VehicleVerdict

2018 Cadillac ATS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2018 Cadillac ATS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

26

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other ATS years?

ATS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted255 complaints2013: 255 complaints2014: 141 complaints2015: 41 complaints2016: 45 complaints2017: 42 complaints2018: 26 complaints2019: 4 complaints
ATS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all ATS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Cadillac ATS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission623%
Electrical System312%
Other312%
Airbags312%
Steering312%
Fuel System28%
Lighting28%
Tires & Wheels14%
Engine14%
Body & Structure14%
Suspension14%

Does the 2018 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.

18V358000Fuel SystemMay 31, 2018 · 895 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2018 cadillac ats (most of the cadillac vehicles reported same issue). The transmission fluid is wrong fluid by manufacturer and driving at regular speed all of a sudden it starts shuddering and loses power or slows down at freeway speeds or any local roads. took the car for inspection to a local…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 23, 2023

“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,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 30, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while the front passenger’s side seat was occupied, the air bag (SRS) restraint system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the presence module needed to be replaced. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 1, 2023

“Hi, the cue screen is cracked which makes it no longer handsfree. It cracked in July of 2023 and it's a 2018, purchased in October 2017, the dealer will not fix it, I don't have $1500 to replace it with a one year warranty and it could happen again. I am not eligible for the class action suit which…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 5, 2023

“The power steering will randomly stop working while driving! We have had it in the shop 3 times and they can't find anything! We have replaced alternator, battery and it still isn't fixed! I seen u had a recall on the 16, 17, and some 18s for this issue! We have always bought GMs and are very…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 18, 2024

2018 Cadillac ATS — common questions

Is the 2018 Cadillac ATS reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 ATS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), airbags (3 complaints), steering (3 complaints).

Does the 2018 Cadillac ATS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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 2018 Cadillac ATS?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 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.