2013 Cadillac CTS Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Cadillac CTS, 7% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was stopped by the police because my license plate lights and 3rd brake light weren't working. I checked online Cadillac forums and discovered a common problem with the wiring harness breaking where it bends next to the passenger trunk hinge. When I checked my wire harness I discovered 3 broken wires and 2 partially broken wires.”
NHTSA complaint #11096964, filed 2018-05, 68,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. While driving, the contact stated that the headlights were very dim. Upon inspection, it was discovered that water was present inside the driver's side head lamp assembly. The vehicle was taken to falkner Cadillac (447 e. St rd, trevose, pa) where it was diagnosed that the entire headlight assembly needed to be replaced to prevent the water from leaking inside the assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11228234, filed 2019-06, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10246003Oct 16, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will…
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 7% |
| 2012 | 10 | 15% |
| 2011 | 8 | 8% |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 37 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2013 Cadillac CTS
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Cadillac CTS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology