The 2017 ATS is a sharp-handling compact luxury sedan undermined by catastrophic 2.0T engine failures and chronic transmission cooler leaks. The turbocharged four-cylinder has proven to be a ticking time bomb, while the V6 is significantly more reliable.
Symptoms: sudden loss of power under load, metallic knocking from crankcase, oil consumption 1+ quart per 1,000 miles before failure, check engine light with misfire codes, complete engine seizure in worst cases
Fix: The 2.0T LTG engine suffers from piston ring land failures, spun rod bearings, and scored cylinder walls. Carbon buildup exacerbates weak piston design. Repair requires complete engine rebuild or replacement short block. 18-24 labor hours for R&R plus machining/parts. Many shops won't rebuild these—they swap in reman long blocks.
Estimated cost: $6,500-9,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Lines Leak
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid puddles under engine bay, burnt transmission fluid smell, low fluid warning on dash, transmission slipping or delayed engagement if leak progresses
Fix: The cooler lines running to the radiator corrode where they connect, or the cooler itself develops pinhole leaks. Often combined with the plastic quick-connects cracking. Requires cooler line set replacement, sometimes radiator if integrated cooler is damaged. 3-4 hours labor, must flush and refill transmission fluid.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Electric Power Steering Failures
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: intermittent steering assist loss with warning message, complete loss of power assist while driving, steering wheel feels extremely heavy suddenly, service power steering message on DIC
Fix: Subject to NHTSA recalls, but failures persist even after recall repairs. Control module or steering gear assembly fails. GM issued TSBs for software reflash first, but many require full steering rack replacement. 4-5 hours labor for rack R&R, must perform alignment after.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
CUE Infotainment System Freezing/Failure
Common · low severity
Symptoms: touchscreen unresponsive or phantom touches, system reboots randomly while driving, backup camera black screen, navigation freezes, audio cuts out
Fix: The CUE system uses a capacitive touchscreen that delaminates and fails. Early fix attempts involved software updates, but hardware replacement is usually needed. Requires complete CUE module replacement and reprogramming. 2-3 hours labor. GM extended warranty coverage on some units, but 2017s are mostly out of coverage now.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk when shifting from park to drive, excessive vibration at idle, lurching sensation during acceleration, visible transmission sag if inspected on lift
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount deteriorates, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. More common on 2.0T due to torque characteristics. Straightforward mount replacement. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup (2.0T)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle when cold, misfires under load, reduced fuel economy, hesitation on acceleration, check engine light with multiple misfire codes
Fix: Direct injection means no fuel washing over intake valves, causing severe carbon deposits. Requires walnut blasting service every 40-60k miles. Can mask or accelerate the piston ring failures. 4-6 hours labor to remove intake manifold, blast all four runners, reassemble.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Owner tips
Avoid the 2.0T engine entirely if possible—the 3.6L V6 is substantially more reliable despite worse fuel economy
If buying a 2.0T, confirm walnut blast service history and budget for engine replacement as a when-not-if expense
Check steering recall completion and test power assist thoroughly during test drive—sudden failures are dangerous
Inspect transmission cooler lines for seepage during pre-purchase inspection
Extended warranty is almost mandatory on the 2.0T if you're buying used—engine repairs exceed vehicle value quickly
Hard pass on the 2.0T unless you're getting it for parts-car money; V6 models are acceptable with thorough pre-purchase inspection and maintenance records, but Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3-series are more reliable luxury alternatives in this segment.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Located in trunk on right side; AGM battery required for vehicle electronics
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Every control module on the 2013-2019 Cadillac ATS — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Requires sensor calibration; may be integrated with RVCM on later models
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear trunk lid or integrated into camera assembly
🔧 GM MDI or scan tool
⚠️ Backup camera standard 2013+; calibration usually automatic
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under driver and passenger seats
🔧 GM MDI or scan tool
⚠️ Memory seats have individual modules per seat; heated/cooled seat control
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · 19V086000
2019-02-07
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Cadillac ATS 2.5L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.