If you’re thinking about buying a Cadillac ATS, it’s important to know which years to avoid. Models from 2013 to 2016 are known for having a lot of problems, like motor mount failures and ongoing air conditioning issues.
Many owners have faced expensive repairs and part replacements, making these years less appealing. So, why do these models have such a bad reputation, and what should you look out for if you already own one?
Let’s dig into the main problems and what they mean for you.
Key Takeaways
- Stay away from Cadillac ATS models made from 2013 to 2016 because they often have reliability problems and costly repairs.
- The 2013 models are especially known for problems with motor mounts and air conditioning.
- Electrical issues and touchscreen malfunctions are common in the 2014-2016 models.
- Transmission problems, like rough shifting and risks of rolling away, are frequent in the 2013-2016 models.
- Go for models from 2017 or newer, as they are more reliable and perform better.
Overview of Cadillac ATS
The Cadillac ATS is a luxury 4-door sedan that combines sporty performance with premium features, making it an attractive option in the mid $20k price range.
It comes with different engine choices, including a powerful V6 and a 2.0T variant. The rare V6 engine offers excellent power and a smooth ride, boosting the ATS’s sporty feel.
The ATS-V model is especially notable for its outstanding handling and great value for the performance you get.
Compared to alternatives like the Audi A4 or Genesis G70, the Cadillac ATS stands out for its precise steering and impressive handling. This makes it a strong competitor in the luxury sedan market, although there may be some issues with certain engine models.
Common ATS Problems
When looking at Cadillac ATS models, there are some common problems you should be aware of. The 2.0-liter turbo engine in the 2013-2015 models is known for having reliability issues.
You might also run into problems with the electrical system and the automatic transmission, which can affect how well the car performs.
Another serious issue that’s been reported is the loss of power steering, which is a big safety concern.
Turbo Engine Issues
If you’re looking at Cadillac ATS models from 2013-2015 with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, be aware that they’ve some well-known issues. Here are the main problems you should know about:
- Piston Cracking: Can cause major engine failures.
- Turbocharger Failures: Leads to poor performance and expensive repairs.
- Oil Consumption: Uses too much oil, which can wear out the engine.
- Coolant Leaks: Can make the engine overheat and get badly damaged.
Knowing these issues can help you decide if a pre-2016 Cadillac ATS with the 2.0T engine is the right choice for you.
Electrical System Faults
In addition to problems with the turbo engine, Cadillac ATS models often have electrical system issues that affect their reliability and user satisfaction. Common problems include dim interior lights and persistent dashboard warnings. These issues usually come from bad wiring or early failure of electrical parts, leading to occasional power disruptions and potential safety concerns.
| Problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Dim Interior Lights | Lights flicker or dim due to electrical issues. |
| Dashboard Warnings | Persistent warnings indicating electrical system problems. |
| Faulty Wiring | Poor connections causing occasional power issues. |
| Component Failures | Premature failure of electrical parts. |
| Safety Concerns | Potential risks due to unreliable electrical system. |
Fixing these electrical problems quickly is crucial to keeping the vehicle functional and safe.
Transmission Problems
Transmission problems are a big worry for Cadillac ATS owners, often showing up as rough shifting, hesitation, or complete failure. These issues have been reported in different model years and can affect how well the car drives and its safety.
Key signs to look out for include:
- Rough Shifting: Sudden, jerky movements when changing gears.
- Hesitation: A delay when you try to speed up or slow down.
- Slipping Gears: The transmission unexpectedly switches between gears.
- Complete Failure: The transmission stops working entirely.
It’s important to address these problems quickly to avoid major damage and high repair costs. Regular maintenance and early diagnosis can help reduce the impact of transmission issues in your Cadillac ATS, ensuring a smoother and safer drive.
Issues With 2013 Models
The 2013 Cadillac ATS models are well-known for their recurring issues with motor mounts and air conditioning, making them hard to maintain and fix. These cars often have problems like the CUE touchscreen failing, usually around 38,000 miles. This issue not only makes it hard to use the car’s features but also requires expensive and frequent replacements.
Additionally, the over-engineered parts in the 2013 ATS make repairs more complex and costly. The combination of motor mount problems and air conditioning failures makes owning these cars frustrating. Because of these ongoing issues, it’s generally a good idea for potential buyers to avoid the 2013 Cadillac ATS to avoid high maintenance costs and frequent problems.
Problems in 2014 ATS
In the 2014 Cadillac ATS, you might run into common electrical problems and issues with the CUE touchscreen, usually around 38,000 miles. These problems often need expensive repairs and can affect the car’s reliability.
Fixing these issues early is important to keep the car running well and prevent more problems.
Common Electrical Faults
Owners of the 2014 Cadillac ATS often face serious problems with the car’s electrical system, especially with the CUE touchscreen system breaking down around 38,000 miles. These electrical issues can cause several headaches, including constant dashboard warnings and dim interior lights. Fixing these problems is crucial to keep the car running smoothly and ensure a good driving experience.
Here are common electrical issues in the 2014 ATS:
- CUE touchscreen system failures: The screen can stop working.
- Dashboard warnings: Frequent alerts might signal deeper electrical problems.
- Dim interior lights: Poor lighting can make it hard to see inside the car.
- General electrical problems: Various systems might fail, needing expert check-ups and repairs.
These problems show why it’s important to tackle electrical issues quickly.
CUE Touchscreen Failures
If you’re having problems with the CUE touchscreen in your 2014 Cadillac ATS, it can mess up important things like your music, GPS, and climate control. These issues usually pop up around 38,000 miles and can make the screen unresponsive or glitchy.
Many owners have complained about this, and fixing it often means getting the screen repaired or replaced. This problem can be really annoying and inconvenient, showing a clear issue with the car’s infotainment system for this model year.
It’s important to fix these problems quickly to keep everything working well and to have a good driving experience.
2015 ATS Concerns
Spotting the main issues in the Cadillac ATS models from 2013 to 2016 can help buyers steer clear of major mechanical and electronic headaches. Here are the top reliability concerns:
- Engine Mount Problems (2013): These can cause the engine to vibrate a lot and lead to pricey repairs.
- CUE Touchscreen Failures (2013-2014): The touchscreens often stop working around 38,000 miles, and fixing them isn’t cheap.
- Complicated Parts (2013): Some parts were too complex and prone to breaking, but they were simplified in later models.
- Air Conditioning Failures (2013): The AC system tends to fail often, making for an uncomfortable drive.
Best ATS Years to Buy
When choosing a Cadillac ATS, the 2017 and 2018 models are your best bet for reliability and performance. These years have high ratings because they fixed issues found in earlier models. Picking a 2017 or newer Cadillac ATS means you’ll avoid common problems and be more satisfied overall.
| Model Year | Reliability Rating | Performance Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | High | Noteworthy |
| 2018 | High | Improved |
| 2016 | Moderate | Limited |
Reliability of 2016 Models
Why think about the 2016 Cadillac ATS for its reliability? The 2016 models are better because they fixed a lot of the problems from earlier versions. Here are the main reasons:
- More Reliable: The 2016 models have fewer issues, and owners are happier with them.
- Better Features: New updates improved how the car runs and its overall quality.
- Quality Build: They used better materials and paid attention to details, making the car more reliable.
- Happy Owners: More owners are satisfied with the 2016 models, showing they’re dependable.
2017 ATS Highlights
The 2016 Cadillac ATS is notable for its cutting-edge tech features, powerful engine updates, and driver-focused improvements, making it a strong contender in the luxury sedan market.
The new 3.6L engine offers more power and better efficiency.
The faster Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system enhances connectivity, smoothly integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The ATS’s power steering system delivers precise handling, improving how it drives overall.
Plus, the frameless mirror and Siri push-to-talk from the 2014 model are still included for added convenience.
All these features help maintain the Cadillac ATS’s high resale value, making it a great choice for luxury car fans looking for a mix of performance, technology, and lasting appeal.
2018 ATS Improvements
Cadillac made a lot of upgrades to the ATS over the years, focusing on engine performance, technology, and user comfort. Here are some key improvements:
- Better Engines: In 2015, they introduced a better 2.0T engine, and in 2016, they added a 3.6L engine option, which made the car more powerful and efficient.
- Upgraded Technology: Faster Cadillac User Experience (CUE) systems were added in 2015 and 2016. They also included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2016.
- More Convenience: In 2014, they added a frameless mirror and Siri push-to-talk, making the car more user-friendly.
- New Look: In 2015, they updated the Cadillac badge to give the car a more modern look.
These changes helped make the Cadillac ATS known for its strong performance and advanced tech features.
Worst ATS Model Years
If you’re thinking about buying a Cadillac ATS, it’s best to avoid the 2013 to 2016 models. These years have more problems like motor mount failures, AC issues, and touchscreen glitches.
People often say these are the worst years for the ATS because they’ve a lot of reliability problems. Owners had to deal with frequent part failures, leading to expensive repairs and a less enjoyable driving experience.
Cadillac noticed these issues and made big improvements in the later models. Starting from 2017, they fixed many of the common problems. So, if you choose a model from after 2016, you’re likely to have a more reliable and enjoyable car.
This shows Cadillac’s effort to fix the early problems.
2.0T Engine Issues
When looking at the Cadillac ATS 2.0T engine, you’ll notice some serious reliability problems, especially with the turbocharger and pistons in models from 2013 to 2015.
These issues can lead to higher oil consumption and even engine failures, which hurt performance and lifespan.
It’s important to deal with these problems quickly through regular maintenance to avoid expensive repairs or needing to replace the engine entirely.
Turbocharger Reliability Problems
Owners of 2013-2015 Cadillac ATS models with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine often face reliability issues, including cracked pistons and turbocharger failures. These problems can seriously affect the car’s performance and lead to expensive repairs. Here are some key issues to watch out for:
- Turbocharger Failures: Turbochargers in these early models often wear out and break down prematurely.
- Oil Leaks: Bad seals can cause oil leaks, making turbocharger problems even worse.
- Intercooler Issues: Poor intercooler performance can make the engine overheat and work less efficiently.
- Boost Pressure Problems: Irregular boost pressure can cause the engine to behave erratically and lose power.
Avoiding these model years can save you from these 2.0T engine problems.
Engine Piston Cracking
Cracks in the pistons of the 2.0T engine in certain Cadillac ATS model years can cause serious engine damage and safety problems. If you have piston cracking, you might hear engine knocking, notice a loss of power, or see other performance issues. This problem is known in some Cadillac ATS models and needs quick attention.
Fixing piston cracking usually means taking the engine apart and having a skilled mechanic repair it. Regular check-ups and catching symptoms early can help avoid major damage. By staying alert, you can avoid expensive repairs and keep your car running safely. If you own one of these Cadillac ATS models, taking action early is key to keeping your engine reliable for the long run.
Electrical Faults in ATS
Early Cadillac ATS models, especially those from 2013 to 2016, are well-known for electrical issues that affect how well the car works and how reliable it is. These problems cover a range of parts, making it a hassle to own.
Common issues include:
- Infotainment System Failures: The radio and navigation systems often don’t work or only work sometimes.
- Dim Interior Lights: Owners often have problems with the interior lights, which affects how well you can see inside the car and how nice it looks.
- Dashboard Warnings: Frequent and incorrect warnings can pop up, distracting and worrying the driver.
- Climate Control Problems: The heating and cooling system may not work right, making it uncomfortable inside the car.
Fixing these electrical problems in the early Cadillac ATS models requires careful checks and repairs by skilled technicians to ensure the car runs well for a long time.
Transmission Problems
If you’re thinking about getting a Cadillac ATS, especially from the 2013-2016 models, it’s important to know that they often have transmission problems. You might experience rough shifting, and there’s also a chance the car could roll away unexpectedly.
These issues can make the car less reliable and more dangerous to drive. Being aware of these problems can help you make a better decision.
Rough Shifting Issues
If you own a Cadillac ATS from 2013 to 2016, you might notice rough shifting with the automatic transmission, which can make driving less comfortable and lead to expensive fixes. These problems often show up as jerky shifts and hesitation when changing gears.
To handle these issues, try the following:
- Regular Maintenance: Get your transmission fluid checked and changed regularly.
- Software Updates: Ensure your car’s transmission software is up to date.
- Professional Diagnosis: Have a certified mechanic look into the rough shifting.
- Warranty Coverage: See if your car’s transmission issues are covered under any current warranties.
Dealing with these problems quickly can help keep your Cadillac ATS running smoothly and reliably.
Rollaway Risk Insights
Some Cadillac ATS models have a serious rollaway risk because of transmission problems. These issues can cause the car to move unexpectedly, which is a big safety concern. In some model years, the automatic transmission might not work right, leading to rollaway risks. This means your car could roll away even when parked. It’s important to know which years are affected and what the problems are to keep your car safe.
| Model Year | Transmission Problem | Safety Concern |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Gear Slippage | Rollaway Risk |
| 2014 | Delayed Engagement | Rollaway Risk |
| 2015 | Unintended Shifts | Rollaway Risk |
| 2016 | Gear Lock Failure | Rollaway Risk |
| 2017 | Electronic Malfunction | Rollaway Risk |
Staying informed about these transmission issues can help you avoid rollaway risks.
Power Steering Loss
Losing power steering in a Cadillac ATS can make it much harder to steer and control the car, creating serious safety risks. Here are some key concerns:
- Hard Steering: It becomes tough to turn the wheel, making it hard to handle the car.
- Unusual Sounds: Strange noises when turning might mean a problem with the power steering pump or fluid.
- Unexpected Loss: Power steering can stop working suddenly, which can be surprising and dangerous.
- Fluid Leaks: Leaks can cause the steering to fail gradually or suddenly.
It’s crucial to address power steering problems right away. Common reasons include issues with the power steering pump, fluid leaks, or electrical problems. Always see a professional mechanic to find and fix these problems in your Cadillac ATS to keep it running safely.
ATS Buying Tips
If you’re thinking about getting a Cadillac ATS, aim for models from 2017 or later. These newer models have updates that make them more reliable and perform better.
Avoid the 2013 model year because it often has problems with motor mounts and air conditioning. The 2014 to 2016 models also have issues like touchscreen failures and overly complex parts, which can be a hassle even if they’ve had recalls or maintenance.
For extra peace of mind, look into Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) options, especially for older ATS models. CPO cars go through detailed inspections and usually come with extended warranties.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Cadillac Cts, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Srx. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
Conclusion
When looking at a Cadillac ATS, it’s best to avoid the 2013-2016 models. Owners have reported frequent and expensive problems, like motor mount failures and issues with the air conditioning.
These models can be a lot of trouble. For a better experience, go for the 2017 and later models, which are more reliable and offer a better driving experience.
