DecodedCars2016 Cadillac ATS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe 2.0l AWD, 2dr Coupe 2.0l RWD, 2dr Coupe 3.6l AWD, 2dr Coupe 3.6l 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, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 183.1–184.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,314–3,693 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 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 31 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 184 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,572 lb (2dr Coupe 2.0l AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 2% worse than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 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 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 ATS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 ATS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe 2.0l AWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,572 lb | 51/49 |
| 2dr Coupe 2.0l RWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,417 lb | 51/49 |
| 2dr Coupe 3.6l AWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,693 lb | 51/49 |
| 2dr Coupe 3.6l RWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,530 lb | 51/49 |
| 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 | 3,543 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 (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 348 |
| ATS AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -6% | $3,300 | 358 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -6% | $3,300 | 349 |
| ATS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | -10% | $2,800 | 378 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -14% | $3,550 | 388 |
| ATS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -17% | $3,050 | 399 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Cadillac ATS.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Cadillac ATS (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V329000 · 5,014 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.
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.
Not every 2016 Cadillac ATS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Cadillac ATS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 5 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,500 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 2016 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 →