2013 Cadillac ATS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Base RWD, 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 AWD, 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 RWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,314–3,629 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints111 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 17 for similar models — most often about the power train.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Cadillac ATS is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,314 lb (4dr Sedan Base RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 0% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Base RWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,314 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 AWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,629 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 RWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,402 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATS | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 344 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 24 | -7% | $2,800 | 366 |
| ATS AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -11% | $2,900 | 379 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 23 | -11% | $2,900 | 389 |
| ATS FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -15% | $3,050 | 408 |
| ATS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -15% | $3,050 | 408 |
| ATS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -19% | $3,200 | 426 |
| ATS AWD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -19% | $3,200 | 426 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Cadillac ATS.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Cadillac ATS (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 BMW 3 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (6)
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Sep 3, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V558000 · 96,145 vehicles
- 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.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Jul 24, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V463000 · 63,665 vehicles
- 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.
Seat Belts › Front · Aug 8, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V488000 · 48,114 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Seats · Jul 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V446000 · 124,007 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jun 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V338000 · 90,750 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights · May 24, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V220000 · 10,210 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2013 Cadillac ATS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Cadillac ATS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 24 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 59,996 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Cadillac ATS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ATS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →