RoadVitals

2015 Cadillac ATS Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
29
Latest Jul 21, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Cadillac ATS, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering616.2%
  • Electrical616.2%
  • Powertrain (other)513.5%
  • Exterior lighting410.8%
  • Brakes38.1%
  • Fuel system38.1%
  • Airbags25.4%
  • Suspension25.4%
  • Tires & wheels25.4%
  • Driver assistance12.7%
  • Visibility12.7%
  • Other / unspecified12.7%
  • Engine12.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought my car from a dealership. Owned it for 2yrs 2mo. 107k miles First issue came up after 3-4 months. Faulty power steering. Took it to service at a dealership they said I would need my wire harness assembly replaced as well as a steering gear. Problem still persists. Also one of the mechanics there showed me that the previous owner glued harness connector components together which is why I started seeing issues that weren't there before. Now today three new warning/service lights: abs, brake warning and traction control lights. I think it is the battery but I haven't tested it. Someone online with the same issue said he had to replace the electronic brake control module. So this issue has not been diagnosed. As a result of the traction control malfunctioning suddenly I spun out on the highway in slippery conditions but did not collide with anything. Both issues are available for inspection. More information can be found on the quote in the attatchment.

NHTSA ID 11716084 · filed Feb 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact activated the parking brake, and the vehicle was able to stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the brake pedal assembly and the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed be being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V203000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ID 11498422 · filed Dec 21, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought my car from a dealership. Owned it for 2yrs 2mo. 107k miles First issue came up after 3-4 months. Faulty power steering. Took it to service at a dealership they said I would need my wire harness assembly replaced as well as a steering gear. Problem still persists. Also one of the mechanics there showed me that the previous owner glued harness connector components together which is why I started seeing issues that weren't there before. Now today three new warning/service lights: abs, brake warning and traction control lights. I think it is the battery but I haven't tested it. Someone online with the same issue said he had to replace the electronic brake control module. So this issue has not been diagnosed. As a result of the traction control malfunctioning suddenly I spun out on the highway in slippery conditions but did not collide with anything. Both issues are available for inspection. More information can be found on the quote in the attatchment.

NHTSA ID 11716084 · filed Feb 6, 2026

The CUE SYSTEM not totally working, and panel plastic is all spider web looking. I view this as a very bad problem( it won’t go to settings), no radio, can’t set the clock Not sure on all the problems as I can’t get to it to find out.

NHTSA ID 11594208 · filed Jun 13, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My rear differential completely stopped on the freeway, not moving and saying over 100 mph and my car was barely rolling I am extremely lucky that I did not get rear ended because I was very close to that happening, a few cars had swerved to not crash. Luckily I was able to push my car to the exit and get off of the freeway to wait for the flatbed to pick me up. It is available to be inspected it’s just parked until I can get it fixed, the part is $1800 and I have not been able to afford it. I had a mechanic come and look at it and I was told what part it is. There was absolutely no warning lights for this issue.

NHTSA ID 11519173 · filed Apr 26, 2023

At 38,000 miles, rear differential leak discovered. Dealership repaired leak. At 42,000 dear differential leak discovered. Prognosis: rear differential failure. Dealership replaced rear differential, shocks. Cost repairs paid by me (cadillac rejected paying repairs).

NHTSA ID 11418215 · filed May 23, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I received a warning message : Right low beam light failure. I took the car to the deal and was quoted a price of $900.00 to replace the light. This is a safety issue and should not cost that much to replace a light. Searching the web, that is an average price for this type of repair???

NHTSA ID 11549600 · filed Oct 12, 2023

The cue system screen has become unresponsive due to separation of the glue the system is pretty much the heart of the car everything electrical is controlled thre that screen along with the back up camera

NHTSA ID 11529854 · filed Jun 30, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle hesitated to respond as needed. The brake assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake sensors had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 132,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11584055 · filed Apr 19, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES BECAME INOPERABLE AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE ASSIST AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE BRAKES THREE WEEKS PRIOR HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT A RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT CALLED VALDOSTA CADILLAC LOCATED AT 3685 INNER PERIMETER RD, VALDOSTA, GA 31602, AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

NHTSA ID 11344289 · filed Aug 10, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Fuel and/or combustion problem leading to excessive emissions at unpredictable times. I mean so much smoke suddenly comes out that the driver behind can't see, and it seems the car may be on fire.

NHTSA ID 11733655 · filed Apr 24, 2026

The CUE SYSTEM not totally working, and panel plastic is all spider web looking. I view this as a very bad problem( it won’t go to settings), no radio, can’t set the clock Not sure on all the problems as I can’t get to it to find out.

NHTSA ID 11594208 · filed Jun 13, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V329000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID 11751834 · filed Jul 21, 2026

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID 11577647 · filed Mar 15, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

At 38,000 miles, rear differential leak discovered. Dealership repaired leak. At 42,000 dear differential leak discovered. Prognosis: rear differential failure. Dealership replaced rear differential, shocks. Cost repairs paid by me (cadillac rejected paying repairs).

NHTSA ID 11418215 · filed May 23, 2021

FIRST IN LINE WHILE STOPPED AT A LEFT-TURN LIGHT ON A CITY STREET. LIGHT TURNED GREEN, BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. MID-WAY THROUGH THE TURN, HEARD A "POP", LOST STEERING CONTROL, AND THE REAR END SPUN CAR INTO THE CURB. KEEP IN MIND THIS IS A 4-WHEEL-DRIVE CAR. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, THE NOSE OF THE CAR WAS RESTING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND WHEEL. THE RIGHT-REAR WHEEL WAS SCRATCHED AND ABRADED ALL AROUND BECAUSE IT WAS STILL SPINNING WHEN IT HIT THE CURB. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL HAS DAMAGE ONLY ON HALF OF IT BECAUSE IT STOPPED SPINNING WHEN THE NOSE DROPPED ONTO IT. LOOKING UNDER THE CAR I SAW THE FRONT-RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN MID-TURN. IN ADDITION TO FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION DAMAGE, VEHICLE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION. NO DAMAGE TO BODY FROM THE INCIDENT. GM HAD A REPRESENTATIVE INSPECT THE CAR AND PULL THE "BLACK BOX" DATA ON OCTOBER 8, 2015. MAXIMUM SPEED DURING THE INCIDENT WAS 38MPH. WERE ABLE TO JACK UP THE CAR. FRONT WHEEL HANGING LOOSE AND EASY TO MOVE BY HAND. STRUT/SHOCK/SPRINT TOWER ATTACHMENT BROKEN AT WHEEL HUB BEHIND BRAKE DISK. FRONT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE-AXEL BROKEN. ANTI-ROLL BAR LINKAGE BROKEN.

NHTSA ID 10780932 · filed Oct 8, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Fire Hawk A5V2, Tire Size: 225/45/R18, DOT Number: 17X4F9J46. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH in rain, the vehicle hydroplaned. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The tire failure mileage was approximately 1,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ID 11689082 · filed Sep 23, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ATS EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES, SIZE: 225/40/R18 (NA). ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP AND THE TIRES VIBRATED. SEVERAL MILES DOWN THE ROAD, THE AIR SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE SIDEWALLS ON BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE SPLIT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO USE THE RUN FLAT INNER TIRES TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FIRST TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LONG CADILLAC DEALER LOCATED IN SOUTHBOROUGH, MA WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11005867 · filed Jul 17, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The CUE SYSTEM not totally working, and panel plastic is all spider web looking. I view this as a very bad problem( it won’t go to settings), no radio, can’t set the clock Not sure on all the problems as I can’t get to it to find out.

NHTSA ID 11594208 · filed Jun 13, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

We have owned the 2015 ATS Cadillac since August 31, 2016 . The rear glass is blurry when looking back from the front seat. We replaced the rear view mirror thought that was the problem but didn’t correct. I checked on the windshield glass. I took these number off the rear glass. GM DOT-376 AS2 M2H3 Trans 70 o/o Min. E6 43R-008011 AGC Automotive 30 B A006450 Tempered GS.I have a picture showing the above Info. Taken from the rear glass…..

NHTSA ID 11671420 · filed Jul 6, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE CUE SCREEN CRACKING. I HAD THE SCREEN REPLACED IN 2017 AND NOW THE SCREEN IS CRACKED.*DT CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A LAWSUIT AGAINST GM FOR USING PLASTIC SCREENS FROM 2012 CADILLAC MODELS WHEN IT WAS MANUFACTURED. CURRENTLY CADILLAC IS CHARGING $1,000 TO $2,000 TO REPAIR THE SCREEN.*JB *TR

NHTSA ID 11326051 · filed May 26, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Fuel and/or combustion problem leading to excessive emissions at unpredictable times. I mean so much smoke suddenly comes out that the driver behind can't see, and it seems the car may be on fire.

NHTSA ID 11733655 · filed Apr 24, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .