Research · Compact Cars

2016 Cadillac ATS-VRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 31 owner complaints for the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V. Most complaints involve power train (9) and electrical system (6). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
31
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

31 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2017 – Jan 2025
  1. Power train9
  2. Electrical system6
  3. Air bags4
  4. Engine4
  5. Steering3
  6. Wheels3
  7. Visibility/wiper2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Vehicle speed control2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each ATS-V model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201631
20171
20191
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

9 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 3, 2025Power trainODI 11633794

Electrical system

6 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 5, 2024Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11575697

Air bags

4 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 24, 2025Air bagsODI 11638325
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
ATS-V
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
162419$4,200472
ATS-V
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
172319$4,200465
  • ATS-V
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo
    16 city · 24 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • ATS-V
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo
    17 city · 23 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 10289
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 ATS-V questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.

What are the most common 2016 Cadillac ATS-V problems?

Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (9), electrical system (6), air bags (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026