Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Cadillac ATS
The 2017 Cadillac ATS is a stylish and agile vehicle, but it has notable reliability issues. The primary concerns are with the electric power steering, which has multiple recalls and complaints. Be cautious of electrical issues as well.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Cadillac ATS has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 33 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 #25V175000 Loss of Power Steering Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V086000 Loss of Power Steering Assist NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 13 complaints
- Electrical System 6 complaints
- Unknown or Other 6 complaints
- Power Train 5 complaints
- Engine 3 complaints
- Air Bags 2 complaints
Of the 33 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power steering assist may fail
How to check: Test steering at low speeds and check for alerts
Unspecified electrical issues
How to check: Inspect dashboard for warning lights or malfunctions
Power train issues reported
How to check: Shift gears smoothly during test drive
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for unusual noises from engine
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Steering wheel should move smoothly
Red flag: Steering stiff or unresponsive
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor dashboard for warning lights
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth gear shifts without jerking
Red flag: Delayed acceleration or jerking
- 05
Braking
What to check: Listen for brake noises or vibrations
Red flag: Squealing or grinding sounds
- 06
Parking maneuver
What to check: Check for ease of steering
Red flag: Steering assistance failure or warnings
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have the steering recalls been addressed?
- Any recurring electrical issues you’ve seen?
- Was the vehicle involved in any accidents?
- How frequently was the car serviced?
- Are there any current dashboard warnings?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Previous owner's manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Cadillac ATS at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 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.