repaired · 2017 Q1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system
Risk. If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
2013 Cadillac ATSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 161 owner complaints about the 2013 Cadillac ATS, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-488 the manufacturer reports only 93% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Cadillac ATS has problems
161 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
48Engine1 crash/fire/injury
46Power train1 crash/fire/injury
36Electrical system
25Steering
14Service brakes
10Vehicle speed control
9Air bags
7Exterior lighting
5Wheels
3813 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 48 | 1 |
| Power train | 46 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 36 | 0 |
| Steering | 25 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 14 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 2 |
| Air bags | 9 | 4 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 1 |
| 13 other systems | 38 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2013 Cadillac ATS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2016 Q2
Seat belts: front
Risk. If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the…
repaired · 2015 Q4
Seats
Risk. A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2015 Q4
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle…
repaired · 2015 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
6kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 43 engine complaints. 93% were reported before 100,000 miles.
32under 30k miles40under 100k miles3100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other ATS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the ATS median. How we score
'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Cadillac ATS safety ratings
2013 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What ATS owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Found metal shavings in oil after 13 visits to 3 different dealerships. Engine had to be replaced. Under 100,000 mikes with a service contract
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the A/c was independently turned off due to engine overheating. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was empty. The…
I’m writing here to state that the Cadillac with this VIN [XXX] IS A FRAUDULENT SALE my husband and I have experienced. The car show no damages on CarFax but when we took the car to a certified Cadillac dealership they said they were shocked we could even drive it. The catalytic Converter is…
Own a 2013 ATS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.