The 2018 Cadillac ATS is associated with 21 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Powertrain, accounting for 5 reports (24% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 7 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2l 4-cyl and 3.6l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 19 to 25 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 21 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Powertrain (5 / 24%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 1 crash / 0 fire / 1 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 19–25 MPG (7 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| ATS | 2L 4-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 MPG | 31 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $3,050 / yr |
| ATS | 3.6L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 MPG | 30 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| ATS | 2L 4-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 20 MPG | 29 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $3,300 / yr |
| ATS-V | 3.6L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 17 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,800 / yr |
| ATS-V | 3.6L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 16 MPG | 23 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $4,000 / yr |
| ATS AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 MPG | 30 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $3,050 / yr |
| ATS AWD | 3.6L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 MPG | 27 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 2DR AWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | — |
| 4 DR AWD | | | | | 10.100000000000001% |
| 2DR RWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | — |
| 4 DR RWD | | | | | 10.100000000000001% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Cadillac ATS models.
View complete 2018 Cadillac ATS crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2018 Cadillac ATS problems & component breakdown (12 categories) →
Affected Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2018 Cadillac ATS recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →