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2013 Cadillac Ats Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Cadillac Ats carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering sun/moon roof assembly and defroster/defogger/hvac system. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Loss of electric power steering assist.” Cadillac uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm watches engine revolutions, temperature, and load, then lights the change-oil message — typically around 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, with dexos-approved oil. Turbo fours in ATS, CT4, XT4, and XT5 are harder on oil than the indicator suggests in short-trip driving. Northstar-era V8s (DeVille, Seville, Eldorado) live and die by their cooling system — coolant condition checks are not optional on those cars. Escalade shares its 6.2L V8 and 10-speed with GM's trucks and follows the same fluid schedule.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign #15V463000 · Jul 24, 2015

Issue: 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.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Campaign #15V558000 · Mar 9, 2015

Issue: 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.

SEATS

Campaign #14V446000 · Jul 23, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

Risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #14V488000 · Aug 8, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.

Risk: If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. GM sent interim notifications on October 7, 2014 and will send a second notification when remedy parts are available. The recall began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #14V338000 · Jun 19, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.

Risk: If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #13V220000 · May 24, 2013

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Risk: If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's recall number is 13158.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Cadillac Ats.

Reported to NHTSA

Loss of electric power steering assist

STEERING

14 NHTSA complaints · 2012-11 → 2025-08

“I had a total loss of steering about two weeks ago, scariest thing ever in my 50 years of driving. A local automotive shop inspected the car and found one steering motor bolt missing and two broken/sheared laying in their casting holes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634096
“I TURNED THE CAR OFF IN MY DRIVEWAY. WHEN I STARTED IT THE POWER STEERING DIDN'T WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10594034
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND PREVENTED THE DRIVER FROM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10733567

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shift cable detachment

POWER TRAIN

16 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2024-10

“RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V338000. ON THE AFTERNOON OF JUNE 16, 2018, MY 2013 CADILLAC ATS STUCK IN NEUTRAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11112946
“Second time shifter cable failed. Thankfully I was in park and not driving. I had it replaced in 2021 and now 2023 it did the same thing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538026
“I PULLED OVER 2 SEE WHAT A NOISE WAS PUT IT IN PARK THANK GOD I DID BECAUSE WHEN I TRY TO PUT IT BACK IN GEAR IT WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEARS BUT THE SHIFTER REMOVE IT JUST WASN'T CONNECTED IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN GEAR I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11265929

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear differential fluid leak

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2023-04

“IMPROPER REAR DIFFERENTIAL RING GEAR WELD. THERE IS A GAP THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SEALED ON REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING THAT CAUSES FLUIDS TO LEAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222825
“I was making a left turn and I heard a loud popping noise. I pulled the vehicle into a parking lot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11469601
“ON THE MULTIPOINT INSPECTION,IT WAS NOTED THAT THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING WHICH CAN CAUSE THE TIRES TO SEIZE WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398266

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CUE touchscreen failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2021-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC ATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CADILLAC USER EXPERIENCE (CUE) SYSTEM FAILED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10909950
“THE CUE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM IS STARTING TO FAIL. SEVERAL SELECTIONS I.E. "MEDIA" AND "SCAN" ARE NOT WORKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115815
“MY CUE SCREEN HAS COMPLETELY SPIDERWEBBED AND IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. I CAN BARELY SEE MY BACK UP CAM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350915

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Adaptive headlight auto-leveling malfunction

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2023-10

“Adaptive forward lighting malfunctions. Lights point upward sometimes while driving and will not change. It blinds on coming vehicles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547616
“AUTO-LEVELING HID HEADLIGHTS, ONE OR BOTH DO NOT PROPERLY AIM WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND HEADLAMP GOES THRU ITS SELF-CHECK. APPROX. 50% OF THE TIME A HEADLAMP WILL INITIALIZE AND AIM UP TOWARD THE SKY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11173191
“ON STARTUP THE HEADLIGHTS AUTO LEVEL. ISSUE ARISES WHEN HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROPERLY LEVEL AND ARE LEFT AT UNSAFE POSITIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11402710

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall while decelerating to a stop

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

34 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2020-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11265940
“WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN WITH THE CAR IN EITHER NEUTRAL OR THE CLUTCH PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL. THE STALL IS NOT ABRUPT BUT VERY SUBTLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10560416
“MY VEHICLE IS A 6-SPEED MANUAL...TWICE NOW IN THE LAST MONTH IT HAS STALLED AT A COMPLETE STOP EVEN THE CLUTCH IS FULLY DEPRESSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10554791

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 full synthetic on modern engines; Blackwing and supercharged V-Series run hotter and should not stretch the indicator. Northstar V8s: watch for consumption and leaks at the rear main and oil-pan perimeter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two. Staggered-fitment V-Series cars can't rotate front-to-rear; budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Brembo-equipped V-Series wear faster than the base cars; magnetic-ride models should also get a look at shock condition while it's on the lift.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM lists roughly 45,000 miles under severe service (which includes most city commuting) for the 6/8/10-speed automatics. Older 4T80-E units behind Northstars respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Turbo fours (ATS 2.0T, CT4, XT4): roughly every 60,000 miles. Naturally-aspirated V6s and V8s carry iridium plugs rated to 97,500–100,000 miles — check the manual for your engine.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at oil changes in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM recommends fluid replacement about every 45,000 miles or 3 years. Magnetic-ride and V-Series cars driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing. Supercharged V-Series engines have a second, dedicated blower belt — inspect both.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — sooner if the climate fan has lost its punch.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On Northstar V8s this is the schedule that decides the engine's fate — low or contaminated coolant is how head-gasket trouble starts. Check level and condition at every oil change on those cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped models and anything with Super Cruise use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, and expect shorter life from the electrical load these cars carry parked.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

40 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Cadillac Ats reflects Cadillac's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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