2013 Cadillac Cts: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Cadillac Cts? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 72 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2013 Cadillac Cts Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2013 Cadillac Cts trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2013 Cadillac Cts Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program6 variants tested — showing 2013 Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Cadillac Cts has 72 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Cts
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 72
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Cadillac Cts Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Cadillac Cts?
The 2013 Cadillac Cts shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Cadillac Cts
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including infotainment and lighting, for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect airbag system and steering components before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including infotainment and lighting, for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect airbag system and steering components before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Cadillac Cts, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 72 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Cadillac CTS, issues appear concentrated in electrical faults, transmission/drivetrain, and airbag malfunctions. There are 2 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints (26 out of 72).
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most reported component (13 complaints).
- Airbag malfunctions are noted in 11 complaints, a significant number for a single model year.
- Electrical faults, including potential failures of infotainment, lighting, or other electronic systems.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems, such as shifting issues or driveline noise.
- Airbag malfunctions, which may involve warning lights or deployment concerns.
All 2013 Cadillac Cts Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Cadillac Cts. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 26 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 5 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 4 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Cadillac Cts. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 f…
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 th…
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the transmission fluid was leaking, and the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission fluid was significantly l…
Found a crack along the tab of my subframe along the rear control arm pocket. Searching for solutions and repairs, I found several hundred people who broke the tab while driving on CTSVowners, ctsvforum and various Facebook groups This seems to impact both the base model and V…
Cracked subframe. The CTS-V is known for this. Many of the guys on the news groups have the same issue. I had mine welded and replaced the lower control arms as a result.
Air bags didn’t come out
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the electronic stability control and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DEER WHICH CAUSED AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MESSAGE; THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED ONLY AN ODD SMELLING POWDER EMITTED FROM THE AIR BAG LOCATION. THE…
THE NIPPENDENSO FUEL PUMP NECK IS CRACKED AND IS LEAKING FUEL. $3200 BUCKS FOR THE DEALER TO REPLACE. BOUGHT ON LINE AND REPLACED FOR $1256 BUCKS. EVERY CTS V HAS THIS ISSUE. I CANNOT IMAGINE THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL. PUMPING ON THE GROUND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CHECK THE FORU…
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 MECHAN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE HEADLIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAG…
SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ON
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2013 CADILLAC, SUFFERING A SEVERED LIP, REQUIRING 24 STITCHES IN MY BOTYOMLIP, LOST TOOTH, AND SUFFERED NECK AND BACK PAIN DUE TO AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING.
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 INCIDEN…
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 THI…
TL* 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, …
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.
EVAPORATING SYSTEM AND LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL
THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN EVEN AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE ENGINE HAS JUST STARTED TO ACCELERATE IN THIS POSITION IN THE LAST FEW DAYS. THE BACKUP CAMERA HAS STOPPED WORKING AND THE REVERSE LIGHTS ARE ON AT ALL TIMES (EVEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD). …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Cadillac Cts.
2013 Cadillac Cts Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Cadillac Cts. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Cadillac Cts Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Cadillac Cts reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 72 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Cadillac Cts shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Cadillac Cts?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (26 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (13 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Cadillac Cts?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Cadillac Cts?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Cadillac Cts, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 72 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Cadillac Cts have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Cadillac Cts. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Cadillac Cts?▾
The 2013 Cadillac Cts shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Cts reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Cadillac Cts based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.