2016 Cadillac ATS

The 2016 Cadillac ATS is a compact luxury sedan known for its sporty handling and stylish design. It was offered with three engine options: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque), a 3.6L V6 (335 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque), and a 2.0L Turbo I4 (272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options included a 6-speed manual (on the 2.0L Turbo) and an 8-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the ATS’s sharp handling, comfortable front seats, and user-friendly infotainment system. Some common complaints include a cramped rear seat, limited trunk space, and some reported reliability issues.

Engine

2.0L Turbo I4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbocharger, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Long crank times, rough idle, stalling, check engine light.
  • Solution: High pressure fuel pump replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

• Timing Chain Wear/Stretching
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, rough idle, check engine light.
  • Solution: Timing chain replacement, potentially including related components like guides and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak areas include the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets/seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on the location of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (8L45)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, especially between 1st and 2nd gear, hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Transmission flush, software update, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on the severity and solution)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magnetic Ride Control (if equipped) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, uneven ride height, poor handling. Often caused by leaking struts.
  • Solution: Replacement of Magnetic Ride Control struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ per strut/shock
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• CUE Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive, slow response times, freezing, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software update, touchscreen replacement, or complete CUE unit replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car will not start after sitting for a short period.
  • Solution: Diagnose parasitic draw by performing a voltage drop test.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,000+ (depending on the component)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight lens.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly. Some owners attempt to dry out the headlight assembly themselves, but replacement is often the most effective solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof is slow to open or close, gets stuck, or makes grinding noises. Can be caused by debris in the tracks or a failing motor.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, replacing the sunroof motor, or replacing the entire sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2016 Cadillac ATS, while a stylish and sporty compact luxury sedan, can experience several issues. The most common problems revolve around the engine (turbocharger failure, timing chain wear, oil leaks), transmission (harsh shifting), electrical system (CUE infotainment issues, battery drain), and suspension (Magnetic Ride Control failure). The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially costly repairs. While some problems can be addressed with software updates or minor component replacements, others may require more extensive repairs or replacements, resulting in higher costs. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s maintenance history and current condition before making a purchase.