2018 Cadillac Ats Safety Report
2018 Cadillac ATS Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Cadillac Ats
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 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 | Low (20) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | 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 | 2016 | Check the 2016 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Cadillac Ats | 2 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Cadillac Ats | 30 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Cadillac Ats | 32 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Cadillac Ats | 27 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Cadillac Ats Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 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
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Cadillac onlySteering
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Cadillac onlyElectrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Cadillac onlyAir Bags
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Cadillac onlyExterior Lighting
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Cadillac onlyFuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Cadillac onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Cadillac Ats
Reliability Score
The 2018 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 2018 Cadillac Ats
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Cadillac Ats:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Pump General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac ATS models due to potential fuel pump issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bags A reported issue where the front passenger's side air bag did not deploy during an accident. |
High | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Transmission Shudder Transmission shudders noticed between 42 to 48 mph, indicating potential transmission issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Check Engine Light Multiple reports of the check engine light being illuminated, indicating potential electrical system issues. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Cadillac Ats:
23% of reported issues involve steering problems.
15% of reported issues involve electrical system problems.
8% of reported issues involve air bag deployment issues.
10% of reported issues involve transmission problems.
Recall Details for the 2018 Cadillac Ats
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Cadillac Ats by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Cadillac Ats
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Cadillac Ats with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 wa...
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 di...
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...
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!
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 ha...
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.
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 ...
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 ill...
Unexpected shutter of vehicle, loss of power, unpredictable forward motion, erratic movement, delayed acceleration.
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 as...
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 w...
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 ...
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 ...
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.
Vehicle was involved in a accident all front damage and airbags didn’t deploy
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. Firs...
NO POWER STEERING CLUSTER WARNING SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE
THE SCREEN IS STARTING TO SPIDER CRACK UNDERNEATH THE GLASS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP
WOULD THE DEPT. OF TRANSPORATION BE SO NICE TO TEST VEHICLE LIGHTS AND REMOVE SOME FROM THE ROAD AS THEY ARE CAUSING A LOT OF DEATHS. IF THERE IS SOMETHING BETWEEN A DRIVER & THEM THEY CANNOT BE SEEN. THE WORSE ONE I SEE IS THE NEW CADILLAC WITH 4 OF THE DANGEROUS LIGHTS. THANKS!
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Cadillac Ats
Has the 2018 CADILLAC ATS been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 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 2018 CADILLAC ATS have?
The 2018 CADILLAC ATS has 20 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 CADILLAC ATS?
The 2018 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 2018 CADILLAC ATS?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 CADILLAC ATS involve power train (5 complaints), steering (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints). Other affected components include air bags, exterior lighting, fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2018 CADILLAC ATS have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2018 CADILLAC ATS out of 20 total complaints (5.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 CADILLAC ATS have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 CADILLAC ATS in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 CADILLAC ATS?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CADILLAC ATS.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 CADILLAC ATS?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CADILLAC ATS. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 CADILLAC ATS?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 CADILLAC ATS is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 20 complaints, 2 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 CADILLAC ATS?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 CADILLAC ATS are: 1. POWER TRAIN (5 complaints), 2. STEERING (3 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS (2 complaints), 5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 5 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 CADILLAC ATS?
Be cautious of steering and electrical system issues, as they have been reported multiple times. Consider a thorough inspection before purchasing. The 2018 CADILLAC ATS has 20 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 CADILLAC ATS?
The 2018 CADILLAC ATS receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 20 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel Pump and Air Bags.
What are the known issues with the 2018 CADILLAC ATS?
Known issues with the 2018 CADILLAC ATS include: Fuel Pump, Air Bags, Transmission Shudder, Check Engine Light. These are based on patterns found across 20 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Cadillac ATS?
Steering and electrical system issues are the most common, with reports of power steering cutouts and check engine lights.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Cadillac ATS?
Yes, there are recalls for fuel pump and transmission fluid issues.
What should I do if I notice the check engine light is on?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional to identify and address any underlying issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering and electrical system issues, as they have been reported multiple times. Consider a thorough inspection before purchasing.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Cadillac Ats
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Cadillac Ats. The data includes 20 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 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