repaired · 2016 Q1
Parking brake
Risk. Brake pads that remain partially engaged with the rotors may cause excessive brake heat that may result in a fire.
2013 Cadillac XTSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 103 owner complaints about the 2013 Cadillac XTS, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-220 the manufacturer reports only 95% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 1, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Cadillac XTS has problems
103 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
41Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
25Suspension
12Engine1 crash/fire/injury
9Exterior lighting
6Vehicle speed control
6Wheels
6Service brakes
4Seats
3Electronic stability control (ESC)
2211 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 41 | 2 |
| Suspension | 25 | 0 |
| Engine | 12 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 0 |
| Wheels | 6 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 3 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 22 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2013 Cadillac XTS 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 · 2015 Q2
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. In manufacturing mode, the vehicle's air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
repaired · 2015 Q3
Vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. The corrosion of the brake booster pump relay connector may cause a resistive short and melt the connector, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake…
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk. In the event of a vehicle crash, the lowered head restraint may increase the occupant's risk of neck 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.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
66kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 30 electrical system complaints. 80% were reported before 100,000 miles.
7under 30k miles24under 100k miles6100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other XTS 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 XTS median. How we score
'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Cadillac XTS safety ratings
2013 Cadillac XTS 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What XTS owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that several codes will intermittently illuminate on the vehicle, such as code 813, which refers to a transmission communication failure; a malfunction with the Instrument or Cluster (IPC); and code 62, which refers to the Body Control Module…
As I’m driving with cruise set my brake lamps intermittently flashing without breaking and the cruise control potentially disengage. A software glitch in the body controls module. Plus, my passenger light says the dim light it out when it’s not. I’v had a mechanic replace the light multiple times…
I have replaced my low beam 4 times and it’s still showing the light is out and it is. My cruise control disengaged when I’m driving above 65 with the cruise set and there’s no cars in front of me.
Own a 2013 XTS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.