2018 Cadillac ATS problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
21 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
28,899 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 21 complaints (28.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 3 | 14.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 9.5% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 9.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 9.5% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 4.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 6 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module | 1 |
| Air Bags:Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light | 1 |
Power Train: 6; Electrical System: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Steering: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Air Bags: 1; Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module: 1; Air Bags:Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 15 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2018: 2; 2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 2; 2023: 6; 2024: 3; 2025: 4; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11343094 · 2020-08-03 (August 3, 2020)
NO POWER STEERING CLUSTER WARNING SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE
Owner-reported narrative. 24,271 miles reported. Look up ODI 11343094 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11637598 · 2025-01-22 (January 22, 2025)
The power steering will randomly stop working while driving! We have had it in the shop 3 times and they can't find anything! We have replaced alternator, battery and it still isn't fixed! I seen u had a recall on the 16, 17, and some 18s for this issue! We have always bought GMs and are very disappointed! Could u please! Fix this issue on our car! Our car must have been over looked on this issue!
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11637598 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11467229 · 2022-06-02 (June 2, 2022)
Transmission shudder noticed between 42 to 48 mph. It appears the transmission is shaking, it seems to be continually shifting between gears in the 42 to 48 mph range.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11467229 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11504832 · 2023-02-01 (February 1, 2023)
2018 cadillac ats (most of the cadillac vehicles reported same issue). The transmission fluid is wrong fluid by manufacturer and driving at regular speed all of a sudden it starts shuddering and loses power or slows down at freeway speeds or any local roads. took the car for inspection to a local dealer and they said it is the transmission fluid which has to be upgraded and charged me hundreds of dollars. But how it is not recalled by GM since they sold the cars with wrong transmission fluid which is causing these issues?
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11504832 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11528735 · 2023-06-25 (June 25, 2023)
Unexpected shutter of vehicle, loss of power, unpredictable forward motion, erratic movement, delayed acceleration.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11528735 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11592545 · 2024-06-05 (June 5, 2024)
While driving started to smell gas. On same day, car stalled at an intersection in a downtown area. I could not start car. Had to push car in busy traffic to a safe place and called a tow truck. Auto shop I took to said the fuel pump came loose somehow and caused the fuel lines to break causing the fuel leak. Had lines repaired. Fuel pump was not replaced and is working.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11592545 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11104928 · 2018-07-01 (July 1, 2018)
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11104928 at NHTSA ↗