2017 Cadillac ATS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 15%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Cadillac ATS, 15% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“1. The transmission shudders at high speeds and at low speeds it either hesitates to shift gears or it lurches forward causing a rough shifting of gears. 2. I feel as though when I am braking and my car lurches forward, sometimes I have to brake even harder just to get the car to stop in time. This has caused me to almost hit pedestrians and/or other car. At high speeds, when the transmission shudders, I feel as though I have to slow down in order to stop the aggressive shaking, making others driving behind me have to slow down. 3. …”
NHTSA complaint #11663588, filed 2025-05“Transmission causes car to shudder or shake/vibrate at lower speeds and lower rpm (auto shifting) It's been like this since it was purchased. If you perform manual shifting at 2500 RPM's or higher you don't experience the same shake/vibration. Ron Craft Cadillac says it's performing as expected.”
NHTSA complaint #11435637, filed 2021-10“Transmission fluid temperature sensor in the 8 speed automatic 8L90 transmission from GM is a known issue. Causes vehicle to shift/jerk erratically especially in stop and go traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11740000, filed 2026-05Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011436Oct 10, 2024This Preliminary information communicates for Technicians installing a Service Replacement Transmission Assembly to contact Technical Assistance to make sure unit is not suspect…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2017 Cadillac ATS
13 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Cadillac ATS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology