Cadillac ATS Complaints (2018)

22 consumer complaints on file.

#11769806October 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has suffered a severe mechanical failure of the rear differential assembly, rendering it completely undrivable. This mechanical failure is a direct result of a known manufacturer defect documented in General Motors Technical Service Bulletin PIP5898/PIP5898B, regarding misoriented factory side bearing retaining snap rings that block internal oil ports, leading to fluid leaks, severe fluid starvation, and eventual component seizure. The component failure poses an extreme safety hazard to myself and other motorist. When a rear differential suffers catastrophic failure, this is known to cause the rear wheels and tires to lock up completely while driving leading to immediate loss of vehicle control, skidding, and high risk of high speed rear-end or rollover crash. General Motors has acknowledged this defect internally via technical bulletins but has failed to issue a safety recall to protect consumers from the catastrophic locking risk. I am filing this complaint to request that NHTSA open a formal defect investigation into the 2018 Cadillac ATS rear axle assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737210May 12, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Both side mirrors failed. Internal components corroded, one almost fell off when driving, the other later became completely detached. Failed parts that could have caused a major safety issue if they were to fail during operation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706515December 22, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the F-module, Part Number: 86815664, used to control the engine Auto START/STOP, needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted for the part and informed the contact that the part was not available. The contact had contacted approximately 6 dealers, who confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,527.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672691July 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Rear differential. This part will be available after removal. This put me at risk of potentially locking up while driving. According to the dealership, Faulkner Cadillac, "found rear differential bearings damaged, causing noise in the rear end. The Rear Differential will need replaced." There were no warning lights, but there was noise - a new, not normal noise I noticed two weeks prior to the diagnostic procedure by the dealership service department. This is the second rear differential failure. The service writer said there was no sign of leakage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671972July 8, 2025
STEERING
My vehicle recently started experiencing an issue where the power steering would randomly cut out while I was driving. If I pulled over and shut the car off and then turned it back on the power steering would come back. But sometimes I would have to do this multiple times in a single drive just to keep the power steering on. I know that there is already a recall for this for some 2018 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles, but mine was not included in the recall, despite having the same issue. Took it to the dealer for diagnostic and they ended up having to replace the control module for the power steering which cost me around $2000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637598January 22, 2025
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
The power steering will randomly stop working while driving! We have had it in the shop 3 times and they can't find anything! We have replaced alternator, battery and it still isn't fixed! I seen u had a recall on the 16, 17, and some 18s for this issue! We have always bought GMs and are very disappointed! Could u please! Fix this issue on our car! Our car must have been over looked on this issue!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596850June 26, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car was parked outside at around 85 degrees. After entering the vehicle and driving with the AC on for a few minutes the CUE screen started to crack on the inside like a spider web. This has already been reported in 11576315 and 11325962. But I can't find any manufacturer communication on these. On the Internet I found that there is a class action lawsuit but only up to the year 2017 and it has already been settled privately. Since the vehicle is out of warranty there is no effort from GM to pay for the replacement. Since the CUE screen is essential for the vehicle operations, i.e. settings, navigation etc. it's a safety issue. On the Internet there are crowds of people complaining about the same issue. GM should react and offer replacement. Especially a replacement where the issue is fixed, otherwise the replacement will crack again after some years. Thanks and BR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592545June 5, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving started to smell gas. On same day, car stalled at an intersection in a downtown area. I could not start car. Had to push car in busy traffic to a safe place and called a tow truck. Auto shop I took to said the fuel pump came loose somehow and caused the fuel lines to break causing the fuel leak. Had lines repaired. Fuel pump was not replaced and is working.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11576315March 8, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hi, the cue screen is cracked which makes it no longer handsfree. It cracked in July of 2023 and it's a 2018, purchased in October 2017, the dealer will not fix it, I don't have $1500 to replace it with a one year warranty and it could happen again. I am not eligible for the class action suit which stopped with cars up to 2017. Please advise since this is an extreme hazard since the screen cracks and if driving using navigation it can cause an accident !
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11557178November 28, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal growling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact looked underneath the vehicle, checked the tires, and checked the inside of the vehicle but found no failure. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and heard an abnormal winding or rubber sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528735June 25, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Unexpected shutter of vehicle, loss of power, unpredictable forward motion, erratic movement, delayed acceleration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528452June 23, 2023
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while the front passenger’s side seat was occupied, the air bag (SRS) restraint system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the presence module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515451April 4, 2023
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and axles, gaskets, and seals were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the dealer stated that the rear-end needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 59,800.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11509195February 26, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
5am, 2/9/23, it's dark and I'm driving 90 minutes to Portland Airport. ~10 cars that came up behind with what seemed to me to have their bright lights on high beam. Approximately 7 vehicles of these were: ALL Ford F-150 (newish) pickups. Bright lights shining in rear view mirrors is a visibility hazard at night. It seems very unusual that 3/4 of the "high beam" vehicles behind me, were Ford F-150 pickups. (the others were: 1 that did have high beams, 1 with after-market blue lights that were extra bright, one with incorrectly adjusted head light angle).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504832February 1, 2023
POWER TRAIN
2018 cadillac ats (most of the cadillac vehicles reported same issue). The transmission fluid is wrong fluid by manufacturer and driving at regular speed all of a sudden it starts shuddering and loses power or slows down at freeway speeds or any local roads. took the car for inspection to a local dealer and they said it is the transmission fluid which has to be upgraded and charged me hundreds of dollars. But how it is not recalled by GM since they sold the cars with wrong transmission fluid which is causing these issues?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11467229June 2, 2022
POWER TRAIN
Transmission shudder noticed between 42 to 48 mph. It appears the transmission is shaking, it seems to be continually shifting between gears in the 42 to 48 mph range.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456480March 13, 2022
AIR BAGS
Vehicle was involved in a accident all front damage and airbags didn’t deploy
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11440887November 18, 2021
TIRES, TIRES:SIDEWALL
This is the 3rd tire now that I am going to have to replace. PEPE Cadillac replaced the 1st one on 4/21/20 and another one on 6/30/21 and now another one any day. It seems like the tires start bulging off the rim and as per the dealership they are unsafe to drive and need to be replaced. It cost me $276.51 and $274.49 respectively and whatever its going to cost now to replace the 3rd one. First one failed at 10,856 miles, Second one failed at 16,244 miles and now the 3rd one at 19,967 miles. I am attaching the dealership invoices and photo for y our review. Also, as per the dealership employee GM is aware of this problem but is not doing anything.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11343094August 3, 2020
STEERING
NO POWER STEERING CLUSTER WARNING SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11325962May 26, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EQUIPMENT
THE SCREEN IS STARTING TO SPIDER CRACK UNDERNEATH THE GLASS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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