATS 2013–2016
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…
- 15V463000Jul 24, 2015Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Cadillac ATS 2013–2016
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…
- 14V488000Aug 8, 2014Seat belts › FrontCovers: Cadillac ATS 2013, Buick Encore 2013
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…
- 14V446000Jul 23, 2014SeatsCovers: Cadillac ATS 2013–2014, Chevrolet Silverado 2014–2015, Buick Encore 2013–2014 +5 more
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…
- 14V338000Jun 19, 2014Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Cadillac ATS 2013–2014, CTS 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…
- 13V220000May 24, 2013Exterior lighting › Brake lightsCovers: Cadillac ATS 2013, XTS 2013, Chevrolet Sonic 2013 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 2013 Cadillac ATS → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2,400 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the Cadillac ATS
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 22 | 28,899 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | — | Rising |
| 2017 | 33 | 27,700 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 32 | 25,750 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 30 | 60,000 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 30 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 104 | 38,000 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 161 | 33,375 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Stable |
All Cadillac ATS model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Cadillac ATS?
Owners of the 2013 Cadillac ATS most often describe the engine quitting or idling roughly, and trouble shifting the automatic transmission. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or shuts off when slowing or idling; Automatic shifter cable detaches or car won't shift; CUE touch screen freezes, cracks or stops responding.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Cadillac ATS have?
NHTSA recorded 161 consumer complaints for the 2013 Cadillac ATS as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Cadillac ATS is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 48 complaints (30% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 46.
Has the 2013 Cadillac ATS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 Cadillac ATS do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Cadillac ATS 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Cadillac ATS get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Cadillac ATS (ATS, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 19 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Cadillac ATS reported?
Among the 124 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 33,375 miles and the middle half falls between 5,000 and 66,400 miles; 62% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.