NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 161 owner complaints for the 2013 Cadillac ATS. Most complaints involve engine (48) and power train (46). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the A/c was independently turned off due to engine overheating. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant, but the engine continued overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the stability track and engine warning lights illuminated and started flashing. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the same independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had misfired over 40,000 times. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.”
“NHTSA: 14V338 Date Issued: 2014-06-18 Transmission shifter cable detach from Transmission. Vehicle will not change gears. Contacted GM 10/22/26 9:52am est spoke with Terran, GM states no details of any repairs, shows inspected 07/15/2014, unable to assist with repairs due to outside of timeframe. My research shows no timeframe or milage limits for this specific recall. GM has done no repairs for this recall.”
“Vehicle would not steer lost power steering and loud noise. Had the vehicle towed to a mechanic. The mechanic informed me that the bolts for the electronic power steering had corroded causing the electronic steering motor to fall. He told me that it is a problem with these cars and gave me a reference number (N202301950) I called GM and they said it was not a recall it was a service bulletin which I never received and is now expired. The vehicle needs a whole new Electric Power Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly due to the faulty corroded GM Bolts not to mention that I could have died or someone else could have been killed due to losing the ability to steer the vehicle because of the faulty GM parts. GM said it is my responsibility to pay for repairs which is thousands of dollars again due to their faulty parts and no fault of my own also not normal wear and tear.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATS Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,400 | 344 |
| ATS Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,600 | 366 |
| ATS Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,700 | 389 |
| ATS AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,700 | 379 |
| ATS Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 408 |
| ATS Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 408 |
| ATS AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 426 |
| ATS AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 426 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 161 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (48), power train (46), electrical system (36). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Cadillac ATS at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Cadillac ATS 5 out of 5 stars overall.