Looking for Cadillac ATS repair in Phoenix? We work on Cadillac vehicles every day and cover the ATS across model years 2013 to 2019, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help ATS owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 387 owner complaints on file for the ATS and 11 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (104), electrical system (77), engine (72).
Most-Reported Cadillac ATS Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the ATS (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 104 | 26% | |
| Electrical System | 77 | 19% | |
| Engine | 72 | 18% | |
| Steering | 62 | 16% | |
| Air Bags | 28 | 7% | |
| Service Brakes | 23 | 5% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 16 | 4% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 16 | 4% |
Power Train
104 of the 387 complaints (26%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
77 of the 387 complaints (19%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Engine
72 of the 387 complaints (18%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Cadillac ATS Complaints by Model Year
The ATS model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2014, 2016. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 161 | |
| 2014 | 104 | |
| 2015 | 30 | |
| 2016 | 35 | |
| 2017 | 33 | |
| 2018 | 22 | |
| 2019 | 2 |
Cadillac ATS Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the ATS, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Cadillac.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your ATS? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Cadillac ATS Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the ATS in these model years, most often involving visibility, steering, seats. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Air Bags (campaign 26V329000): 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.
- 2025 recall, Steering (campaign 25V175000): 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.
- 2019 recall, Steering (campaign 19V086000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
- 2018 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 18V358000): 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.
- 2015 recall, Visibility (campaign 15V463000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015.
- 2015 recall, Visibility (campaign 15V558000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the ATS, 21 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, 25 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Cadillac ATS Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Cadillac will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a ATS that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for ATS owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Cadillac ATS, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Cadillac ATS Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Cadillac ATS repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Cadillac ATS FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Cadillac ATS?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Cadillac ATS are power train (104), electrical system (77), engine (72). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which ATS model years have the most complaints?
The ATS model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2014, 2016. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Cadillac ATS?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Cadillac ATS. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Cadillac ATS have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the Cadillac ATS across model years 2013 to 2019. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Cadillac ATS in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Cadillac vehicles including the ATS, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Cadillac ATS?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Cadillac ATS in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Cadillac Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.