Shop a used Cadillac ATS as a compact rear-drive luxury sedan from 2013 through 2019, and I'd put my money on a later car with the 3.6-liter V-6 if the price is close. The 2.0-liter turbo is quicker on paper, but early ones share a messy reputation for hard starts and piston damage when spark plugs and software weren't updated. Two October 2026 facts to bake in before you travel: 2015-2016 ATS cars sit in air bag recall 26V329 with no dealer fix yet, and plenty of ATS interiors still run Cadillac's CUE touchscreen, which GM has a bulletin for when the glass bubbles.
The ATS was Cadillac's BMW 3 Series answer, smaller and sharper than the CTS. Our used Cadillac CTS buying guide covers the bigger sibling if you need rear-seat space. If you're cross-shopping the German rival, see our used BMW 3 Series guide. Treat them as different cars with different repair shops and different recall lists.
What the ATS was, year by year
Consumer Reports lists one redesign year, 2013, and says 2019 was the last. Engines were a 2.5-liter four, a 2.0-liter turbo four, and a 3.6-liter V-6, with rear- or all-wheel drive. CR called the car nimble enough to out-handle many European rivals, then knocked the CUE controls as convoluted and the cabin as snug, with a small rear seat and trunk. The turbo felt quick in CR's tests but delivered about 23 mpg overall. Car and Driver's 2019 overview puts a late base turbo at 272 hp with an eight-speed automatic and rear drive, and lists an available 335-hp V-6 plus a six-speed manual. For engine and drive codes on a specific car, use our Cadillac VIN decoder guide.
The ATS-V arrived later with a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 aimed at track days. Those are rare, expensive to keep happy, and a different shopping trip than a base Luxury sedan. CR's mid-October 2026 retail bands run roughly $5,325-$7,075 for a 2013 and $11,550-$31,100 for a 2019, so late cars still cost real money when they're loaded or high-mileage V models.
CUE and the small cabin
CR still calls CUE frustrating. GM's preliminary information bulletin PIC6055C covers 2013-2017 ATS, SRX, XTS and other Cadillacs whose radio screen "appears bubbled or is delaminating," with a fix of replacing the integrated center stack. Screens ruined by harsh cleaners or poking are excluded. On a test drive, tap every corner, look at the glass from an angle in daylight, and get a written quote if it's already lifting. Our used Cadillac SRX guide hits the same screen problem on the crossover.
Recalls to run on the VIN
I queried the NHTSA recalls API for every ATS year on Friday afternoon, October 16, including the 2015 ATS query. Start with these:
- 26V329, 2015-2016: the driver air bag inflator may rupture and throw metal. GM mailed interim letters on June 19, 2026, and says more mail goes out when the remedy exists. Until then, no dealer can replace the module.
- 15V558, 2013-2016 sedans: the rear defogger coil antenna can overheat. Dealers update the climate-control module.
- 15V463, 2013-2016: the sunroof can close when you press non-recessed switches. Dealers replace the switch trim plate.
- 14V338, 2013-2014: automatic transmission concerns on early cars.
- 19V086 and 25V175, 2017-2018: electric power steering assist can fail. Dealers replace the steering gear.
The API returned no campaigns for 2019 when I checked, which does not mean that VIN is clean forever. Our Cadillac recall check by VIN post shows how to confirm open work. A clean history report does not prove recall labor was done.
Crash scores
IIHS ratings for the 2018 ATS sedan are the page to open for late cars. Ratings vary by year and by which tests IIHS actually ran, so match the year on the window sticker to the ratings table before you treat a Good score as gospel for an early build.
Price, history, and the report
Look for rental-fleet stamps, mileage that jumps, and title brands. Check brands free on NMVTIS, and skip the PDF a seller texts you. We've seen edited files. CarVins is a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller and is not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck, or Experian. As of mid October 2026 a single report through us is about $5.50 as a guest or about $4.50 with a membership, and both brands together run near $6.75, against roughly $39.99-$44.99 bought direct. Trust the total on the checkout screen.
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