Model year guide

2018 Cadillac ATS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Cadillac ATS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.

2018 Cadillac ATS — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Cadillac ATS at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints21
Combined24 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2018 Cadillac ATS recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #18V358000 · 31/05/2018

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.

Fix: 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 1-800-22…

Steering:electric Power Assist System NHTSA Campaign #25V175000 · 20/03/2025

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2018 Cadillac ATS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2018 Cadillac ATS MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,967

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Cadillac ATS costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,835
Fuel only$14,835
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Cadillac ATS trims & engines on record

Trims
Standard · Luxury
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl

2018 Cadillac ATS vehicles on record

2018 Cadillac ATS 2018 Cadillac ATS Standard1G6AA5RXXJ0181661 2018 Cadillac ATS Standard1G6AE5RX1J0177020 2018 Cadillac ATS 2018 Cadillac ATS Standard1G6AE5RX4J0132315 2018 Cadillac ATS 2018 Cadillac ATS Standard1G6AA5RX2J0123138 2018 Cadillac ATS 2018 Cadillac ATS Luxury1G6AF5SX7J0129514

Other Cadillac ATS model years

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013

2018 Cadillac ATS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Cadillac ATS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Cadillac ATS. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Cadillac ATS?

Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac ATS get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2018 Cadillac ATS at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 30 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.