repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system
Risk. If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 Cadillac CTSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 73 owner complaints about the 2013 Cadillac CTS, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-394 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 16, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Cadillac CTS has problems
73 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
26Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
13Power train1 crash/fire/injury
11Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
10Steering2 crash/fire/injury
7Engine
7Suspension
6Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
5Exterior lighting
5Electronic stability control (ESC)
106 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 26 | 3 |
| Power train | 13 | 1 |
| Air bags | 11 | 5 |
| Steering | 10 | 2 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Suspension | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 5 | 1 |
| 6 other systems | 10 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2013 Cadillac CTS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other CTS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CTS median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Cadillac CTS safety ratings
2013 Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What CTS owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2013 has only 75k miles on it and all the dash lights flash and the car fails every couple of days. It has a brand new battery but the gauges on the dash continue to dance. I’m not sure what the problem is but it’s a huge safety factor in drivability.
driving to work on very busy highway. The engine light and Service Battery charging system came on, then went to battery saver almost instantly. Radio cut off, heat cutt off and the Car cut off in the middle of the highway before I could safely get over. this caused me to fear for my life as the…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IDLING WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED…
Own a 2013 CTS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.