2016 Cadillac ATS Problems
Compared with other Cadillac ATS years
Typical for this model
37/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× 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.
- 3 of its 32 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported part: Transmission and drivetrain (10 complaints, median 24,000 mi).
- 3 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
- 32filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 25,750miles, 16 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl RWD · 22 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Cadillac ATS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2016 Cadillac ATS. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 10 complaints (31% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and air bags (5). 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 75% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 25,750 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,540 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 170 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 317 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 4 Cadillac ATS model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 37 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Electrical system6 19%
- Air bags5 16%
- Steering4 13%
- Wheels4 13%
- Engine3 9.4%
- Brakes2 6.3%
- Other or unknown2 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control2 6.3%
Also reported: Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Fuel system (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “At speeds between 25 and 35 MPH the transmission shudders to such an extent that the entire car is vibrating. Engine RPM is between 1000 and 1500. Response is unpredictable. The car may speed up or attempt to stall. Very dangerous entering high speed traffic situations or accelerating in local traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11310482, filed 2020-02, 24,000 milesElectrical system: “While arriving at stop lights the caddillac roughly shifts down jolting the whole vehicle. Around 1500 rpms whether its sitting or just passing 1500 rpms the whole vehicle shutters and vibrates aggresively until around 2000 RPM. Rpms jump up and down between 1000 and 3000 rpms”
NHTSA complaint #11383582, filed 2020-12, 56,000 milesAir bags: “When driving, I accidentaley hit a curb on the front left rim and the side air bags deployed. There was no damage to vehicle other than hitting the rim. I want to know if there is a recall on this or if there has been any other incidents of this kind. The only deployed air bags were the side ones by the windows The front air bags did not deploy. I need answers to why the car deplyed air bags when it was a curb check and no physical damage to the car? Is there any recalls on this?”
NHTSA complaint #11434480, filed 2021-09Steering: “The vehicle has an issue with loss of power steering. It has happened and returned but it gone out totally now and I believe it should be part of the Cadillac power steering recall, but my VIN is not listed as vehicle that is affected.”
NHTSA complaint #11372540, filed 2020-11, 27,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
75% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 16,700 and 39,000 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 2016 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 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: 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 2016 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 | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 25 | $3,300 |
| ATS RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,550 |
| ATS RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| ATS RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| ATS AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,300 |
| ATS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
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
- 26V329000May 21, 2026Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Cadillac ATS 2015–2016, SRX 2015–2016, CTS 2015–2016 +3 more
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.
- 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…
Recall details for the 2016 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. 1,540 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.
- 11037550Sep 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 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.
- 11027689Jan 12, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 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…
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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Cadillac ATS have?
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2016 Cadillac ATS as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Cadillac ATS is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 10 complaints (31% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 2016 Cadillac ATS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Cadillac ATS do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 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 2016 Cadillac ATS get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Cadillac ATS (ATS, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Cadillac ATS reported?
Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 25,750 miles and the middle half falls between 16,700 and 39,000 miles; 75% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.