2018 Cadillac ATS

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2018 Cadillac ATS, formatted for your website, and based on available data.

The 2018 Cadillac ATS is a compact luxury sedan that aims to blend performance with style. Engine options include 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 the high-performance ATS-V’s 3.6L twin-turbo V6 (464 hp, 445 lb-ft of torque). The 2.0L turbo and 3.6L V6 are generally paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the ATS-V uses either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. Owners often praise the ATS for its sharp handling and responsive steering, making it enjoyable to drive. However, some common criticisms include the rear seat space is tight, and the infotainment system can be finicky.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged I4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining sound from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on number of injectors)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

• Timing Chain Wear/Stretching
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, rattling noise from the engine (especially on startup), check engine light with codes related to timing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Extended cranking, rough idle, stalling, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 (ATS-V)

• Boost Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, hissing sound under acceleration, check engine light.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair/replace damaged boost hoses or intercooler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on location and severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (8L45/8L90)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifts, especially between 1st and 2nd gear. Hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, reprogramming of the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on the severity and solution).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride, clunking noises from the suspension, “Service Ride Control” message on the DIC. Can be caused by leaking shocks or faulty sensors.
  • Solution: Replacement of MRC shocks or struts, replacement of ride height sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ per shock/strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• CUE Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts randomly.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the CUE unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Diagnostic testing to identify parasitic drain, repair or replacement of faulty modules or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Backup camera image is distorted, flickering, or not displaying at all.
  • Solution: Inspect camera wiring, replace backup camera module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings.
  • Solution: Replacement of headlight housings or attempting to reseal the existing housings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per headlight
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• CUE Screen Delamination/Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The coating on the CUE touchscreen peels or cracks, making the screen difficult to read and unresponsive.
  • Solution: Replacement of the CUE screen or the entire CUE unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Cadillac ATS, while offering a sporty driving experience, can be susceptible to a range of issues. Engine problems, particularly with the turbocharger on the 2.0L and timing chains on the 3.6L, are common. Transmission issues, specifically rough shifting, can also be a concern. Electrical issues centering on the CUE infotainment system, backup camera, and potential battery drains also affect some owners. Suspension issues are minimal, but the magnetic ride control shocks can have issues and be quite costly. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection.