Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Cadillac ATS
The 2014 Cadillac ATS has moderate owner complaints and few recalls; however, pay attention to the transmission and electrical issues mentioned in complaints and recalls. Focus on checking the transmission shift cable and HVAC system during inspection and test drives.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Cadillac ATS has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 104 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V558000 Rear Defogger Coil Antenna Module may Overheat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V463000 Power Operated Roof Panel/FMVSS 118 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V446000 Front Seats may not Remain Anchored in Vehicle NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V338000 Transmission Shift Cable Detachment/Rollaway Risk NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 30 complaints
- Unknown or Other 23 complaints
- Electrical System 18 complaints
- Engine 14 complaints
- Steering 10 complaints
- Air Bags 7 complaints
Of the 104 complaints on file, 6 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 104 complaints, owners report 10 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Shift cable detachment
How to check: Ensure the gear selector shifts smoothly and reflects correctly on the dashboard.
Excessive heat generation
How to check: Test rear defogger for unusual heat or smells.
Sunroof closes automatically
How to check: Check sunroof switches for automatic closing when pressed.
Power train issues
How to check: Listen for unusual noises during acceleration.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for unusual engine noises or difficulty starting.
Red flag: Loud knocking or failure to start
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Look for warning lights on dash.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test smoothness of gear shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or hard shifts
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Evaluate engine performance and response.
Red flag: Poor acceleration or strange noises
- 05
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth and effective braking.
Red flag: Vibration or pulling
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test shift into reverse and park.
Red flag: Difficulty shifting or delay
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission shift cable been replaced?
- Any recent HVAC or electrical repairs?
- Has the sunroof mechanism been serviced?
- Are there any unaddressed recall notices?
- What is the service history for this car?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair records
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Cadillac ATS at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Cadillac ATS? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.