2017 Cadillac Ats Safety Report

The 2017 Cadillac ATS presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to significant concerns surrounding its electric power steering (EPS) system and transmission. While NHTSA did not provide specific crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for this model year, the vehicle has been subject to two recalls, both related to the EPS system. These recalls, NHTSA Campaign Numbers 19V086000 and 19V086000 (listed twice with slightly different descriptions but same core issue), address the potential for a loss of power steering assist, which can significantly increase steering effort and the risk of a crash, especially at low speeds. This aligns with several consumer complaints, where owners reported intermittent or complete loss of power steering, sometimes at highway speeds, causing dangerous situations. Beyond the steering issues, the 2017 ATS has accumulated 30 total complaints with NHTSA, including 1 reported crash. The most frequently cited component in these complaints is STEERING, accounting for 9 reports, directly correlating with the recall. POWER TRAIN issues are the second most common, with 4 complaints, often describing transmission shuddering, hesitation, hard shifts, or complete failure, sometimes at low mileage (e.g., 'on its 2nd transmission and it’s already driving terrible I fear I may be left stranded next time this hap'). Other notable complaints include issues with the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system (cracking, freezing, unresponsiveness), which some owners describe as a safety hazard due to driver distraction and loss of critical vehicle information. Brake issues, including extended stopping distances and failure, were also reported. The overall safety picture is concerning due to the critical nature of the steering and transmission problems. The lack of NHTSA crash test ratings makes it difficult to assess passive safety performance, but the active safety concerns, particularly the documented EPS failures and widespread transmission complaints, suggest potential risks. The recalls for the EPS system are a positive step, but the number of complaints regarding this issue, even after recall notifications, indicates ongoing challenges with remedy availability or effectiveness. The transmission issues, while not subject to recall, are frequently reported and can severely impact vehicle control and reliability.

Our recommendation: Given the critical safety recalls for power steering and frequent reports of transmission and CUE system failures, potential buyers should proceed with extreme caution and ensure all recalls have been addressed, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the power steering and transmission is conducted by a trusted mechanic.