2018 Cadillac Ats Safety Report

The 2018 Cadillac ATS presents a mixed safety picture, with a relatively low number of NHTSA complaints but significant concerns highlighted by two recalls. With only 20 total complaints, including 1 crash, 1 injury, and no fires or deaths reported, the vehicle's direct incident history appears minimal. However, the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A) means its crashworthiness performance is not publicly assessed by this agency. The most frequent complaint categories are POWER TRAIN (5 complaints) and STEERING (3 complaints), which align with the nature of the recalls. Two critical recalls have been issued for the 2018 ATS. One addresses a potential failure of the electric power steering (EPS) assist, which can lead to increased steering effort and raise the risk of a crash. This directly correlates with multiple complaints describing sudden loss of power steering while driving. The second recall concerns the fuel system, specifically a damaged fuel line that could result in a fuel leak and increase the risk of fire. While only one complaint explicitly mentions a 'HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP' issue and another describes smelling gas and the car stalling due to a 'fuel pump came loose somehow and caused the fuel lines to break,' these incidents underscore the seriousness of the fuel system recall. Beyond the recalls, common complaint patterns include transmission shuddering and loss of power, with one complaint explicitly stating 'The transmission fluid is wrong fluid by manufacturer and driving at regular speed all of a sudden it starts shuddering and loses power.' Other recurring issues involve the CUE infotainment screen cracking internally and premature rear differential bearing damage. While the overall complaint volume is low, the nature of the recalls and the specific issues reported suggest that potential buyers should be aware of these known mechanical and electronic vulnerabilities.

Our recommendation: Given the critical safety recalls for steering and fuel systems, ensure all recall remedies have been completed before purchasing. Be aware of potential transmission issues and CUE screen problems, and factor in potential repair costs for these known vulnerabilities.