2016 CADILLAC ATS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
40
Owner Complaints
2
Recalls
96
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2016 CADILLAC ATS
The 2016 CADILLAC ATS has received a total of 40 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. 96 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (8 complaints), Electrical System (5 complaints), and Air Bags (4 complaints).
Recalls for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS
NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS, potentially affecting up to 159,810 vehicles.
Recall 15V558000 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
| 96,145 vehicles affected
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous operation.
Consequence: If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electronic Climate Control module to remove the automatic rear defogger "on" function, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's...
View full details →Recall 15V463000 — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
| 63,665 vehicles affected
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience the roof panel closing automatically when the non-recessed switches are pressed and the roof panel is open. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118,...
Consequence: Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the roof console accessory switch trim plate, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15568....
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS
40 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Warnings | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
My 2016 Cadillac ATS Coupe has a serious repeating safety defect. The vehicle violently shakes, vibrates, and becomes unstable while driving. This happened TWICE. Both times the rear bolts came out except one. Both mechanics who inspected it said they have NEVER seen this before. The first time, I paid $4,000 out of pocket at another shop. The problem happened again, proving this is a manufacturing defect. My AXP diagnostic on November 4, 2025 confirms major rear differential/axle issues. The vehicle is unsafe and undrivable. One mechanic told me DO NOT DRIVE IT. Cadillac told me the opposite — “safe to pick up” — even though they did no real diagnostic. Cadillac refused to give anything in writing, refused a loaner, and ignored multiple emails. A Cadillac representative told me they reviewed the previous calls, meaning they know the full history. They still refused to fix the dangerous defect. I have paid over $33k, paid $4k for the first repair, still owe $7k, and Cadillac now wants another $7k for the same issue. This is a major safety risk to me and other drivers.
My 2016 Cadillac ATS Coupe has a serious repeating safety defect. The vehicle violently shakes, vibrates, and becomes unstable while driving. This happened TWICE. Both times the rear bolts came out except one. Both mechanics who inspected it said they have NEVER seen this before. The first time, I paid $4,000 out of pocket at another shop. The problem happened again, proving this is a manufacturing defect. My AXP diagnostic on November 4, 2025 confirms major rear differential/axle issues. The vehicle is unsafe and undrivable. One mechanic told me DO NOT DRIVE IT. Cadillac told me the opposite — “safe to pick up” — even though they did no real diagnostic. Cadillac refused to give anything in writing, refused a loaner, and ignored multiple emails. A Cadillac representative told me they reviewed the previous calls, meaning they know the full history. They still refused to fix the dangerous defect. I have paid over $33k, paid $4k for the first repair, still owe $7k, and Cadillac now wants another $7k for the same issue. This is a major safety risk to me and other drivers.
My 2016 Cadillac ATS Coupe has a serious repeating safety defect. The vehicle violently shakes, vibrates, and becomes unstable while driving. This happened TWICE. Both times the rear bolts came out except one. Both mechanics who inspected it said they have NEVER seen this before. The first time, I paid $4,000 out of pocket at another shop. The problem happened again, proving this is a manufacturing defect. My AXP diagnostic on November 4, 2025 confirms major rear differential/axle issues. The vehicle is unsafe and undrivable. One mechanic told me DO NOT DRIVE IT. Cadillac told me the opposite — “safe to pick up” — even though they did no real diagnostic. Cadillac refused to give anything in writing, refused a loaner, and ignored multiple emails. A Cadillac representative told me they reviewed the previous calls, meaning they know the full history. They still refused to fix the dangerous defect. I have paid over $33k, paid $4k for the first repair, still owe $7k, and Cadillac now wants another $7k for the same issue. This is a major safety risk to me and other drivers.
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed, and the passenger's side seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
When driving at around 40-50mph you can feel that the car has a shudder vibration. Took the car into Cadillac where they are informing me that it is the torque converter that needs replacement. No warning lights. If not fixed can lead to transmission failure.
Safety Rating for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS
The 2016 CADILLAC ATS received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS
General Motors, LLC has issued 96 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
22-NA-193 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
This informational bulletin explains to the tech on where to look for a possible concern with the rockers causing the MIL to illuminate.
SB23-01 — STEERING
Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
13-08-116-001I — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
23-NA-091 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Rough Idle, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated After Engine Repairs with DTCs P0016 and/or P0018 Set.
22NA028 — BACK OVER PREVENTION
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Whining/Whirring, Whistle, Squeaking, Groaning/Growling Noise Coming from Front Wheel/Engine Area.
PIP5680D — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This Preliminary information communicates a concern with the intake manifold causing internal engine damage requiring engine and manifold replacement. This Preliminary information was updated to extend testing prior to engine replacement. This preliminary information was updated to refer to engine restriction PI and add possibility of part swaps. This Preliminary...
PIP5680C — EQUIPMENT
This Preliminary information communicates a concern with the intake manifold causing internal engine damage requiring engine and manifold replacement. This Preliminary information was updated to extend testing prior to engine replacement. This preliminary information was updated to refer to engine restriction PI and add possibility of part swaps. This Preliminary...
PIP5680C — ENGINE
This Preliminary information communicates a concern with the intake manifold causing internal engine damage requiring engine and manifold replacement. This Preliminary information was updated to extend testing prior to engine replacement. This preliminary information was updated to refer to engine restriction PI and add possibility of part swaps. This Preliminary...
PIP5680B — EQUIPMENT
This Preliminary information communicates a concern with the intake manifold causing internal engine damage requiring engine and manifold replacement. This Preliminary information was updated to extend testing prior to engine replacement. This preliminary information was updated to refer to engine restriction PI and add possibility of part swaps.
PIP5680B — ENGINE
This Preliminary information communicates a concern with the intake manifold causing internal engine damage requiring engine and manifold replacement. This Preliminary information was updated to extend testing prior to engine replacement. This preliminary information was updated to refer to engine restriction PI and add possibility of part swaps.
Showing 10 of 96 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the CADILLAC ATS
- 2013 CADILLAC ATS — 255 complaints
- 2014 CADILLAC ATS — 140 complaints
- 2015 CADILLAC ATS — 39 complaints
- 2016 CADILLAC ATS (current)
- 2017 CADILLAC ATS — 39 complaints
- 2018 CADILLAC ATS — 25 complaints
- 2019 CADILLAC ATS — 4 complaints
Other CADILLAC Models
- CADILLAC SRX — 4,131 total complaints
- CADILLAC DEVILLE — 3,659 total complaints
- CADILLAC CTS — 3,088 total complaints
- CADILLAC ESCALADE — 2,120 total complaints
- CADILLAC SEVILLE — 1,049 total complaints
- CADILLAC CATERA — 826 total complaints
- CADILLAC DTS — 725 total complaints
- CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV — 633 total complaints