Steering Problems of Cadillac ATS - part 1

Driving home message came up on the dash, saying, power steering problem. Next thing you know, it was extremely hard to turn the wheel left or right.

See all problems of the 2017 Cadillac ATS 🔎.

My 2016 Cadillac Ats coupe has a serious repeating safety defect. The vehicle violently shakes, vibrates, and becomes unstable while driving. This happened twice. Both times the rear bolts came out except one. Both mechanics who inspected it said they have never seen this before. The first time, I paid $4,000 out of pocket at another shop. The problem happened again, proving this is a manufacturing defect. My axp diagnostic on November 4, 2025 confirms major rear differential/axle issues. The vehicle is unsafe and undrivable. One mechanic told me do not drive it. Cadillac told me the opposite — “safe to pick up” — even though they did no real diagnostic. Cadillac refused to give anything in writing, refused a loaner, and ignored multiple emails. A Cadillac representative told me they reviewed the previous calls, meaning they know the full history. They still refused to fix the dangerous defect. I have paid over $33k, paid $4k for the first repair, still owe $7k, and Cadillac now wants another $7k for the same issue. This is a major safety risk to me and other drivers.

See all problems of the 2016 Cadillac ATS 🔎.

Vehicle has an issue where it intermittently throws errors, loses power, accelerates on its own, and is difficult to steer. I purchased it with 12,800 miles in it and it has been having this issue since then and no one has been able to fix it. It appears from maintenance records it has been happening since it had 2800 miles on it. It has happened many times with me since I purchased the vehicle in November of 2023.

See all problems of the 2019 Cadillac ATS 🔎.

Vehicle would not steer lost power steering and loud noise. Had the vehicle towed to a mechanic. The mechanic informed me that the bolts for the electronic power steering had corroded causing the electronic steering motor to fall. He told me that it is a problem with these cars and gave me a reference number (n202301950) I called gm and they said it was not a recall it was a service bulletin which I never received and is now expired. The vehicle needs a whole new electric power steering rack and pinion assembly due to the faulty corroded gm bolts not to mention that I could have died or someone else could have been killed due to losing the ability to steer the vehicle because of the faulty gm parts. Gm said it is my responsibility to pay for repairs which is thousands of dollars again due to their faulty parts and no fault of my own also not normal wear and tear.

See all problems of the 2013 Cadillac ATS 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Cadillac ATS 🔎.

I bought my car from a dealership. Owned it for 2yrs 2mo. 107k miles first issue came up after 3-4 months. Faulty power steering. Took it to service at a dealership they said I would need my wire harness assembly replaced as well as a steering gear. Problem still persists. Also one of the mechanics there showed me that the previous owner glued harness connector components together which is why I started seeing issues that weren't there before. Now today three new warning/service lights: abs, brake warning and traction control lights. I think it is the battery but I haven't tested it. Someone online with the same issue said he had to replace the electronic brake control module. So this issue has not been diagnosed. As a result of the traction control malfunctioning suddenly I spun out on the highway in slippery conditions but did not collide with anything. Both issues are available for inspection. More information can be found on the quote in the attatchment.

See all problems of the 2015 Cadillac ATS 🔎.

The contact owns 2017 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing intermittent loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to auto repair garage, where a routine inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure progressively increased. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system screen was frozen. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v175000 (steering). An appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

I had a total loss of steering about two weeks ago, scariest thing ever in my 50 years of driving. A local automotive shop inspected the car and found one steering motor bolt missing and two broken/sheared laying in their casting holes. General motors issued a customer satisfaction program 18207 – loss of power steering assist directive for steering rack inspection and repair and/or replacement. My 2013 Cadillac Ats had the bolt failure exactly as described in the directive but is not covered as the directive program was in effect until November 30, 2020 and has expired. It was and is still a poor engineering design by gm engineering and it still effects those of us operating the models listed in gm csp 18207. This should have been a recall and not have had an end date of 11/30/2020. I'm sure there are many owners like myself that were never notified by general motors of this design flaw as it was never a formal recall. I would ask that the NHTSA review customer satisfaction program 18207 as the loss of electric steering due to poor engineering design along with the safety of owners driving the affected vehicles still poses a danger and could seriously injure or kill someone. I do not understand why gm ended the program 11/30/2020. I would like to see either a csp 18207 with no end date or preferably a recall to ensure owners are notified. I had never heard of an issue with my 2013 Cadillac Ats steering until I had this total steering failure. I only found out about customer satisfaction program 18207 – loss of power steering assist because I searched the web to see if other owners had experienced this failure. The repair cost to fix this is around $3,000 dollars. General motors knows it was a poor design and in my opinion they should continue their 18207 customer satisfaction program and not expect owners to pay. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the "power steering fault drive with care" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was became aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

See all problems of the 2014 Cadillac ATS 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, with the service power steering message displayed. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle functioned normally. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was unknown.

What are the cooling hoses that carry coolant from the engine to the radiator busted not once but twice. It has many electrical problems even when cleared with an obd2 sensor they will still come on. The power steering is completely off and malfunctions.

Reporting a case for gm recall n182161890. I bought my vehicle in 2022. I was informed that my car had all the recalls completed on that vehicle. My vehicle had exactly what this recall was for happen to it on 10/20/23. After contacting Cadillac, they informed me that this recall was never completed on my vehicle. Cadillac then told me that this recall was expired so it can no longer be completed. They said that the recall expired on 11/30/2020. I was under the impression that recalls do not expire, especially ones that can cause lose of power steering and could lead to collision or injury. Cadillac told me it expired because it was a "customer satisfaction program" recall and not a "product safety" recall. I'm confused on how the lose of steering is not a product safety issue. Cadillac is unwilling to fix the recall at this time, even though they have confirmed it had never been completed.

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact activated the parking brake, and the vehicle was able to stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the brake pedal assembly and the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed be being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v203000 (steering). The failure mileage was 87,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated while driving 30-40 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact decelerated and pulled into the driveway of a business. However, the contact was able to park on the side of the driveway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering gear motor bolts were fractured. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the failure was associated with gm campaign number: n202301950 (loss of power assist, steering-gear motor bolts broken). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 49,500.

Power steering locks up when trying to turn under 20 mph. Have found other safety recalls through gm for the same issue on the 2014 Ats and have contacted a dealer but they have stated it is not for my VIN #. Has happened multiple times before and the local dealer said nothing could be done because they could not duplicate. I had called another gm dealer and they sent me a safety recall bulletin pertaining to the issue.

The car just blew out the airbags and the steering locked up.

The contact’s son owns a 2015 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated that while his son was exiting his driveway, the vehicle lost power steering assist with the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the bolts holding the steering motor had corroded and fallen out of the rack and pinion. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle; the dealer referred him to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact immediately called the manufacturer and was informed that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the rack and pinion; however, the vehicle no longer qualified under the warranty. The contact’s son had the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

While out driving, the vehicle would not shift gear into park upon arriving at a parking lot. The car was transported to an nearby garage and the transmission shift cable was found to be melted/severed upon undercarriage inspection. This is a recall for other models of 2013-2014 Ats. If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'park' position, the transmission may not be in 'park. ' if the vehicle is not in the 'park' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

The vehicle has an issue with loss of power steering. It has happened and returned but it gone out totally now and I believe it should be part of the Cadillac power steering recall, but my VIN is not listed as vehicle that is affected.

Power steering just went out on the vehicle. We started the vehicle today with 73,000 miles and when we went to pull off once in drive the car gave a power steering warning appeared. When we try to turn the steering wheel it makes this loud squealing computerized sounding noise.

No power steering cluster warning says service power steering drive with care.

My power steering stops working several times a day at least 4-5 days a week. This is very dangerous, as I can not turn the vehicle without using all of my upper body strength. This has happened to me several times while driving 70 mph down the highway and in downtown chicago traffic. I fear for my safety and Cadillac will not do anything to fix this. I have contact my Cadillac dealer and Cadillac directly. I would like my vehicle purchased back from me. I can not continue to drive this vehicle and feel safe.

Takata recall was issued for my airbags. Nothing happened. My airbags were deemed to be dangerous/recalled/ same with my steering wheel (2). . Same for rear brakes. Your questions are not relevant. Nothing happened. Rather recall was announced on airbags, steering wheel (2) and on my rear brakes.

Takata recall this inquiry is not the result of any incident but the result of recall notices sent to my dealers and to myself re (1) steering wheel (2) brakes and (3) air bags. The steering wheel has been addressed and supposedly fixed. The dealer secretary states that there is also a recall on brakes and on airbags but dealer garage denies such. I also received recall notices via posted mail but no longer have the documents. The continuing airbag lights and sound still notify me that there is a problem with the driver-side airbags. Garage states that such airbag warnings are merely a glitch in the message system but I'm concerned that it may signify a valid problem with the airbags. Years ago, I was struck by an aggressive airbag which left injuries to my face and so I need to take this seriously.

Takata recall there has been no "incident" re the 2013 Ats. The issue originated with recall notices to my dealer and to me re (1) steering (2) air bags (3) brakes. The airbag issue involves continual warning by light and by sound re the driver's side airbag. Dealer secretary states that she has notices for all three (above) to be recalled. Dealer garage, however, states that the only recall was steering and have recently repaired the steering. I recall receiving recall notices at my home but no longer have them. And so, complainant is seeking to learn whether the brakes and the air bag warning need addressing.

Tl the contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Ats. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v086000 (steering). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Cadillac of bellevue (600 116th Ave ne, bellevue, wa 98004, (866) 971-3359) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

On 3/17/2019 I received notification stating a recall for loss of power steering. I contacted the dealership, and they concluded that there was no remedy available. I contacted gm and was told there was no remedy available at this time, and that this was not a safety issue. I am concerned though as the documentation I have provided states the following: "a loss of power steering while driving slow speeds or around curves can easily cause a crash".

Tl- the contact owns a Cadillac Ats. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to provide the remedy and repair part within a reasonable time frame as the steering wheel had began seizing causing the risk of a potential crash for NHTSA campaign number: 19v086000 (steering). The dealer(s) ed morse Cadillac delray beach2300 s federal hwy, delray beach, FL 33483, (877) 606-6291 and ed morse Cadillac delray beach, 2300 s federal hwy, delray beach, FL 33483, 1-(877) 606-6291 was unable to determine when they may be able to schedule the recall repair appointment. No loaner vehicle option was provided and the vehicle was not repaired yet. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the recall repair parts concern to determine the guidelines to service the vehicle. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Dyd.

Tl-the contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Ats. The contact received notification of the NHTSA campaign number: 19v-086000 (steering) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer autonation Cadillac port richey 9921 us-19, port richey, FL 34668 (727)-264-0817 was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacture was made aware of the issue and confirm the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN tool confirms parts not available. Ck.

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Ats. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 19v086000 (steering). The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to provide the part within a reasonable timeframe. An appointment was scheduled with dutton motor company (8201 auto dr, riverside, CA 92504, (951) 687-2020). The dealer indicated that the part was ordered and available; however, another unknown dealer stated otherwise. The contact was then informed by dutton motor company that the part had to be ordered and it could be an additional two weeks before it arrived. The manufacturer was contacted to address part availability. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Tl- the contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Ats. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v086000 (steering) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The called Cadillac of las vegas dealer, located at 5185 w sahara Ave, las vegas, nv 89146, (702) 900-0132, and it was informed part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that he will received another noticed when the part become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part not available. Aw.

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated that various warning indicators and gauges flickered off and on. Whites Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac (173 old farm rd, roanoke rapids, nc 27870, (252) 507-0374) was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19v086000 (steering). The dealer was contacted more than once, but could not schedule a time for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

I was backing out of my parking space when I heard a noise and realized that I could not turn the steering wheel. I moves the car forward into the parking space again and a message on the display screen read to service power steering. Upon my research the electrical module or motor has been know to stop working. I was not driving and I thank god for that because the steering wheel would have been impossible to turn. Researching the problem I noticed that the 2013 Cadillac Ats had major problems with the electrical steering. The NHTSA should look into this problem. My car is three years old and should not have a problem with the steering system. These electrical power steering systems can cause death because of the high difficulty to steer if on the road. Steering is nearly impossible.

Tl- the contact owns a 2014 Cadillac Ats. The contact stated that there was a loss of power steering and that there was no warning indicator when the failure happened. The dealer camargo Cadillac, 9880 montgomery rd, cincinnati, OH 45242, 1-513-716-5963 indicated that an appointment would need to be scheduled for further testing and diagnosis to determine if the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 18v586000 (steering) however the vehicle exhibited the same condition as the recall campaign. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available. Dyd.

Warning lights & bells came on stearing and major system failure muscled car off the road frighting, if express way would have been a disaster! fortunately only going 30 miles per two lane road.