2016 Cadillac ATS recalls and problems

The 2016 Cadillac ATS has 3 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
32
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Cadillac ATS recalls

Recall 26V-329: Air Bags

Reported May 21, 2026 · 5,014 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.

Recall 15V-558: Visibility

Reported Sep 3, 2015 · 96,145 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electronic Climate Control module to remove the automatic rear defogger "on" function, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15299.

Recall 15V-463: Visibility

Reported Jul 24, 2015 · 63,665 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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."

Risk: Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the roof console accessory switch trim plate, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15568. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.

2016 Cadillac ATS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train10
Electrical System6
Air Bags5
Wheels4
Steering4
Engine3
Unknown or Other2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Service Brakes2
Visibility/Wiper2
Tires1
Engine and Engine Cooling1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 27,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Cadillac ATS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Jun 17, 2026
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V558000 Rear Defogger Coil Antenna Module may Overheat If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, not sure what is happening but car does seem to overheat off and on especially when radio is turned on
Power Train · reported May 3, 2026
On 3rd differential in 2 years. Dealer won’t fix without us paying ANOTHER $4,700. There is NO way a differential goes 3 times in 2 years. Something is wrong. Help!!
Steering · reported Nov 24, 2025
My 2016 Cadillac ATS Coupe has a serious repeating safety defect. The vehicle violently shakes, vibrates, and becomes unstable while driving. This happened TWICE. Both times the rear bolts came out except one. Both mechanics who inspected it said they have NEVER seen this before. The first time, I paid $4,000 out of pocket at another shop. The problem happened again, proving this is a manufacturing defect. My AXP diagnostic on November 4, 2025 confirms major rear differential/axle issues. The vehicle is unsafe and undrivable. One mechanic told me DO NOT DRIVE IT. Cadillac told me the opposite…
Air Bags · reported Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed, and the passenger's side seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power Train · reported Jan 3, 2025
When driving at around 40-50mph you can feel that the car has a shudder vibration. Took the car into Cadillac where they are informing me that it is the torque converter that needs replacement. No warning lights. If not fixed can lead to transmission failure.

Other Cadillac ATS years

Compare all Cadillac ATS years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Cadillac ATS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Cadillac ATS: 26V-329 (air bags), 15V-558 (visibility), 15V-463 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Cadillac ATS?

Owners report power train problems most often (10 reports), followed by electrical system (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 27,500 miles.

Are Cadillac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.