10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,215 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Cadillac ATS engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Cadillac ATS Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #45

Nov 152020

ATS

  • 52,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light or while slowing to approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine and driver-€™s assist warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the motive power was reduced and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the power steering failed to function as needed. The contact arrived at her destination and after restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

- Marina Del Rey, CA, USA

problem #44

Mar 312020

ATS 4-cyl

  • 103,200 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated that the vehicle had a faulty catalytic converter. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was informed of failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was outside of the warranty period. The failure mileage was approximately 103,200.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #43

Jul 142020

ATS 4-cyl

  • 103,900 miles
When I was driving on the highway my car started to move like it was going to quit on me, I get my car serviced frequently and have replaced the sparkplugs and coil, changed all the gaskets, and I almost got into an accident because the stabilititrack light came on and car did not want to work as it should. This is the second time this has happened.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #42

Jun 222020

ATS 4-cyl

  • 47,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Timing cover is leaking oil from the gasket which is a very common problem according to other 2013 Ats 2.0 owners. And when it leaks a massive amount of oil like it does the engine can seize up on the highway could and can result in an accident. The car only has 47,000 miles.

- Seelyville, IN, USA

problem #41

Jun 082020

ATS 4-cyl

  • miles
I"M really upset my car when I got it had 92,000 miles first week I got it start to shutter then stall while at stop and shut off or driving on the freeway then just stall and loose pier and shut off very unsafe and I feel scared to drive this car I took it to so many shop and they all can?T find the issue on why it stalling and shutting off told Cadillac dealer they said it needed update guess what did update and guess what still happening I've done all required maintenance change spark plugs keep up on oil. Change and etc still stalling while driving and at complete stop it not safe car to drive it just stalls and turn off took it to Cadillac still nothing now it back in shop for the 14 time with Cadillac gilbert AZ to see if they can find the issue and the fix I think this is GM Cadillac issue with the computer that causing my car go into some type safe mode and make the car stall and shutter then turn off but when it on highway it drives fine then stalls. I"M for sure this is mechanical issue that has to do with something Cadillac did and they need be responsible with this issue everyone tells me go dealer because the check engine like codes they don't recognize only Cadillac well Cadillac makes no since I think my computer system is making the car go into some type safe mode and shut off I've seen many complaints about this and it crazy and unsafe I've reported this to highway safety board and better business bureau and other places this doesn't make since you guys need provide solution for this issue.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #40

Jan 012020

ATS

  • 70,000 miles
Car won't drive past 40mph without serious shaking and vibrations. Have had the car towed multiple times and had multiple things fixed with the vehicle but still have major can't drive the car past 40mph. Last estimate dealer said it was the transmission. 4-5K to repair. Cadillac told me it was the coil rods which they replaced. Brought it back and I was told it was a pipe that was cracked going to the engine. Still have same problem. Had the tires and alignment checked. They said it was transmission. Brought to another place they thought it might be the engine. Issue are on the highway with speeds over 40mph.

- Jupiter, FL, USA

problem #39

Oct 042019

ATS

  • 66,400 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac Ats. When the vehicle came to a complete stop, it seized without warning. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but it failed to start. The contact had to wait approximately thirty minutes for the vehicle to return to normal. The vehicle was taken to oakes auto group (1009 us-82, greenville, ms 38701, (662) 335-2886), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was test driven, but the cause of the failure could not be determined and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,400.

- Greenville, MA, USA

problem #38

Jun 012019

ATS

  • 95,000 miles
Several times when slowing down or coming to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign the vehicle shudders and shut off have to restart it I've almost been hit a few times the major problem I'd like to have a low idle or something I don't understand

- Mesquite Tx, TX, USA

problem #37

Feb 222019

ATS

  • miles
My vehicle always missing or act like it going to turn off or some time it turn off. It vibrates when you take off. Then it stops but when you come to a stop again it does the same thing everytime. And everytime I take it to the shop they always tell me something different to cost me more money. This car is a lemon!!!!!!!!!!! major problems it stays in the shop. I can fax you or give you the dealership number so you can get all the times it been in the shop and all the problems.

- Pearland, TX, USA

problem #36

May 252018

ATS

  • 83,664 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac Ats. While operating the vehicle, the message indicating that the engine overheated suddenly displayed. The vehicle was taken to paradise Chevrolet (27360 ynez rd, temecula, ca) where it was diagnosed that the overheating was due to a faulty engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. On a previous occasion, the vehicle was taken to the same dealer for overheating and it was diagnosed that the coolant and oil were leaking from the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 83,664.

- Murrieta, CA, USA

problem #35

Aug 012015

ATS 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated that there were several progressing failures within months of owning the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who diagnosed that the intake O2 sensor may be the cause of the failures, but no data was found. The contact stated that there were electrical failures, the TPMS warning indicator kept illuminating, the vehicle was idling roughly, and there was a leak in the rear axle. In addition, an independent mechanic stated that there was a misfire on cylinder three. The dealer (peninsula Chevrolet, 4 heitzinger plaza, seaside, ca 93955, (831) 275-0933) diagnosed that there was a low rate of pressure in cylinder four. The manufacturer had been notified for months and was unable to provide a permanent solution. The manufacturer opted to refuse a buy back or trade in. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Seaside, CA, USA

problem #34

Feb 102016

ATS 4-cyl

  • 29,081 miles
Driving on 71 in columbus oh to mansfield oh going 70 mph on highway and at ex 173 started snowing heavy, traffic came to hault at 10 mph, had.09 miles to exit, got to exit made a right off exit started up a hill in snow at 30 mph and before making it up the hill the car stopped in middle of one lane rd. And display said...no power steering... called 911 three times, waited outside in snow for hr and half for them to tow car to bill harris auto 419-289-2000 in ashland oh five mi down rd. Next day they couldnt duplicate the problem so they couldnt fix it. I told them I dont feel safe in car and that I could have died if going any faster, it stopped without any warning. He said he would give me $10 thous towards another vehicle when car is worth $20,500. In my excellent shape. I said why is it only worth that, he said becuase I said it wasnt safe to drive and that he couldnt sell a car if it wasnt safe. This isnt my fault for the power steering to go out, there are 15 complaints online at www.2013atscadillacpowersteeringproblems. why isnt there a recall? I want something done about this, I have escalated claim to GM and want GM to do a repurchase or a buy back. I shouldnt feel danger when I get in my car. [xxx] please contact me at [xxx]address is [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Ashley, OH, USA

problem #33

Dec 092015

ATS

  • 38,000 miles
Engine idles roughly. I have only used premium gas during fillups. The dealership says it's because I'm not using top tier gas, which is ridiculous. How can an engine's fuel system be that sensitive because one gas is missing some detergents per count in comparison. My ECM needs to be reprogrammed to compensate for this. It seemed to start shaking after I got it back from the dealership that corrected a recall problem that dealt with airbag deployment. How do you push an ignorant manager to take care of this instead of blaming it on the gas?

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #32

Feb 112015

ATS

  • 25,000 miles
Piston failure 2013 Ats required motor replacement.

- Muldrow, OK, USA

problem #31

Sep 182014

ATS

  • 6,536 miles
Transmission issues. Rattling under the chassis that sounds like someone grabs the drive shaft and shakes it when the clutch is pushed at slow speeds ie moving up at a stop sign, in traffic etc. Defective dual mass flywheel was found after the service department told me my claims were up to factory standards. After taking apart the transmission (at less that 10K miles) gears 1-4 were found to be defective as well. The vehicle still has shifting issues and a loud rattle. I road tested a 2015 manual Ats and it drove smooth with no rattles. I was told the 2015 would drive the same once it hit 10K miles like mine which is a ridiculous statement. Vehicle has also shut off while in traffic, and upon restarting the vehicle I no longer had an power steering. I do not feel safe in this vehicle for myself or my children. There are many reports of issues with the 2013-2014 manual Ats and records of GM buy backs. The service manager agrees there is an issue with the vehicle and recommended I call GM to initiate a buy back. But the service department insists this is factory standard and refuses to address the issues.

- Winchester, CA, USA

problem #30

Dec 192014

ATS

  • 18,571 miles
My wife was driving to her parents house going up a incline and the vehicle couldn't pull the hill slowed down to approx. 20mph bumped and shook as it went up the hill. When she got out of the car at her parents house you could smell something like burnt transmission or something. This has happened on two other occasions and the 1st instance Cadillac dealer said the computer to the transmission dumped its program and they went in and reprogrammed the transmission but it still does the same thing. I will be taking it back in after christmas. Hydroplaning is also a huge problem with this car. This car also doesn't like to stay in a lane at highway speeds. I feel this car isn't safe to drive and will be looking for an attorney to deem it as a lemon.

- Lebanon, MO, USA

problem #29

Sep 012014

ATS

  • 400 miles
Hello NHTSA officer, I'm a Cadillac 2013 Ats customer from china. Someday I find some customers say this car's engine leaks oil from forum. The detail please see club.autohome.com.cn//bbs/thread-C-3207-29560418-1.html I check my car that only run about 400km, it always has leaking. And about 90% customers from forum has the same problem. The all cars leaks part is same. Our 4S can't give the enough supports and we don't know if it has potential safety hazard. So please investigate it and give feedback. Thanks a lot! ps:these Ats import from us. Br, Ats customer

- Chendu, WA, USA

problem #28

Jun 022014

ATS

  • 16,500 miles
Since June 2013, the Cadillac Ats has been making a vibration feeling. The vibration is unknown, it has been to service twice. First I was suggested to try a different gas (premium gas). The problem continued to occur, so I switched back to regular gas. Then received a recall letter about the transmission shift and that problem was fixed. But I also asked service to drive vehicle around while in the shop to figure out the occurring vibration issue. Service told me all the Cadillac Ats's cars do the same thing and that thats how they were manufactured, but the problem continues. I don't want to insert a different gas type if the car is suppose to take regular unleaded. (I bought car because it is gas saver). As a customer I shouldn't have to change the gas and spend more than I already am monthly if the car is not running properly. Nor should I have to keep taking it in for recalls and paying for a car ($552 per month) if it was not manufactured correctly in the first place. I have the right to exchange my defected vehicle at the cost of General Motors.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #27

Aug 082014

ATS 4-cyl

  • 28,184 miles
While about to turn left, after pulling out the car engine stalled, and shut down leaving me in the middle of the roadway while being approached by oncoming cars. The car immediately started up again afterwards. Additionally, while decelerating the car from 70 mph to a complete stop. Just prior to making a complete stop, the car began to stall, and again turned off. This time just after making a stop. I took the car to the Cadillac dealer. They are currently checking into the issue and allege this is not a common occurrence. This is a huge safety issue. I hope they find the problem. Historically the dealer has reprogrammed the ECM. The car has received all of its preventative maintenance at the same dealership named williamson Cadillac in South, Florida. The car has had rough idle since it was purchased, and I was told this was normal, and nothing to worry about each time this issue has been brought up to the dealerships service department. Moreover, I have been told the motor mounts are liquid motor mounts, and that the shaking is as a result of the vibration that occurs just after starting the car, but this is not true. The rough idle occurs all the time, and now it has progressed to complete engine stalling while turning or deceleration. The car in question has an automatic transmission, also it also jerked after it was placed into gear during the most recent situation / complaint.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #26

Jul 212014

ATS 4-cyl

  • 8,300 miles
I own a 2013 Cadillac Ats 2.0T with manual transmission (6mt). My vehicle has stalled unexpectedly multiple times while it is being driven. Last time was at about 30mph while I was coming up to a light and it is scary, especially when people around you start beeping and yelling. When it happens, the vehicle has to be turned off then on again, so it isn't a quick thing. I took it to the dealership and they told me there is nothing wrong. I went online and there are multiple videos and complaints of the very issue. GM knows this is happening and they are not doing anything about it. This is just as bad as the ignition switch issue, and someone is going to get hurt (I almost did a few times). I have a case open with GM and I want my money back for this car. It has been in the shop at least 6 times in the year that I've had it.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

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