2014 Cadillac ATS Problems
Compared with other Cadillac ATS years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 3.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 3.5× 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.
- 35 of its 104 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalling, sudden power loss, or piston failure (24 complaints, median 24,750 mi).
- 4 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
- 104filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles, 76 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl RWD · 21 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Cadillac ATS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2014 Cadillac ATS most commonly report transmission shift cable failures that cause the gear shifter to stick or the vehicle to move in an unintended direction, followed closely by failures of the CUE touchscreen infotainment system. Engine stalling and power loss are also frequently described, along with intermittent electric power steering faults.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shift cable detachment or gear shifter failure
- 19 complaints (18%)
- median 49,500 mi at 5.6 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe the gear shifter becoming stuck in park, shifting into an unintended gear, or the vehicle rolling in a direction opposite to the selected gear. Several complaints note the vehicle rolled unexpectedly after being placed in park, in some cases resulting in a collision or injury. Dealers and independent mechanics who diagnosed the problem frequently identified a detached or broken transmission shift cable, and some owners were told their VIN was not included in the related recall even though the symptoms matched. Complaints span a wide mileage range, from under 15,000 miles to over 140,000 miles, with several occurring between 40,000 and 80,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the transmission shift cable has been inspected or replaced, and verify whether the vehicle's VIN falls under recall 14V338000. Test the shifter by cycling through all gears and confirm the vehicle does not move when placed in park on a slight incline.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11144831, filed 2018-11, 154,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11268263, filed 2019-10, 79,000 miles - Electrical system
CUE infotainment screen cracking, freezing, or going blank
- 17 complaints (16%)
- median 59,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2016–2024
Owners report the CUE touchscreen spontaneously developing internal spider-web cracks or delamination while the vehicle is parked, sometimes overnight or in temperature extremes. Others describe the screen becoming unresponsive, freezing, or going completely blank, which disables climate controls, navigation, backup camera, Bluetooth, and radio. Dealers reportedly offered replacements or estimates but some owners were told repairs were not guaranteed to resolve the problem. Screen failures appear at a wide range of mileages, with several complaints filed between 47,000 and 80,000 miles, and at least one occurring as early as around 50,000 miles on a second replacement unit.
What to check: Inspect the CUE screen closely for internal cracking, cloudiness, or spider-web patterns, and test all touch functions including climate controls and backup camera. Ask whether the screen has ever been replaced, since complaints describe multiple units failing on the same vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My Cadillac que system is completely unresponsive and delaminated. This is a known issue with the 2014 Cadillac ATS. The screen on the que has been completely frozen and delaminated for quite some time now and I am unable to use any features with my queue. This happens if the vehicle is in motion or at a stop the queue is just gone.”
NHTSA complaint #11337989, filed 2020-07, 80,000 miles“On may/13/2014, at 10 am I had to travel less than 2 miles from my own house to my podiatric doctor, the car was stationary till the end of my appointment about 30 minutes. Upon going back to my house I notice some like scratches on the dashboard screen that house all controls, such to platy a radio station etc. The are on the right side of such screen about 2 inches wide and all the way to the top. …”
NHTSA complaint #10871315, filed 2016-05, 3,774 miles - Engine
Engine stalling, sudden power loss, or piston failure
- 24 complaints (23%)
- median 24,750 mi at 2.9 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe the engine stalling without warning while driving or coming to a stop, sometimes accompanied by loss of braking and steering assist. Some complaints involve the 2.0T engine requiring a full engine replacement at very low mileage due to piston failures, with owners noting this appeared to be a recurring issue across multiple vehicles. Dealers sometimes could not duplicate the stall condition, and in several cases no fault codes were stored. Piston-related engine failures are reported at very low mileage, often under 15,000 miles. Stalling complaints span a broader range, including vehicles with around 50,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for the full engine service history and whether the engine has ever been replaced or had piston-related repairs. Check for any stored or pending diagnostic codes and ask the selling dealer or mechanic about any history of stalling or power loss.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving the car at about 15 to 20 miles an hour the car came to a complete stop. There was a total shut down of the electrical system. The emergency blinkers could not be engaged, the car could not be shifted. The car was towed into the shop, the dealer advised me the engine failed and a new engine was put into the car by the dealer. We have owned the car for two months.”
NHTSA complaint #10569412, filed 2014-03, 700 miles“There has been 2 occasions my brand new car has stalled and lost power. Both times the car has sat for over an hour. When I get into vehicle it starts up and I take off. Within a minute the vehicle is stalling and fails to accelerate. Each time I have taken it into Cadillac and they can't find a problem because it did not register in the computer system nor does a test drive discover problem. The real concern is if I'm crossing an intersection and the vehicle stalls and I'm in an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10593365, filed 2014-05, 5,445 miles - Steering
Electric power steering loss or fault message
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 6,350 mi at 1.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2024
Owners report intermittent loss of electric power steering assist, sometimes accompanied by a warning message on the instrument panel. Several complaints describe the failure occurring when the vehicle is cold or during low-speed maneuvers such as backing out of a driveway, requiring the driver to shut off and restart the engine to restore steering. At least one owner reports a persistent fault message at highway speeds. Complaints describe the issue occurring at low mileage, including under 10,000 miles, as well as at higher accumulated mileage.
What to check: During a test drive, include both low-speed parking maneuvers and a cold-start to check for steering hesitation or warning messages. Ask whether the vehicle has any history of power steering fault codes or repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Intermittent electric power steering assist failures. Failures seem to occur most often when the car is cold and backing out of drive way or parking spaces. Power steering will work for a very short period then fail leaving typically when in the middle of a backing maneuver when leaving my drive and entering traffic. Turning car off and restarting will reset the electric power steering assist. This is particularly dangerous in crowded parking areas when I need to turn the car off and restart while blocking traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10816191, filed 2015-12, 10,000 miles“Vehicle wanders at highway speeds on level roads, can't keep it in a straight line. Dealer refuses to rectify, says that it is normal, since their other models are the same. It is a dangerous situation since you are afraid to blink and may end up in another lane of traffic. Just using it for city traffic now. Current odometer reading 1,600 km since new in february 2014. How safe is the electric steering?”
NHTSA complaint #10608090, filed 2014-07, 50 miles
Buying note. The 2014 Cadillac ATS has a well-documented history of transmission shift cable failures and CUE touchscreen deterioration, both of which can affect multiple systems on the same vehicle. Prospective buyers should verify the shift cable and screen history before purchase, and confirm the vehicle's VIN against available recalls.
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 104 consumer complaints for the 2014 Cadillac ATS. 76 of the complaints include a mileage, and 62% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 38,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,990 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.
- Other or unknown23 22%
- Electrical system18 17%
- Engine14 13%
- Steering10 9.6%
- Air bags7 6.7%
- Suspension5 4.8%
- Wheels5 4.8%
Also reported: Equipment (3), Tires (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Brakes (2), Exterior lighting (2), Fuel system (2), Seats (2), Body and structure (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Rear left/rear right axle seals leaking reported to me on 06/01/2020 while 2014 ATS was in for service for tires and coolant leak mileage 71,538. I was advised it's a very slow drip and it doesn't need to be taken care of right away but to keep an eye on it vebally over the phone. I looked back on my service records and the leak was detected on 03/20/2020 by the dealer but r.0 closure date is noted as 03/18/2020 I was not made aware of a critical repair needed on the drive axle (rear differential leak) odometer on 03/18/2020 59,750. The seals should not be breaking at this mileage... …”
NHTSA complaint #11340351, filed 2020-07, 59,750 milesOther or unknown: “2014 Cadillac ATS that has a constant shudder or viberation at all speeds. I took it to everette gmc in hickory, about 5 or 6 months ago. They acknowledged the problem but are unable to fix. I balanced and rotated tires to no avail. Very frustrating. I understand other gmc owners have this same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11246168, filed 2019-08, 12,000 milesElectrical system: “Started my car one day and the cue screen was black and unresponsive. I do not have any features needed to feel safe in my car (back up screen, radio, bluetooth, navigation, air conditioning, temperature control, etc.)”
NHTSA complaint #11414428, filed 2021-04, 61,500 milesEngine: “I turned a corner, drove through some sand on the road and broke traction. After that, the traction control system lights came on and within several seconds the check engine light came on. I had onstar service run remote diagnostics and they found ABS failing and a cylinder misfire. The car took an immediate loss in power and started to shake at all power levels.”
NHTSA complaint #10691027, filed 2015-02, 16,228 milesMileage when problems were reported
62% of the 76 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,886 and 61,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 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 2014 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating; 2015: 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 2014 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 | 30 | 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 | 18 | 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 |
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…
- 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…
Recall details for the 2014 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. 1,990 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 2014 Cadillac ATS?
Owners of the 2014 Cadillac ATS most commonly report transmission shift cable failures that cause the gear shifter to stick or the vehicle to move in an unintended direction, followed closely by failures of the CUE touchscreen infotainment system. The issues reported most often: Transmission shift cable detachment or gear shifter failure; CUE infotainment screen cracking, freezing, or going blank; Engine stalling, sudden power loss, or piston failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Cadillac ATS have?
NHTSA recorded 104 consumer complaints for the 2014 Cadillac ATS as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Cadillac ATS is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 30 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 23.
Has the 2014 Cadillac ATS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Cadillac ATS do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 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 2014 Cadillac ATS get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Cadillac ATS (ATS, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Cadillac ATS reported?
Among the 76 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 38,000 miles and the middle half falls between 7,886 and 61,500 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 28, 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.