Cadillac ATS Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Cadillac ATS across 6 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (45). The words owners use most often: “rear differential” (13% of reports).
- 102power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 33%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rear differential: mentioned in 13 of 102 complaints (13%)
- Shift cable: mentioned in 9 of 102 complaints (9%)
- Gear shifter: mentioned in 8 of 102 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 61 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 102 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 4 an injury.
Cadillac ATS power train complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2013, 2014
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.
Risk: If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
In August 2026, at approximately 99,639 miles, my 2014 Cadillac ATS was taken to an authorized Cadillac dealership for service. During the inspection, the dealership discovered and diagnosed a leaking right rear axle shaft seal. I was not aware of the leak beforehand and did not receive a warning…
My 2014 Cadillac ATS experienced a transmission shift cable/linkage failure. After driving normally, I pulled into my garage and moved the shifter to Park. The physical shifter was in Park, but the instrument cluster continued to indicate Drive (D). The vehicle would not recognize Park, the shifter…
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V558000 Rear Defogger Coil Antenna Module may Overheat If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, not sure what is happening but car does seem to overheat off and on especially when radio is turned on
Transmission fluid temperature sensor in the 8 speed automatic 8L90 transmission from GM is a known issue. Causes vehicle to shift/jerk erratically especially in stop and go traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Cadillac ATSs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 102 owner complaints about power train for the Cadillac ATS. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Cadillac ATS power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Cadillac ATS?
The most frequent phrase is “rear differential”, in 13 of 102 complaints, followed by “shift cable” (9).
See all Cadillac ATS problems.