NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture when the air bag deploys, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module at no cost to you.
This page covers 6 recalls, 28 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Cadillac ATS.
21–25 mpg combined
9.4–11.2 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
Steering complaints dominate what 2015 ATS owners report, with multiple drivers describing sudden loss of power steering assist, sometimes accompanied by warning lights. Several owners note the problem returned even after repair attempts involving the steering gear or wiring. Exterior lighting is the next most-reported area, with owners describing headlights or other exterior lights failing or behaving erratically. On the powertrain side, a handful of owners report excessive smoke or combustion issues, with some describing sudden heavy exhaust output while driving. A couple of isolated reports mention paint peeling or chipping across multiple body panels, and one owner describes persistent rear glass distortion that wasn't resolved by replacing the mirror.
28
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Cadillac ATS has 6 recalls, the most serious being a driver's airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment, potentially sending metal fragments into the cabin and preventing the airbag from properly protecting the driver.
A separate but equally serious brake concern affects this vehicle: a bracket connecting the brake pedal to the braking system can fracture during normal use, leaving the driver without braking ability. There is also a fire risk tied to the rear defogger system, where an antenna module that powers the defogger can overheat if it cycles too frequently or runs continuously. On the occupant safety side, a front seat may not stay anchored during a crash due to an incomplete weld on the seat bracket, which can allow the seat to shift under the force of a collision. The sunroof panel on equipped vehicles can close on its own if the switch is accidentally pressed while the roof is open, raising the risk of injury to a hand or arm resting in the opening.
At a glance
What can fail
The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture when the air bag deploys, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module at no cost to you.
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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 driver-side front airbag inflator may rupture when deploying in a crash, causing the airbag to inflate improperly and potentially release metal fragments toward occupants.
What the fix does
General Motors will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will replace the driver-front airbag module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
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
A bracket connecting the brake pedal assembly to the brake actuation rod may fracture during normal braking, potentially affecting brake function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and replace the affected bracket at no cost to you.
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.
