2013 Cadillac CTS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 18%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Cadillac CTS, 18% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“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. This is no coincidence that I had the same issue two years later and $841.00 later. …”
NHTSA complaint #11172061, filed 2019-01, 81,500 miles“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 miles“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 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“Unintended acceleration; vehicle accelerated backing out of driveway after placed in reverse without stepping on accelerator; brakes would not stop vehicle; vehicle collided into neighbor's truck which was parked across the street. The driver and passenger sustained neck and back injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10504050, filed 2013-03, 8,346 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 3 | 38% |
| 2017 | 9 | 33% |
| 2016 | 9 | 29% |
| 2015 | 20 | 41% |
| 2014 | 84 | 58% |
| 2013 | 13 | 18% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 22 | 22% |
| 2010 | 9 | 13% |
| 2009 | 28 | 17% |
| 2008 | 21 | 12% |
| 2007 | 33 | 15% |
| 2006 | 45 | 17% |
| 2005 | 82 | 30% |
| 2004 | 52 | 23% |
| 2003 | 25 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2013 Cadillac CTS
26 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsExterior lighting
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