VehicleVerdict

2017 Cadillac ATS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Cadillac ATS sits mid-pack among ATS years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

42

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other ATS years?

ATS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted255 complaints2013: 255 complaints2014: 141 complaints2015: 41 complaints2016: 45 complaints2017: 42 complaints2018: 26 complaints2019: 4 complaints
ATS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all ATS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Cadillac ATS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1229%
Electrical System717%
Other614%
Transmission512%
Engine37%
Airbags25%
Brakes25%
Lighting12%
Body & Structure12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Driver Assistance12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2017 Cadillac ATS have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V175000SteeringMarch 20, 2025 · 934 units

Defect

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.

19V086000SteeringFebruary 7, 2019 · 26,772 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.

Consequence

Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I HAVE A 2017 CADILLAC ATS AND THE PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING HAS STILL NOT BEEN RESOLVED THIS IS A CRITICAL ISSUE WITH DRIVING AS A 69 YEAR OLD I NOW HAVE BECOME HESITANT TO DRIVE THE CAR NOT ONLY FOR MY SAFETY BUT OTHERS IF THE STEERING FAILS AND I CAUSE AN ACCIDENT I BELIEVE GM NEEDS TO BUY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 25, 2019

“THE CUE ON MY CADILLAC 2018 ATS JUST STOP WORKING , I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT MILLIONS ,OF CADILLAC OWNERS CUE HAS STOPPED WORKING. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES, I GOT IT NEW IN 2018 JUNE. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS PROBLEM. MY NAME IS[XXX] ,EMAIL ADDRESS [XXX] PHONE [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2020

“My headlight bulbs have been replaced and checked 2x by the used auto superstore which I will not name at this time ! and by the manufacturer (dealer) but once it’s dark out and the automatic brights come on and either both or one side goes completely out only to come back on sometimes or not at…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 7, 2022

“AT MAJOR INTERSECTION WAS AT A STOP RED LIGHT. BEGAN ACCELERATING VEHICLE STALLED AND THE LIGHT ENGINE TURNED ON, TRANSMISSION STUCK AT FIRST GEAR AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 20MPH. THIS HAPPENED AS I TRIED PASSING A VEHICLE IN FRONT TO LATER MAKE A TURN. THE CAR HAS HAD THIS ISSUE SEVERAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 8, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (LES STANFORD CHEVROLET, 21711 MICHIGAN AVE, DEARBORN, MI 48124). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE RESULTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 21, 2018

2017 Cadillac ATS — common questions

Is the 2017 Cadillac ATS reliable?

It is close to typical for the ATS: 42 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 ATS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (12 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), other (6 complaints).

Does the 2017 Cadillac ATS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Cadillac ATS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac ATS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the ATS years to avoid are 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among ATS years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2017 Cadillac ATS?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Cadillac ATS earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.