2013 Cadillac CTS Problems
Compared with other Cadillac CTS years
Typical for this model
58/100 1.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.2× that of a typical Cadillac CTS year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 33 of its 73 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Steering column noise, pull, or loss of assist (15 complaints, median 18,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015, 2016
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 73filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 26,000miles, 54 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Cadillac CTS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe sudden loss of power or stalling while driving, often with several warning lights at once, and many tie their experience to the ignition-switch recall. Steering complaints — clicking, pulling, or a hard-to-turn wheel — and transmission fluid leaks or shift problems also appear repeatedly, usually at low to moderate mileage.
- Electrical system
Engine stalls or shuts off while driving
- 11 complaints (15%)
- median 20,350 mi at 1.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2024
Complaints describe the engine quitting without warning at highway or surface-street speeds, sometimes restarting immediately and sometimes requiring a tow. Several owners say the dealer could not reproduce or diagnose the failure, and some were told to keep only the key and fob on the ring. A number of these complaints reference the ignition-switch recall and note the recall remedy was limited to a key-ring insert. Mostly reported under about 20,000 miles, with some at higher mileage.
Recall 14V3940001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether recall 14V394000 was performed and confirm the key ring carries only the ignition key, per the recall instructions. Note any history of intermittent stalling or repeated no-fault-found dealer visits.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had just filed a complaint on my CTS and thought I should add that it almost stalled out on a steephill with a major intersection, quit after I started it in my drive on a level ground. No stalling sound to give warning. I am sure there is more, but these are the easy ones. Again, Cadillac customer service said it the stopping in traffic only happened once, so not so bad!”
NHTSA complaint #10670307, filed 2015-01, 25,000 miles“I just bought this vehicle 5 days ago. Yesterday when I stopped at red traffic light and the car lost power without any warning. I had to shut it down and restart it and then it came back to full function. The reason I filed this complain is that I am afraid that I could be killed if my vehicle was on the high way. I will bring it to the dealer when I have my days off. I am afraid someday I could get serious trouble.”
NHTSA complaint #10568052, filed 2014-03, 18,200 miles - Steering
Steering column noise, pull, or loss of assist
- 15 complaints (21%)
- median 18,000 mi at 2.1 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2019
Owners describe a clicking or clunking from the steering, the car pulling to one side, or the wheel becoming very hard to turn with a power steering warning. Dealers in the complaints often replaced the steering column or diagnosed wiring in the column, and in several cases the symptom returned after repair. A few owners report loose or missing bolts on the adjustable steering wheel bracket. Reported from very low mileage up to about 50,000 miles, often within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Turn the wheel slowly while parked and listen for clicks, and check for pull on a straight road. Ask whether the steering column or column wiring has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The electrically adjustable steering wheel has two bolts that hold the up down bracket on the steering wheel. One bolt fell out and the other one was loose. The locktite blue was only on one thread. If you check the news groups it seems like a common problem on the CTS. I think this should be a recall due to the fact if the other bolt fell out the steering column would flop around causing the driver to loose control.”
NHTSA complaint #11269500, filed 2019-10, 50,000 miles“Within one week of purchase we noticed that the car is pulling to the left causing a new driver to over correct and drift into the right lane. This is extremely dangerous. Dealer is replacing steering column. 27000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #10882856, filed 2016-07, 27,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light or airbags not deploying
- 11 complaints (15%)
- median 56,226 mi at 6.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2024
Owners report a service airbag message appearing on the dash, curtain airbags deploying with no impact, or airbags failing to deploy in a collision. Some were told the needed airbag module is no longer manufactured. Others describe a powder released during deployment. Reported across a wide range, mostly between about 30,000 and 90,000 miles, with some lower-mileage cases.
What to check: Confirm the airbag warning light comes on briefly at start-up and then goes out. Ask whether any airbag module has been replaced and whether parts are still available.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving along highway 70 downtown st louis when all the sudden all 4 ceiling/curtain airbags went off only, no other airbags deployed, just the ones stated. I pulled the vehicle off the highway. I was able to drive the vehicle back to my house where it remains. This incident happened on the evening of october 19, 2019. I just purchased this vehicle 3 weeks ago. The dealership is closed on sundays where I purchsed it. There is no body damage to the vehicle, like I said the airbags just went off for no reason.”
NHTSA complaint #11269767, filed 2019-10, 50,000 miles“I noticed that on the dash a message that service is needed on one of the airbags. I then scheduled appointment to have the problem corrected. I was informed by the dealership’ service department that I need a passenger airbag replacement on the passenger side of the car, and they also informed me that GM no longer manufactures the airbag that I need. I was not given any assistance on how to replace this safety feature in the car, nor was I notified by the manufacturer that airbag was discontinued.”
NHTSA complaint #11632917, filed 2024-12 - Electrical system
Battery drain, dash lights, and electrical faults
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe multiple warning lights flashing, gauges moving erratically, and the car shutting down or going into a battery-saver mode. Some owners report accessories behaving oddly, such as windows, seats, backup camera, or reverse lights staying on. In a few cases the ECM or its wiring was replaced. Reported from a few hundred miles to about 75,000 miles, sometimes shortly after purchase.
Recall 14V6140002 related service bulletins
What to check: Have the battery and charging system tested and ask whether any control modules or wiring have been replaced. Confirm recall 14V614000 was completed if the vehicle is covered.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11647538, filed 2025-03“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 cars behind me barely had time to stop. a hair probably could not have fit between us. I did eventually safely get off the highway, had the car towed to a service center. …”
NHTSA complaint #11645666, filed 2025-02 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission fluid leak and harsh or delayed shifting
- 9 complaints (12%)
- median 31,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2024
Complaints describe transmission fluid leaking, low fluid leading to stalling or a car that will not engage a gear, and shifts that are delayed or abrupt. Some owners were quoted a transmission replacement, while others had fluid topped off with the leak returning. A few mention a drive shaft or solenoid problem found alongside the transmission issue. Reported from a few hundred miles up to roughly 90,000 miles, with several between 25,000 and 35,000 miles.
What to check: Check transmission fluid level and color and look for leaks or residue under the car. Ask for service records showing fluid changes and any transmission or drive shaft repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased my vehicle in may 2016. In november 2016 I went to drive the vehicle but it would not go into gear. It was towed to lindsay Cadillac. I was told the draft shaft needed to be replaced. On january 18, 2019 after being parked for approximately 15 minutes upon starting and putting it into gear I heard a clicking noise. It was towed to capitol Cadillac where again I was told there was a problem with the drive shaft. I was further told that the bolts were sheared off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11172061, filed 2019-01, 81,500 miles“Solenoid that communicates with the transmission and the computer. (this was causing the the stability trac to kick on and sometimes shut the car off while driving or sitting still turning) they also discovered that the entire rear differential had to be replace. This is a 2013 CTS coupe 69000 miles when purchased. I contacted GM corporate office for assistance. (p0101 ,p0100, u0101, lost of communication to TCM.”
NHTSA complaint #10914894, filed 2016-10, 71,000 miles
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 73 consumer complaints for the 2013 Cadillac CTS. 54 of the complaints include a mileage, and 72% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 26,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,655 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Cadillac CTS model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 58 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system26 36%
- Air bags11 15%
- Steering10 14%
- Brakes7 9.6%
- Engine7 9.6%
- Other or unknown7 9.6%
- Suspension7 9.6%
- Exterior lighting5 6.9%
Also reported: Seats (3), Body and structure (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Fuel system (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “My 2013 Cadillac CTS was recalled for unintended rotation of the ignition switch. All that the recall required was to add a second small ring to the key and give me a paper telling me not to attach any thing to the key including the key fob. However, the dealer attached the key fob to the key. They just place the paper on my dash so I didn't read it till I was at home. I called the dealer service department and they said I should remove the fob. …”
NHTSA complaint #10622504, filed 2014-08, 3,800 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My 2013 CTS has had a number of prior issues but at this time, I started the car, got into traffic and the vehicle just stopped running. It everything quit. I had no power to steering, brakes, lights. I coasted partway into a parking space I=on the side of the road but did not have enough momentum to fully pull into the space as I was headed up a slight incline. I was stuck with my rear end in traffic and no ability to move. I turned off the car and restarted and it started up. This is not the first issue as about half dozen times the car has refused to engage when I have turned the key. …”
NHTSA complaint #10670303, filed 2015-01, 25,000 milesAir bags: “Takata, service air bag is on across stereo console & light on dash. It came on within last 4 weeks while driving & after a bump in road. Won't go off. Deeply concerned. Also driver power seat module doesn't work to raise not great for someone short.”
NHTSA complaint #11217452, filed 2019-06, 140,000 milesSteering: “At 27k miles our 2013 CTS premium model developed a unique natural characteristic, the front wheels bind when turning. This natural characteristic is labeled as (stick/ slip) when making a right hand turn out onto a busy road I was almost broadsided by an oncoming dump truck and car. I pulled out onto the road and the car began to (stick and slip) hindering its forward movement. Had the left lane not been open for the oncoming traffic to swerve around me, I probably would not be writing this. The certified service tech at the dealership said the front wheels were binding. Gm engineers said,? …”
NHTSA complaint #10683742, filed 2015-02, 27,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
72% of the 54 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,474 and 50,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Cadillac CTS. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS · wagon AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.3% risk |
| CTS · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.3% risk |
| CTS · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.3% risk |
| CTS · wagon RWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.3% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Cadillac CTS version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| CTS RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 26 | 19 | $3,550 |
| CTS RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| CTS RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,150 |
| CTS RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 12 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| CTS AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| CTS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| CTS Wagon RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| CTS Wagon RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| CTS Wagon RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,150 |
| CTS Wagon RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 12 | 18 | 14 | $5,850 |
| CTS Wagon AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| CTS Wagon AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V614000Oct 1, 2014Electrical systemCovers: Cadillac CTS 2013–2014, Chevrolet Suburban 2013–2014, GMC Yukon 2013–2014 +12 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and…
- 14V394000Jul 2, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Cadillac CTS 2003–2014, SRX 2004–2006
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring…
Recall details for the 2013 Cadillac CTS → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,655 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the Cadillac CTS
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 59,000 | 0 | 4–5 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 8 | 9,775 | 2 | 4–5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 27 | 36,124 | 2 | 4–5 | 24 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 31 | 20,000 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 49 | 62,500 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 146 | 57,978 | 6 | 5 | 21 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 73 | 26,000 | 2 | 5 | 19 | 58 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 65 | 43,000 | 2 | 5 | 19 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 101 | 40,500 | 2 | — | 19 | 60 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 67 | 56,000 | 3 | — | 21 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2009 | 167 | 65,153 | 5 | — | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2008 | 175 | 58,260 | 2 | — | 20 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 217 | 77,000 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 269 | 65,999 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 277 | 67,581 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 224 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 313 | 72,300 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Cadillac CTS model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Cadillac CTS?
Owners of this model year most often describe sudden loss of power or stalling while driving, often with several warning lights at once, and many tie their experience to the ignition-switch recall. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or shuts off while driving; Steering column noise, pull, or loss of assist; Airbag warning light or airbags not deploying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Cadillac CTS have?
NHTSA recorded 73 consumer complaints for the 2013 Cadillac CTS as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Cadillac CTS is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 26 complaints (36% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 13.
Has the 2013 Cadillac CTS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 Cadillac CTS do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Cadillac CTS 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Cadillac CTS get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Cadillac CTS (CTS, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Cadillac CTS reported?
Among the 54 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 26,000 miles and the middle half falls between 8,474 and 50,000 miles; 72% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.