Summary
The Cadillac ATS has 14 recalls covering the 2013–2017 production run, with the most serious being a transmission shift cable defect on 2013–2014 models where the cable can detach and cause the vehicle to move in an unintended direction, or prevent the driver from shifting into park.
The 2017 model year has a separate power steering concern where the electric assist can shut off while driving, suddenly requiring much more steering effort, particularly at low speeds. On the safety restraint side, 2013 models have front seatbelt pretensioners that can deploy in a crash but fail to stay locked in the retracted position, allowing the belt to return to its original length and leaving occupants less protected. Seat mounting is also a concern on 2013–2015 models, where a front seat bracket weld can be incomplete and the seat may not stay secured during a crash.
There are two fire-related recalls tied to the rear defogger system. On 2013–2016 sedan models, the coil antenna module that powers the defogger can overheat if cycled repeatedly or left running, raising the risk of a fire inside the rear pillar on the driver's side. The 2013 model year falls within both this broader recall and an earlier, narrower filing with the same mechanism and consequence.
The 2013 model year also has electric power steering assist motor bolts that can corrode and break, causing sudden loss of power assist and increased steering effort. On vehicles equipped with a sunroof, the roof panel on 2013–2016 models can close automatically when the non-recessed switch is inadvertently pressed, raising the risk of injury to occupants near the opening. Rounding out the 2013-specific issues, brake lights can flash intermittently without the pedal being pressed, which can confuse following drivers and delay their reaction when the vehicle actually brakes.
