The vehicle has suffered a severe mechanical failure of the rear differential assembly, rendering it completely undrivable. This mechanical failure is a direct result of a known manufacturer defect documented in General Motors Technical Service Bulletin PIP5898/PIP5898B, regarding misoriented factory side bearing retaining snap rings that block internal oil ports, leading to fluid leaks, severe fluid starvation, and eventual component seizure. The component failure poses an extreme safety hazard to myself and other motorist. When a rear differential suffers catastrophic failure, this is known to cause the rear wheels and tires to lock up completely while driving leading to immediate loss of vehicle control, skidding, and high risk of high speed rear-end or rollover crash. General Motors has acknowledged this defect internally via technical bulletins but has failed to issue a safety recall to protect consumers from the catastrophic locking risk. I am filing this complaint to request that the federal safety agency open a formal defect investigation into the 2018 Cadillac ATS rear axle assembly.
The worst 2018 Cadillac Ats problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission7
- Electrical3
- Steering3
- Airbags2
- Fuel system2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission7
- Electrical3
- Steering3
- Airbags2
- Fuel system2
- Lights2
- Body1
- Engine1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
Recalls 2
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
Recall number 25V175000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
- Risk
- A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Recall number 18V358000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Cadillac Ats 1,057
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent...
- Unknown or other
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- This PI Addresses a possible solenoid wiring fault and how to inspect the build date to identify
- This PI advises dealers to inspect for a missing pump gasket if the vehicle exhibits no movement following...
2018 Cadillac Ats crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cadillac ATS 4 DR RWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cadillac ATS-V 4 DR RWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
2018 Cadillac Ats fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 22 | 30 | 25 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | RWD | 20-22 | 29-31 | 23-25 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16-20 | 23-30 | 19-24 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | AWD | 19 | 27 | 22 |
What 2018 Cadillac Ats owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Both side mirrors failed. Internal components corroded, one almost fell off when driving, the other later became completely detached. Failed parts that could have caused a major safety issue if they were to fail during operation.
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the F-module, Part Number: 86815664, used to control the engine Auto START/STOP, needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted for the part and informed the contact that the part was not available. The contact had contacted approximately 6 dealers, who confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,527.
Rear differential. This part will be available after removal. This put me at risk of potentially locking up while driving. According to the dealership, Faulkner Cadillac, "found rear differential bearings damaged, causing noise in the rear end. The Rear Differential will need replaced." There were no warning lights, but there was noise - a new, not normal noise I noticed two weeks prior to the diagnostic procedure by the dealership service department. This is the second rear differential failure. The service writer said there was no sign of leakage.
My vehicle recently started experiencing an issue where the power steering would randomly cut out while I was driving. If I pulled over and shut the car off and then turned it back on the power steering would come back. But sometimes I would have to do this multiple times in a single drive just to keep the power steering on. I know that there is already a recall for this for some 2018 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles, but mine was not included in the recall, despite having the same issue. Took it to the dealer for diagnostic and they ended up having to replace the control module for the power steering which cost me around $2000.
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!
The car was parked outside at around 85 degrees. After entering the vehicle and driving with the AC on for a few minutes the CUE screen started to crack on the inside like a spider web. This has already been reported in 11576315 and 11325962. But I can't find any manufacturer communication on these. On the Internet I found that there is a class action lawsuit but only up to the year 2017 and it has already been settled privately. Since the vehicle is out of warranty there is no effort from GM to pay for the replacement. Since the CUE screen is essential for the vehicle operations, i.e. settings, navigation etc. it's a safety issue. On the Internet there are crowds of people complaining about the same issue. GM should react and offer replacement. Especially a replacement where the issue is fixed, otherwise the replacement will crack again after some years. Thanks and BR
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.
Hi, the cue screen is cracked which makes it no longer handsfree. It cracked in July of 2023 and it's a 2018, purchased in October 2017, the dealer will not fix it, I don't have $1500 to replace it with a one year warranty and it could happen again. I am not eligible for the class action suit which stopped with cars up to 2017. Please advise since this is an extreme hazard since the screen cracks and if driving using navigation it can cause an accident !
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal growling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact looked underneath the vehicle, checked the tires, and checked the inside of the vehicle but found no failure. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and heard an abnormal winding or rubber sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Compare the 2018 Cadillac Ats
Other model years
Questions about the 2018 Cadillac Ats
Is the 2018 Cadillac Ats reliable?
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2018 Cadillac Ats, fewer than a typical Ats model year.
What is the 2018 Cadillac Ats year score?
The 2018 Cadillac Ats scores 82 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac Ats: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Cadillac Ats?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 7 complaints. Next is electrical (3).
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac Ats have?
2 recalls, covering steering and fuel system, gasoline.
Is the 2018 Cadillac Ats safe in a crash?
In government crash tests the 2018 Cadillac Ats scored 4 to 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (3 versions tested).
What year does the Cadillac Ats have bad transmission?
The Cadillac Ats model years with the most transmission complaints are 2013 (46 complaints), 2014 (30 complaints) and 2016 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac Ats get?
Official estimates for the 2018 Cadillac Ats range from 19 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 22 city and 30 highway.
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