Free Preview
#BS-2016-CADATS-45652016 Cadillac AtsProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 45 owners and 3 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Proceed with Caution
Based on 45 complaints, 4 crashes, 0 fires, and 3 recalls.
Top reported problems
transmission shaking
6 complaints • Severity 8.3/10
auto stop switch sticks
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
auto switch on window faulty
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
cant open center console
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
system communication error
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
10 owners reported drivetrain issues — failures commonly reported around 24K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (12 reports) • Median: 24K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Drivetrain (10 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2016 Cadillac Ats: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 22% of all reports filed for the 2016 Cadillac Ats, with 10 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 24,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 24K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2016 Cadillac Ats, with 6 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Airbags Issues
Airbags complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2016 Cadillac Ats, with 5 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to airbags-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Wheels & Tires Issues
Wheels & Tires complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2016 Cadillac Ats, with 5 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to wheels & tires-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2016 Cadillac Ats. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (3 recalls)
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience the roof panel closing automatically when the non-recessed switches are pressed and the roof panel is open. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous operation.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2016 Cadillac Ats NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
The worst model year for the Cadillac Ats is the 2015 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is accessories - interior.
2016 Cadillac Ats vs. Class Average (Compact Cars)
This vehicle
45
Class avg
77
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical compact cars vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 45 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 3 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 21, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
2016 Cadillac Ats: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Cadillac Ats?
Is the 2016 Cadillac Ats reliable?
How safe is the 2016 Cadillac Ats?
How much does it cost to fix 2016 Cadillac Ats problems?
Does the 2016 Cadillac Ats have any recalls?
What mileage do Cadillac Ats problems start?
When was the 2016 Cadillac Ats data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2016 Cadillac Ats Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 45 owner reports. Know before you buy.