Cadillac ATS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Cadillac ATS model year (2013–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Cadillac ATS Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 141 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 151
1 recall · 86 complaints
15 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 119
0 recalls · 26 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 32
Best Cadillac ATS Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 1
0 recalls · 18 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 20
1 recall · 22 complaints
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 25
Found the right year? Verify that specific ATS with a free VIN report.
Cadillac ATS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 1 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 18 | 1 | — | 20 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 22 | — | — | 25 | Good |
| 2016 | 0 | 28 | 2 | — | 32 | Good |
| 2015 | 0 | 26 | 3 | — | 32 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 86 | 15 | — | 119 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 2 | 141 | 2 | — | 151 | Avoid |
All 7 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Cadillac ATS Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2019Recent ATS models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2019 stands out with just 1 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade ATS units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year ATS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2013 Cadillac ATS if possible. It has 2 recalls, 141 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 151 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year ATS to buy?+
The 2019 Cadillac ATS is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 1. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which ATS has the fewest problems?+
The 2019, 2018, 2017 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Cadillac ATS Research
Check a Specific Cadillac ATS VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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