This page covers 3 recalls, 31 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 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
Steering is the standout concern owners report for the 2017 Cadillac ATS, accounting for a large share of the complaints filed. Owners frequently describe the power steering cutting out or becoming extremely heavy while driving, often preceded by a warning message on the instrument cluster. The transmission draws the next-highest volume of complaints, with owners describing shuddering at highway speeds, hesitation when shifting at lower speeds, and an occasional lurching sensation during braking that some say makes the car feel like it surges forward before stopping. Electrical complaints are fewer but notable, one recurring pattern involves the passenger airbag warning light illuminating and extinguishing in direct response to activity around the center console USB ports.
31
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2017 Cadillac ATS has 3 recalls, all centered on the electric power steering system, which can shut off without warning while driving and force the driver to steer with significantly more physical effort.
When the power steering assist cuts out, the steering wheel becomes noticeably harder to turn, particularly at low speeds such as parking lot maneuvers or slow turns in traffic. In those situations, the effort required to steer can increase enough that a driver may not be able to react quickly, raising the risk of a crash. The system may restore itself after the engine is restarted, but there is no warning before it fails. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why the recall was subsequently expanded to cover additional vehicles.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering system may stop working while you're driving. Power steering assist typically returns after restarting the vehicle.
What the fix does
General Motors will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will replace the power steering gear assembly.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 electric power steering system may lose its power assist function, making steering harder to control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering assist system may fail, reducing steering assistance and making the vehicle harder to control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
