2017 Cadillac ATS

Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported for the 2017 Cadillac ATS, organized by category and specific powertrain configurations.

The 2017 Cadillac ATS is a compact luxury sedan known for its sharp handling and available performance features. It came with a choice of three engines: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (272 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque), a 3.6L V6 (335 hp, 285 lb-ft of torque), and a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (272 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque) in the ATS Coupe model. Transmission options included an 8-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual was available on some trims. People generally liked the ATS for its sporty driving dynamics, stylish design, and comfortable interior. However, some disliked the somewhat cramped rear seating, the infotainment system, and reliability concerns.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling sound from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Long crank times, stalling, check engine light, fuel smell.
  • Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Intrusion
  • Description/Symptoms: Losing coolant, white smoke coming from exhaust, engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

• Timing Chain Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, guides, and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on the number of injectors)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (8L45 & 8L90)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, hesitation when accelerating, “clunking” noise.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the valve body. In severe cases, complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (for software update) - $800 - $1500 (valve body) - $3,000 - $6,000+ (transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A shaking or shuddering sensation at low speeds, especially during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush/replacement with updated fluid. If that doesn’t work, torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 (fluid flush) - $800 - $1,500 (torque converter)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magnetic Ride Control (If Equipped) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride quality, clunking noises, failure of the magnetic ride dampers.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty magnetic ride damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ per damper (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• CUE Infotainment System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Touchscreen freezing, unresponsive inputs, system reboots, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software update. In severe cases, replacement of the CUE unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software update, if available) - $800 - $1,500+ (CUE unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, needing frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw (e.g., faulty module, improperly shut-off accessory). Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain) - $200 (battery replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per headlight
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, binding, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Lubrication of sunroof tracks and components. Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or related parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Cadillac ATS can be a rewarding vehicle to own, particularly for its handling and available performance. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential issues, including engine problems like turbocharger and high-pressure fuel pump failures (2.0T) and timing chain wear (3.6L V6), as well as transmission issues, especially harsh shifting with the 8-speed automatic. Electrical problems with the CUE system and battery drain are also relatively common. Repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission work. It is recommended to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic.