Recall 15V558 affects 96,145 2013-2016 Cadillac Ats vehicles for an overheating rear defogger antenna and fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Cadillac dealer.
Cadillac is recalling 96,145 2013-2016 Ats sedans because the coil antenna module that powers rear defogger can overheat during excessive cycling or continuous operation. Excessive heat raises the risk of a fire, and Cadillac dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear defogger system in the 2013-2016 Cadillac Ats sedan uses a coil antenna module to send power to the rear window defogger. When the driver turns on the defogger, that module helps energize the grid in the glass so heat clears fog or ice from the rear window. It is supposed to cycle only as needed and keep its electrical terminals cool enough for normal use.
On affected sedans, connections on the printed circuit board inside the module were built with weak terminal connectivity. The rear defogger also has automatic or continuous-on settings, so the module can keep cycling even when the glass does not need defogging. That repeated cycling further degrades the weak connection and raises temperature at the terminals, creating an overheating risk in the rear driver side area.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall record does not identify a light, smell, message, or visible symptom that gives owners advance notice before the module overheats.
Who's affected?
Covers each Ats model year in the 2013-2016 range, all tied to the defroster and HVAC visibility system.
| 2016 Cadillac Ats | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2015 Cadillac Ats | visibility component |
| 2014 Cadillac Ats | visibility component |
| 2013 Cadillac Ats | visibility component |
| Units affected | 96,145 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
Excessive heat from the coil antenna increases the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer update soon and ask Cadillac service whether any climate control settings need to stay off before the visit. Repair is free at any franchised Cadillac dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 Cadillac Ats is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Cadillac dealer to schedule the free climate-control software update that stops the rear defogger from cycling on automatically.
- Bring the recall notice if Cadillac mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V558 when you call.
- Avoid using the rear defogger until the software update is complete.
- Keep the repair appointment even if the rear defogger seems normal; the update removes the automatic rear defogger on function.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Cadillac technician updates the Electronic Climate Control module so the rear defogger no longer switches on automatically. The software update and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related rear defogger or climate control repair before the recall notice, Cadillac's standard reimbursement plan covers documented costs. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Cadillac customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 2, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| September 2, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 2, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 3, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| October 16, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V558?
Recall 15V558 covers 96,145 2013-2016 Cadillac Ats sedans with a coil antenna module for the rear defogger that can generate excessive heat. That heat increases fire risk. Cadillac dealers update the Electronic Climate Control module for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 Cadillac Ats is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific sedan is included in recall 15V558. If it is, contact a franchised Cadillac dealer to schedule the Electronic Climate Control module update. Reference recall number 15V558 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Cadillac dealers will update the Electronic Climate Control module free of charge. Cadillac customer service is listed at 1-800-458-8006 for recall 15299.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. In affected Cadillac Ats sedans, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger can overheat during excessive cycling or continuous operation, increasing fire risk. Schedule the free dealer update once your VIN confirms inclusion.
What if I bought my Cadillac Ats used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Cadillac Ats is included, then call a franchised Cadillac dealer with recall number 15V558.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V558000 |
|---|---|
| Cadillac customer service | 1-800-458-8006 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V558 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V558000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →