2018 CADILLAC ATS Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 CADILLAC ATS has 3 complaints and 3 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners frequently report power steering failures that occur suddenly while driving. Some have also reported issues with the rear differential causing noise and potential drivetrain locking risks.
Common Issues
- Power steering failure. Reports of the electric power steering cutting out randomly while driving, sometimes requiring the vehicle to be restarted to restore function.
- Control module replacement. One owner had to replace the power steering control module at significant cost after repeated failures not covered by recall.
- Rear differential bearing damage. Noise and eventual failure of rear differential bearings with risk of drivetrain lockup; no warning lights appeared prior to failure.
There are three recalls affecting this model addressing steering, fuel system, and assist components.
Recalls
- Electric power steering system. (NHTSA Recall 25V175000, 934 vehicles) The power steering assist may fail, increasing steering effort and crash risk. Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly free of charge. Owner notification was sent April 15, 2025.
- High pressure fuel pump. (NHTSA Recall 18V358000, 895 vehicles) The fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly damaging the fuel line and causing leaks that increase fire risk. Dealers will replace the pump and fuel line at no cost. Recall began July 2, 2018.
Owners with repeated repairs for power steering or rear differential issues and those affected by recalls should consider consulting their state lemon law rights for possible protection.
2018 CADILLAC ATS Summary
2018
Model Year
3
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
1829
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 CADILLAC ATS
934 vehicles affected
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
2018 CADILLAC ATS
895 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Complaints
2018 CADILLAC ATS
ID: 2108391POWER TRAIN
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.
2018 CADILLAC ATS
ID: 2107336STEERING
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.
2018 CADILLAC ATS
ID: 2057826STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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!