Cadillac ATS Recalls

The Cadillac ATS has 20 recalls covering the 2013–2018 model years, with the most serious being a driver-side airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment on 2015–2016 models, sending metal fragments into the cabin and raising the risk of serious injury or death.

The most recent production years carry a few notable issues. On 2017–2018 models, the electric power steering assist can shut off without warning, requiring significantly more steering effort, particularly at low speeds. The 2018 model year has a separate concern where the high-pressure fuel pump can detach from its mounting flange, damage the fuel line, and create a fuel leak with associated fire risk.

The middle years of production, 2013–2016, carry the heaviest concentration of recalls. On 2013–2016 sedans, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger can overheat if cycled repeatedly or left on continuously, and that heat can ignite a fire inside the driver-side rear pillar. The 2015 model year has a brake pedal bracket that can fracture during normal use, leaving the driver unable to apply the brakes. On 2013–2014 models, the transmission shift cable can detach from its bracket, causing the selected gear to not match what the indicator shows and allowing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. The 2013–2016 model years also have a sunroof that can close on its own when the switch is pressed accidentally, since the controls are not recessed.

Going back to the earliest production, 2013 models have several distinct issues. The power steering assist motor bolts can corrode and break, causing sudden loss of steering assist. The front seatbelt pretensioners can fail to lock in the retracted position after a crash, allowing the belt to go slack and reducing restraint when it matters most. The front seat hook brackets on 2013–2015 models can have incomplete welds, meaning the seat may not stay secured in a crash. There is also a brake lamp concern on 2013 models where the lights can flash randomly without the pedal being pressed, potentially confusing drivers behind the vehicle. Finally, 2013 models have a sunroof switch that can trigger unintended automatic closure when the non-recessed portion is touched.