Selling a broken or junk Cadillac ATS

If your ATS has a gearbox, engine or wiring fault that isn't worth the bill, you can sell the whole car as it sits. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

The ATS in brief

Cadillac built the ATS for the 2013 through 2019 model years at Lansing Grand River Assembly in Michigan, on GM's rear-drive Alpha platform. All-wheel drive was offered too. Wikipedia lists three gasoline engines: a 2.5 four, a turbocharged 2.0 four and a 3.6 V6. The ATS-V, built March 2015 to December 2018, got a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6.

After sales fell 23 percent through May 2016, Cadillac dropped the 2.5-liter for 2017. The sedan gave way to the CT4 for 2020; the coupe ended with no replacement.

Problems and recalls, by stretch of years

2013-2014: where most complaints sit

On the 2013, the engine leads with 35 complaints and the power train follows with 32. On the 2014, power train leads with 26. Electrical complaints run 24 and 15 on the two years.

Recall 14V338 fits that power train pattern. It covers 2013-2014 ATS cars built April 23, 2012 to March 20, 2014, plus some 2014 CTS cars. Dealers check that the shift cable is seated at the transmission and shifter brackets. Its 90,750 vehicles include those CTS cars, so not all of them are ATS.

Three more recalls hit the early cars. 14V488 replaces both front lap belt pretensioners on 2013 cars, in a 48,114-vehicle campaign shared with the Buick Encore. 14V446 checks a seat hook bracket weld; its 124,007 vehicles span many GM models. 13V220 reprograms the body control module for the brake lights on 2013 ATS and XTS cars, among others.

Two cabin recalls that run 2013-2016

Both of these name only the ATS. Recall 15V463 covers 63,665 cars whose roof panel may close on its own; dealers replace the roof console switch trim plate. Recall 15V558 covers 96,145 ATS sedans whose rear defogger coil antenna module was the issue. The fix updates the climate control module to remove the automatic rear defogger "on" function.

2015-2016: fewer complaints, two newer worries

Complaints drop to 29 on the 2015 and 35 on the 2016. Recall 15V358 replaces a brake pedal bracket that may fracture on some 2015 ATS and CTS cars, 2,163 in all.

The one to check first is 26V329, reported May 21, 2026. It says the driver-side front inflator in some 2015-2016 ATS sedans may burst during a deployment. Its 5,014 vehicles also include the Escalade, XTS, CTS and SRX. GM mailed interim letters on June 19, 2026.

2017-2019: steering takes the lead

On the 2017, steering is the top complaint: 10 of 33. Two recalls match it. 19V086 covers 2017 ATS cars, with the CTS, Camaro and Corvette, in a 26,772-vehicle campaign; the electric power steering assist may fail. 25V175 is the same problem on 2017-2018 ATS cars, 934 vehicles across those models, with letters mailed April 15, 2025. Both replace the steering gear for free.

The 2018 also has recall 18V358, a high-pressure fuel pump and pipe swap in a campaign of 895 vehicles spread over many GM models. The 2019 ATS has 2 complaints and no recalls, but it was the final ATS year, so its owners have been filing for the shortest stretch.

Complaints and recalls by model year

Our tally of the NHTSA owner-complaint download, Oct. 10, 2026. An ATS recall that covers several years is listed under each of them.

Owners also reported 25 cars towed and 3 fires across all years.

Repair it or sell it?

Start with the free stuff. Put the VIN into NHTSA's recall lookup. A 2017-2018 covered by the power steering assist recalls, or a 2015-2016 with the air bag notice, may have a dealer fix waiting. An unfixed recall doesn't stop a sale; our open recall guide explains why.

When an ATS shifts badly or the gearbox slips, ask the shop for a written estimate and set it beside what a same-year ATS that runs well sells for. Our bad transmission guide covers the signs. For a dead engine, see blown engine.

How to sell the ATS whole

1. Note the VIN, mileage and what's wrong. Mention if it's the ATS-V or the coupe.
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Share the location and if it can roll. The truck goes to it, your street or a shop lot alike.
4. Don't strip it. Wheels, seats and the converter stay put. Tell us if anything is already gone.
5. Sign the title and pass over the keys when the driver shows up. For plates, check after you sell.

Comparing Cadillacs? See the CTS, the SRX or every Cadillac on the site.