This page covers 4 recalls, 101 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Cadillac ATS.
21–26 mpg combined
9–11.2 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2014 Cadillac ATS, powertrain complaints make up the largest share of what owners report, followed by electrical and steering issues. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe transmission shift cable failures where the shifter moves but fails to engage any gear, leaving the car stuck in drive and unable to shift to park. The electrical system draws complaints centered on the airbag warning light illuminating and staying on, sometimes for extended periods, with owners reporting dealer repair estimates in the thousands of dollars. Steering complaints typically involve the electric power steering cutting out or degrading while driving, often accompanied by a "Power Steering Fault" message on the instrument cluster, owners describe the car becoming noticeably harder to steer when this occurs, sometimes without any warning light before the message appears.
101
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Cadillac ATS has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from the rear defogger system's coil antenna module, which can overheat if it cycles too frequently or runs continuously.
The transmission also has a concern: the shift cable can detach from its bracket, causing the gear the transmission is actually in to no longer match what the gear selector shows. This means the vehicle can move in a direction the driver does not expect, which creates a significant risk of a collision or rollaway. On the occupant safety side, a front seat may have an incomplete weld on its hook bracket, which can allow the seat to shift or break free in a hard crash, reducing the protection the seatbelt and structure are designed to provide. There is also a sunroof concern: the panel's close switch is not recessed enough, so it can be pressed accidentally when the roof is open, causing the panel to close without warning and raising the risk of injury to anyone in the way.
At a glance
What can fail
The coil antenna module powering the rear defogger can overheat due to excessive or continuous cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the climate control module to disable the automatic rear defogger function at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof panel may close unexpectedly when you press the non-recessed switches while the roof is open.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the roof console accessory switch trim plate at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket can allow front seats to shift or become unsecured during a crash or other high-load impact.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket weld and replace the lower seat track as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission shift cable can come loose and detach from its brackets on either the transmission shifter or the transmission itself.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle to confirm the cable is properly seated and secured at both brackets.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
