About the Cadillac ATS
At auction, a salvage-titled ATS-V can sell for 40% of its original MSRP—making VIN verification essential before purchasing any Cadillac ATS from the 2013-2019 production run. The performance variant shows elevated rates of prior accident damage and aggressive ownership patterns, while standard ATS sedans and coupes commonly appear with lease-return histories that may include gap periods in maintenance documentation.
A VIN number lookup on this Cadillac ATS includes real high-resolution auction photos sourced directly from Copart and IAAI, the largest salvage auction operators in the United States.
What a Cadillac ATS VIN Check Reveals
A VIN number check on any Cadillac ATS pulls records from state DMV offices, NHTSA databases, insurance industry filings, and salvage auction records across all 50 states. The report covers the following data categories:
- Accident and collision history
- Full odometer timeline
- Open safety recalls from NHTSA
- Title brands (salvage, flood, lemon law, total loss)
- Theft and recovery records
- Lien and ownership history
- Structural and frame damage
- Airbag deployment records
- State inspection history
- Prior vehicle use (fleet, rental, taxi, auction)
Cadillac ATS VIN Number Location
Where to find the VIN on a ATS
The ATS was discontinued after 2019. Its VIN sits at the base of the driver's side windshield, with a door jamb sticker and trunk lid label as secondary locations. Engine bay stamp is present. ATS Coupe and ATS-V variants see higher accident rates than the ATS sedan, verify the VIN decode confirms the exact body style and trim level, as coupe and sedan variants carry different structural profiles.
The VIN also appears on the vehicle registration, insurance documents, and title. All locations should match. A mismatch between VIN plates is a potential indicator of a rebuilt or salvage vehicle.
Common Issues Found in VIN Reports for the Cadillac ATS
VIN history reports on used Cadillac ATS vehicles frequently show accident and collision claims, title discrepancies, and odometer irregularities. Any open NHTSA recall notices tied to the specific VIN will appear in the report, along with the recall completion status where that data is available.
Cadillac vehicles carrying a VIN prefix of 1GY, 3GY are traceable through all 50 state DMV systems and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). Coverage for vehicles registered after 1990 is generally comprehensive.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
Cadillac ATS — last 3 model years
What ATS owners report across recent generations
2013–2019 (1st generation)
The 2013 and 2014 draw the most complaints, and totals drop after that. NHTSA owners of the 2013 describe power steering loss, stalling, transmission and shifting problems and a CUE screen that freezes. CarComplaints lists a glitchy CUE system, engine failure and rough running for 2013, fumes from other vehicles entering the cabin and run flat tire separation for 2014, and axle seal failure and a broken control arm for 2015. Cadillac ended the ATS after 2019. Recalls cover transmission shift cables on 2013–2014 models that may detach and rear defogger modules on 2013–2016 sedans that may overheat. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
What to check before buying
Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the shift cable and rear defogger recalls. Ask whether the CUE screen has been replaced. On the drive, turn the wheel at low speed to confirm steady assist, check that the shifter matches the gear shown, and inspect the run flat tires and axle seals.
- NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2013 Cadillac ATS
- CarComplaints.com, 2013 Cadillac ATS problems
- NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2014 Cadillac ATS
- CarComplaints.com, 2014 Cadillac ATS problems
- CarComplaints.com, 2015 Cadillac ATS problems
Updated September 25, 2026 · Summarized in our own words by VinNumber.net from public owner reports; individual experiences vary.