2017 Cadillac ATS Problems
Compared with other Cadillac ATS years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× 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.
- 14 of its 33 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported part: Steering (13 complaints, median 36,324 mi).
- 2 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
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 27,700miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher 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 2017 Cadillac ATS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2017 Cadillac ATS. The part named most often is steering, with 13 complaints (39% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and other or unknown (6). 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 75% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 27,700 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,299 technical service bulletins for this model year. Steering complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns and 32 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 262 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 50 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.
- Steering13 39%
- Electrical system6 18%
- Other or unknown6 18%
- Engine3 9.1%
- Air bags2 6.1%
- Brakes2 6.1%
- Exterior lighting1 3.0%
Also reported: Body and structure (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “I have a 2017 Cadillac ATS and the problem with the power steering has still not been resolved this is a critical issue with driving as a 69 year old I now have become hesitant to drive the car not only for my safety but others if the steering fails and I cause an accident I believe GM needs to buy the car back before somebody is killed or injured a recall on a 2017 should not happen”
NHTSA complaint #11184166, filed 2019-03, 22,400 milesElectrical system: “My air bag light randomly appeared and has been on for at about year now the dealership wants me to pay a ridiculous amount of money for all of these safety hazards including to fix my “airbag sensor” when I have never used the airbags. I am the one and only owner of the car which I purchased directly from the Ed Morse bayview Cadillac dealership. Faulty airbags and or sensors are a huge safety hazard. I need to know my airbags are working correctly as well as the sensors not only for my safety but as well as my child. …”
NHTSA complaint #11566405, filed 2024-01Other or unknown: “My headlight bulbs have been replaced and checked 2x by the used auto superstore which I will not name at this time ! and by the manufacturer (dealer) but once it’s dark out and the automatic brights come on and either both or one side goes completely out only to come back on sometimes or not at all which is very dangerous especially at night !”
NHTSA complaint #11510177, filed 2023-03Transmission and drivetrain: “Transmission shudders on light acceleration (worst at around 50 MPH) general acceleration feels similar to an engine misfire with intermittent drops in power. Some times transmission can shift hard and have a bang, jarring feeling.”
NHTSA complaint #11242834, filed 2019-08, 13,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
75% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 13,000 and 34,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 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 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: 4–5 stars overall. 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 2017 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 | 29 | 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 | 30 | 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
- 25V175000Mar 20, 2025Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Cadillac ATS 2017–2018, CTS 2016–2018, Chevrolet Corvette 2017–2018 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
- 19V086000Feb 7, 2019Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Cadillac ATS 2017, CTS 2016–2018, Chevrolet Corvette 2017 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
Recall details for the 2017 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. 1,299 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 2017 Cadillac ATS have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2017 Cadillac ATS as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Cadillac ATS is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 13 complaints (39% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 2017 Cadillac ATS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Cadillac ATS do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 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 2017 Cadillac ATS get?
The EPA rates the 2017 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 2017 Cadillac ATS reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 27,700 miles and the middle half falls between 13,000 and 34,000 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 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.