This page covers 3 recalls, 30 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Cadillac ATS.
22–26 mpg combined
9–10.7 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
Powertrain complaints dominate what 2016 ATS owners report, with transmission and drivetrain issues coming up most often. A recurring theme is a shudder or vibration felt through the vehicle at highway speeds, which owners and technicians frequently trace to torque converter problems. Differential failures also appear with unusual frequency, multiple owners report needing repeated differential replacements within a relatively short ownership period. Airbag-related complaints are the next most reported area, with owners describing a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning light accompanied by seatbelt indicator warnings, often without any clear triggering event. Wheel and suspension complaints round out the picture, with at least one owner describing loose rear hardware causing significant instability while driving, though that appears to be an isolated report rather than a broad pattern.
30
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Cadillac ATS has 3 recalls, the most serious being a driver-side airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
A second recall covers the rear defogger system, where the coil antenna module that powers it can overheat from excessive or continuous operation, raising the risk of a fire. On the roof side, the sunroof panel switch sits flush rather than recessed, meaning it can be pressed accidentally while the roof is open, causing the panel to close without warning and potentially injuring anyone in the way.
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 4 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 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.
