2016 Cadillac Ats: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Cadillac Ats: 3 recalls, 32 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #15V463000 · 2015 · 63,665 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #15V558000 · 2015 · 96,145 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #26V329000 · 2026 · 5,014 vehicles
What's wrong: The front-driver air bag inflator May rupture during deployment.
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (10): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (6), noise or vibration (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (5): the most common themes are warning light on (2), fails to deploy (2).
- Wheels (4): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
The 2016 Cadillac Ats has 32 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 7 Ats model years for complaints (well below the 54 average). Complaints peaked in 2020 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 25,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (29 complaints, 4 recalls), 2017 (32 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Premium |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Cadillac Ats.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Cadillac Ats have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Cadillac Ats. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Cadillac Ats problems?
Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (10), electrical (6), airbags (5).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Cadillac Ats get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S8)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Cadillac Ats repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.