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2014 Cadillac ATS

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

Cadillac ATS
Pictured: Cadillac ATS 2.0 Turbo AWD Premium – Frontansicht, 16. Oktober 2015, Düsseldorf. Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
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
MPG (best)
26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
Length
183.1 in
Curb weight
3,314–3,629 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 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), 1% worse than the 2014 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2014

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 ATS →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Base RWD183.1 in70.9 in53.9 in109.4 in59.8 / 60.6 in3,314 lb50/50
4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 AWD183.1 in70.9 in53.9 in109.4 in59.8 / 60.6 in3,629 lb51/49
4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 RWD183.1 in70.9 in53.9 in109.4 in59.8 / 60.6 in3,402 lb51/49

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
ATS2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26-1%$2,600344
ATS2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24-9%$2,800367
ATS AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 23-13%$2,900386
ATS2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 29 / 23-13%$2,900389
ATS3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 22-16%$3,050412
ATS AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-20%$3,200428
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.3 MPG2014 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2014 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.1%
2014 Cadillac ATS 4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2014 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash test — 2014 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2014 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD
Side crash test — 2014 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2014 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Cadillac ATS (this car)26 MPG★★★★★4
2014 BMW 3 Series36 MPGNot rated0
2014 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPG★★★★★0
2014 Lexus IS24 MPGNot rated4
2014 Audi A426 MPGNot rated4
2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class25 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (4)

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.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Cadillac ATS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

96Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
10Injuries reported
47,713 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train28
Unknown Or Other23
Electrical System16
Engine11
Steering8
Air Bags7
Visibility/Wiper5
Wheels4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/10: 120/12: 221/01: 121/02: 121/03: 121/04: 121/05: 121/09: 322/04: 122/05: 122/08: 222/09: 222/12: 123/05: 223/11: 124/02: 124/03: 124/05: 324/08: 124/11: 125/08: 125/09: 126/05: 126/08: 220/1021/0221/0522/0522/1224/0224/0825/09max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Cadillac ATS buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,713 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Cadillac ATS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other ATS years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 ATS25184.3 inNot rated02
2018 ATS25184.3 in★★★★★222
2017 ATS26184.3 in★★★★★233
2016 ATS26184.3 in★★★★★332
2015 ATS25184.3 in★★★★★430
2013 ATS26183.1 inNot rated6111

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →