Research · Compact Cars

2018 Cadillac ATSRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2018 Cadillac ATS. Most complaints involve power train (7) and electrical system (3). The EPA rates it 22–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
22–25mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Mar 2025
Owner complaints
22
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Steering: electric power assist system

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Mar 20, 2025NHTSA 25V175000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported May 31, 2018NHTSA 18V358000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2018 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train7
  2. Electrical system3
  3. Steering3
  4. Fuel/propulsion system2
  5. Air bags2
  6. Exterior lighting2
  7. Structure1
  8. Suspension1
  9. Tires1

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2013161
2014104
201530
201635
201733
201822
20192
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

7 reports
“The vehicle has suffered a severe mechanical failure of the rear differential assembly, rendering it completely undrivable. This mechanical failure is a direct result of a known manufacturer defect documented in General Motors Technical Service Bulletin PIP5898/PIP5898B, regarding misoriented factory side bearing retaining snap rings that block internal oil ports, leading to fluid leaks, severe fluid starvation, and eventual component seizure. The component failure poses an extreme safety hazard to myself and other motorist. When a rear differential suffers catastrophic failure, this is known to cause the rear wheels and tires to lock up completely while driving leading to immediate loss of vehicle control, skidding, and high risk of high speed rear-end or rollover crash. General Motors has acknowledged this defect internally via technical bulletins but has failed to issue a safety recall to protect consumers from the catastrophic locking risk. I am filing this complaint to request that NHTSA open a formal defect investigation into the 2018 Cadillac ATS rear axle assembly.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026Power trainODI 11769806

Electrical system

3 reports
“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 was not available. The contact had contacted approximately 6 dealers, who confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,527.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 22, 2025Electrical systemODI 11706515

Steering

3 reports
“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 and CTS vehicles, but mine was not included in the recall, despite having the same issue. Took it to the dealer for diagnostic and they ended up having to replace the control module for the power steering which cost me around $2000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2025SteeringODI 11671972
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S8) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline · Regular 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 Nov 11, 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
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
223125$3,100348
ATS AWD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
223025$3,100358
ATS
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
203024$2,600376
ATS
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202923$3,350388
ATS AWD
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
192722$2,850398
  • ATS
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 31 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • ATS AWD
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 30 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • ATS
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    20 city · 30 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • ATS
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,350/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • ATS AWD
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
10.1%
Overall
5 / 5
Cadillac ATS 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
10.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 12229Vehicle 12228Vehicle 12227
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

2018 ATS questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac ATS have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 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.

What are the most common 2018 Cadillac ATS problems?

Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (7), electrical system (3), steering (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Cadillac ATS get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Cadillac ATS at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

How safe is the 2018 Cadillac ATS?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Cadillac ATS 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026