2014 Cadillac ATS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Base RWD, 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 AWD, 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 RWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,314–3,629 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Cadillac ATS is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,314 lb (4dr Sedan Base RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 1% worse than the 2014 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2014
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2013 ATS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 ATS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Base RWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,314 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 AWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,629 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 RWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,402 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATS | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -1% | $2,600 | 344 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -9% | $2,800 | 367 |
| ATS AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -13% | $2,900 | 386 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 23 | -13% | $2,900 | 389 |
| ATS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 22 | -16% | $3,050 | 412 |
| ATS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -20% | $3,200 | 428 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Cadillac ATS.
Similar 2014 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Cadillac ATS (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Sep 3, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V558000 · 96,145 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous operation.
- Risk
- If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electronic Climate Control module to remove the automatic rear defogger "on" function, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15299.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Jul 24, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V463000 · 63,665 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience the roof panel closing automatically when the non-recessed switches are pressed and the roof panel is open. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
- Risk
- Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the roof console accessory switch trim plate, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15568. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.
Seats · Jul 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V446000 · 124,007 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
- Risk
- A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jun 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V338000 · 90,750 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.
Not every 2014 Cadillac ATS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Cadillac ATS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,713 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Cadillac ATS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ATS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →