2016 Cadillac Ats Safety Report
2016 Cadillac ATS Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Cadillac Ats
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Cadillac Ats. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (32) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Cadillac Ats with 2 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Cadillac Ats before buying across this generation. |
Cadillac Ats Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Cadillac Ats years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Cadillac Ats | 30 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Cadillac Ats | 27 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Cadillac Ats | 20 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Cadillac Ats | 2 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Cadillac Ats Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Cadillac Ats, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Cadillac onlyAir Bags
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Cadillac onlySteering
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Cadillac onlyPower Train,Electrical System,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System,Engine issues Cadillac onlyVisibility/Wiper
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Cadillac onlyElectrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Cadillac onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Cadillac Ats
Reliability Score
The 2016 Cadillac Ats receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2016 Cadillac Ats
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Cadillac Ats:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train Issues The power train has experienced issues leading to vibrations and instability, affecting driving safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Malfunction Passenger air bags may not deploy correctly, posing a safety risk. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Faults Electrical system issues have been reported, including shuddering and vibrations at higher speeds. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Defective Glass The back glass shattered due to heat from defroster lines, though this is less common. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Cadillac Ats:
Issues with the power train have been reported, causing vibrations and instability.
Electrical system faults have been reported, leading to shuddering and vibrations.
Passenger air bags may not deploy correctly, posing a safety risk.
Back glass has shattered due to heat from defroster lines.
Recall Details for the 2016 Cadillac Ats
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Cadillac Ats by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 number for this recall is 15299.
Summary: 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, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
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. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Cadillac Ats
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Cadillac Ats with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 4 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 manufacturi...
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.
I’ve only had this vehicle for about 2 years now. I purchased it off of Carvana and had 30 days I could’ve returned the vehicle if there was issues. When I first got it, I noticed the vehicles gas pedal would shutter a tad while going up a hill or at a higher speed like on the highway. It would also jolt a little while taking off but when I took it to the dealership they were saying everything is ...
The contact owned a 2016 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH and entering the expressway, she engaged the turn signal and verified that the road was cleared. The contact stated that while she was making the turn, an 18-wheeler truck suddenly hit the vehicle, causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was hit three times and spun onto...
Transmission drags. When stopping the car jerks bad and sometimes proceeds to accelerate. When at a stop auto start has a hard jerk I reported this problem to Cadillac dealership when I first got the car. They claim they couldn't find an issue. The touch pad goes out frequently.
Reporting a case for GM recall N182161890. I bought my vehicle in 2022. I was informed that my car had all the recalls completed on that vehicle. My vehicle had exactly what this recall was for happen to it on 10/20/23. After contacting Cadillac, they informed me that this recall was never completed on my vehicle. Cadillac then told me that this recall was expired so it can no longer be completed....
My back glass on my 2016 Cadillac ATS shattered on 3-10-2023. It looks like it got hot from the defroster lines as it shattered every inch of the back glass and separated from the seals. I contacted Cadillac and they started Case #9-9552142107. I had the car inspected at my dealership on 3-11-23. They filled out the report on this case number to support the findings of a current recall already in ...
CUE screen cracked and is unresponsive and now handsfree safety options don't work.
When driving, I accidentaley hit a curb on the front left rim and the side air bags deployed. There was no damage to vehicle other than hitting the rim. I want to know if there is a recall on this or if there has been any other incidents of this kind. The only deployed air bags were the side ones by the windows The front air bags did not deploy. I need answers to why the car deplyed air bags when ...
THE GAS FUEL TANK CONTINUOUSLY STOPS EVERY TIME YOU ARE PUMPING GAS. SO IT TAKES VERY LONG TO FILL UP THE TANK. MY CENTER ELECTRICAL SCREEN FOR THE RADIO, BLUETOOTH, ETC DOESN'T WORK. I PAID EXTRA FOR THE FEATURE AND IT DOESN'T WORK.
DROVE MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE BRAKES FAILED. I APPLIED ALL OF MY FORCE TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN LESS THAN 14 MONTHS. HAD IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME. IT HAD NO BRAKE ASSIST AND A CRACKED PCV VALVE. THE VACUUM PUMP AND HOSE TO BOOSTER WAS REPLACED. 14 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN.
WHILE ARRIVING AT STOP LIGHTS THE CADDILLAC ROUGHLY SHIFTS DOWN JOLTING THE WHOLE VEHICLE. AROUND 1500 RPMS WHETHER ITS SITTING OR JUST PASSING 1500 RPMS THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND VIBRATES AGGRESIVELY UNTIL AROUND 2000 RPM. RPMS JUMP UP AND DOWN BETWEEN 1000 AND 3000 RPMS
THE VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING. IT HAS HAPPENED AND RETURNED BUT IT GONE OUT TOTALLY NOW AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE PART OF THE CADILLAC POWER STEERING RECALL, BUT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED AS VEHICLE THAT IS AFFECTED.
THE RADIO SCREEN IS CRACKING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE SCREEN I'M GETTING A SPIDERWEB EFFECT THAT IS NOT ALLOWING ME TO SEE THE SCREEN. CAN'T SEE THE SPEED OF MY AC FAN BECASUE I CAN'T SEE THE SCREEN, CAN'T CHANGE TO BLUETOOTH BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE THE SCREEN, CAN'T USE MY NAVIGATION SYSTEM THAT I PAID EXTRA FOR BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE THE SCREEN DUE TO THE SPIDERWEB EFFECT. THIS IS A DEFECT AS I HAVE USED...
REAR VIEW MIRROR IS VERY FOGGY. I BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS ALREADY LIKE THAT.
THERE WAS A SHUDDER TO THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION AND IT LURCHES FORWARD LIKE IT SKIPS GEARS WHEN GOING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE AND OFTEN FROM INCREASE SPEED
WHEN OPERATING MY VEHICLE INTO DRIVE MANY TIMES WHEN TURNING THE FRONT WHEELS THE CAR LOOSE IT POWER AND STALLS. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING VEHICLE INTO OTHER CROSS SECTIONS OR SMIPLY TURNING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENHIS. THIS INCIDENT OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY OR MOVING FORWARD SLOWLY. I WAS MOVING FORWARD OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND INTO ON GOING TRAFFIC. LUCKLY...
AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 25 AND 35 MPH THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THE ENTIRE CAR IS VIBRATING. ENGINE RPM IS BETWEEN 1000 AND 1500. RESPONSE IS UNPREDICTABLE. THE CAR MAY SPEED UP OR ATTEMPT TO STALL. VERY DANGEROUS ENTERING HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC SITUATIONS OR ACCELERATING IN LOCAL TRAFFIC.
WE BOUGHT A USED 2016 ATS WITH 14,000 MILES. WITHIN 2 YEARS, WE HAVE HAD 4 CRACKED CADILLAC WHEELS. WE ALSO HAVE RUN FLAT TIRES, FACTORY INSTALLED. DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, POT HOLES AND SEAMS IN ASPHALT SEEM TO BE WHAT CAUSED OF CRACKED RIMS. I SUSPECTED A DEFECTIVE ISSUE AFTER 2ND CRACKED WHEEL. I ASKED AT LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT A RECALL AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T SEE ONE. I SEE A NUMBER ...
Showing 20 of 32 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Cadillac Ats
Has the 2016 CADILLAC ATS been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 CADILLAC ATS has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 CADILLAC ATS have?
The 2016 CADILLAC ATS has 32 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 5 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS?
The 2016 CADILLAC ATS does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 CADILLAC ATS?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 CADILLAC ATS involve power train (6 complaints), air bags (4 complaints), steering (3 complaints). Other affected components include power train,electrical system,engine, visibility/wiper, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2016 CADILLAC ATS have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2016 CADILLAC ATS out of 32 total complaints (9.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 CADILLAC ATS have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS out of 32 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS?
5 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 CADILLAC ATS. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 CADILLAC ATS?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 CADILLAC ATS is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 32 complaints, 2 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 CADILLAC ATS?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 CADILLAC ATS are: 1. POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (4 complaints), 3. STEERING (3 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (2 complaints), 5. VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 CADILLAC ATS?
Be cautious of power train and electrical system issues, and ensure all recalls are addressed before purchase. The 2016 CADILLAC ATS has 32 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2016 CADILLAC ATS?
The 2016 CADILLAC ATS receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 32 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Power Train Issues and Air Bag Malfunction.
What are the known issues with the 2016 CADILLAC ATS?
Known issues with the 2016 CADILLAC ATS include: Power Train Issues, Air Bag Malfunction, Electrical System Faults, Defective Glass. These are based on patterns found across 32 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Cadillac ATS?
Common issues include power train vibrations, electrical system faults, and air bag malfunctions.
Can the back glass shatter in the 2016 Cadillac ATS?
Yes, the back glass can shatter due to heat from the defroster lines.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Cadillac ATS?
Yes, there are recalls related to visibility and air bag systems.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of power train and electrical system issues, and ensure all recalls are addressed before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Cadillac Ats
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Cadillac Ats. The data includes 32 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13