Cadillac ATS smoking from tailpipes due to oil leak from turbo into exhaust on Cadillac ATS

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Cadillac ATS owners report experiencing smoking from the tailpipes due to an oil leak from the turbo into the exhaust. This issue may stem from oil leaking onto the hot side of the turbo or downpipe, where it burns off after starting the vehicle. Possible sources of the oil leak include the valve cover gasket, spark plug tube seals, the turbo oil feed line, or crush washers on the feed line. Owners have noted that this situation can lead to serious problems such as engine stalling, overheating, and smoke emanating from the hood, which may indicate a leaking timing cover gasket. Additionally, blue exhaust smoke is often a sign of burning lubricant oil, necessitating a check on the lubricant oil levels to confirm any significant decrease. While white exhaust smoke can be normal due to condensation, excessive white smoke could suggest coolant leaking into the combustion chambers, potentially from a blown head gasket or cracked engine head. It is crucial for owners to address the specific source of the oil leak promptly to prevent further complications and ensure the vehicle operates properly.

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