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2013 Cadillac CTS Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Daniel Wilson
2013 Cadillac CTS Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Cadillac CTS has 106 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.5/ 10

Based on 106 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

25 23.6%

POWER TRAIN

13 12.3%

AIR BAGS

11 10.4%

STEERING

10 9.4%

ENGINE

7 6.6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 23.6% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 18 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Cadillac CTS

The 2013 Cadillac CTS has 106 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 24% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Cadillac CTS are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25), POWER TRAIN (13), AIR BAGS (11).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 68 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Cadillac CTS?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 CTS complaints2014 CTS complaints2011 CTS complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 18 of 18 systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

25 Reports24% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. *TR

3/9/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO ONLY HAVE THE KEY AND FOB ON THE KEY RING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

7/8/2014

23 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

13 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

EXTREME LOSE STEERING, WAY TO LOSE CANT FEEL THE ROAD, ALSO THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT IT HAS A DELAY THEN SHIFTS VERY HARD. THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO DRIVE. *TR

1/23/2013

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.

3/21/2013

11 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

11 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER REAR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE BECAME PINNED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED, CAUSING SPINAL INJURIES TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

1/24/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, HE BECAME INVOLVED IN A MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH. THE CONTACT ABRUPTLY APPLIED THE BRAKES HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND THE AIR BAG EXPLODED. THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN GRAY SUBSTANCE THAT WAS EMITTED FROM THE AIR BAG UPON DEPLOYMENT, WHICH AFFECTED THE CONTACT'S VISION AND BREATHING ABILITIES. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THREE FRACTURED RIBS AND INJURIES TO THE NECK, KNEE, ANKLE AND HEAD WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL) HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS ABLE TO INDICATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.

9/17/2014

9 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

10 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500. *TR

3/12/2013

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.

3/21/2013

8 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

7 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON 8/9/13 DURING A LANE CHANGE ON THE HIGHWAY UNDER ACCELERATION THE CAR DOWNSHIFTED AND THE RPM WENT HIGH AND THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND SEEMED TO JUST COAST. I LET OFF THE GAS TO LET THE ENGINE RPMS COME BACK DOWN AND I CHECKED THE AUTOMATIC SHIFTER TO MAKE SURE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE (AND IT WAS). WHEN THE ENGINE RPMS CAME DOWN THE POWER ALSO CAME BACK TO THE WHEELS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED A RANDOM SHUDDER IN THE CAR UNDER LIGHT THROTTLE WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING (SUCH AS IN TRAFFIC) BOTH PRIOR TO AND AFTER THIS EVENT. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM DURING A TEST DRIVE. ON 5/3/14 I WAS BACKING UP IN A DRIVEWAY UPON STARTING THE CAR AND THERE WERE NO POWER BRAKES. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND DID MANAGE TO STOP THE CAR. ONCE I LIFTED OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE POWER BRAKES SEEMED TO WORK. THIS IS ANOTHER RANDOMLY OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. UPON DRIVING THE CAR IMMEDIATELY UPON STARTUP THE POWER BRAKES DO NOT SEEM TO WORK FOR 30 SECONDS TO A MINUTE. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM RANDOMLY BEFORE THIS DATE (I NOTICED IT BEFORE LAST WINTER) BUT IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. HOPEFULLY THE DEALER CAN DUPLICATE THIS PROBLEM. ON 5/6/14 I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET AND LOST ALL ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE ENGINE SEIZED UP. THE CAR HAD APPROX. 14,400 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE 5/6/14 INCIDENT. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP NOW FOR REPAIR. *TR UPDATED 12/8/2014*JS

5/19/2014

THE SUPERCHARGER WAS REPLACED FOR ABNORMAL NOISE AND FUNCTION AS PER CADILLAC TSB.THE NEW SUPERCHARGER WHICH HAD A SOLID RATHER THAN 2 PIECE CONNECTOR(ISOLATOR) RESULTED IN A LOUD GROAN AND VIBRATION BETWEEN 800 AND 1100 RPM WHEN IN GEAR.CADILLAC HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS GROAN/VIBRATION AND AT FIRST DEEMED IT "NORMAL".NOW THEY HAVE RESTATED THEIR POSITION AND ALLEGE THAT THEIR ENGINEERS ARE WORKING ON THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT HAS BEEN TOLD NOT TO ATTEMPT TO WORK ON A SOLUTION TO THE ABOVE.THE NEW 2014 CTSVS WHICH HAVE THE NEW SUPERCHARGERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.THE GROWL/VIBRATION HAS BECOME MORE INTENSE AND I WORRY ABOUT CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS HAVE BEEN LESS THAN HELPFUL.THIS IS YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF "CAVEAT EMPTOR". *TR

10/24/2014

5 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT OF RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY FROM DEAD STOP, CTS ACCELERATED ON ITS ON TO AND UNKNOWN AND UNCONTROLLABLE SPEED. CAUSING COLLISION TO NEIGHBORS VEHICLE IN OPPOSTITE DRIVEWAY DRIVEWAY DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM WHERE CTS WAS PARKED. VEHICLE ALSO HAD POWER FAILURES AS WELL, DOORS NOR WINDOWS WOULD WORK. HAD TO EXIT VEHICLE BY CRAWLING OUT ON THE WINDOW. CAUSE DAMAGED TO BOTH VEHICLES AND PROPERTY DAMAGES FROM NEIGHBOR VEHICLE PUSH BY CTS INTO GARAGE AND STRUCTURE.

9/7/2015

SUNROOF HAS A RATTLE. CAN BE HEARD AT MODERATE SPEEDS OVER MODERATE TERRAIN. OF COURSE THE BUMPIER THE ROADS, THE MORE RATTLING CAN BE HEARD.

10/25/2015

5 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

6 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE TIMES. A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED TWICE BY THE DEALER. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, A THIRD WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECENTLY REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5.

3/13/2013

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,? IT IS THE NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAR. THE CAR IS PERFORMING TO GM STANDARDS. I WAS HANDED A NHTSA ID #10043010 BULLETIN WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATED WHICH CARS AND WHAT SUSPENSION AND TIRES COULD EXPERIENCE THIS. IT ALSO STATES THIS STICK AND SLIP CONDITION WOULD BE NOTICED WHEN THE CAR STEERING IS AT FULL LOCK. NO ONE MAKES A TURN ONTO A ROAD AT FULL LOCK. MY SUSPENSION IS A FE5 WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE RS TIRES . THIS SUSPENSION AND TIRE COMBO IS NOT PART OF THIS BULLETIN. IF THIS IS THE NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAR THEN WHY DID IT APPEAR AROUND 27K?? I BELIEVE THIS CONDITION IS VERY DANGEROUS IN SPITE OF WHAT GM CLAIMS. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BUT HAVE NO CHOICE BECAUSE WE CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE A LOSS AND PURCHASE ANOTHER MODEL. *TR

2/17/2015

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

6 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER REAR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE BECAME PINNED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED, CAUSING SPINAL INJURIES TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

1/24/2014

ON 8/9/13 DURING A LANE CHANGE ON THE HIGHWAY UNDER ACCELERATION THE CAR DOWNSHIFTED AND THE RPM WENT HIGH AND THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND SEEMED TO JUST COAST. I LET OFF THE GAS TO LET THE ENGINE RPMS COME BACK DOWN AND I CHECKED THE AUTOMATIC SHIFTER TO MAKE SURE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE (AND IT WAS). WHEN THE ENGINE RPMS CAME DOWN THE POWER ALSO CAME BACK TO THE WHEELS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED A RANDOM SHUDDER IN THE CAR UNDER LIGHT THROTTLE WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING (SUCH AS IN TRAFFIC) BOTH PRIOR TO AND AFTER THIS EVENT. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM DURING A TEST DRIVE. ON 5/3/14 I WAS BACKING UP IN A DRIVEWAY UPON STARTING THE CAR AND THERE WERE NO POWER BRAKES. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND DID MANAGE TO STOP THE CAR. ONCE I LIFTED OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE POWER BRAKES SEEMED TO WORK. THIS IS ANOTHER RANDOMLY OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. UPON DRIVING THE CAR IMMEDIATELY UPON STARTUP THE POWER BRAKES DO NOT SEEM TO WORK FOR 30 SECONDS TO A MINUTE. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM RANDOMLY BEFORE THIS DATE (I NOTICED IT BEFORE LAST WINTER) BUT IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. HOPEFULLY THE DEALER CAN DUPLICATE THIS PROBLEM. ON 5/6/14 I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET AND LOST ALL ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE ENGINE SEIZED UP. THE CAR HAD APPROX. 14,400 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE 5/6/14 INCIDENT. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP NOW FOR REPAIR. *TR UPDATED 12/8/2014*JS

5/19/2014

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE STALED ON THE STREET AND THE TWO SIGNS POPPED UP ABOUT STABILITY CONTROL AND TRACTION. CARS HAD TO ACT QUICKLY SO THEY WOULDN'T HIT ME FROM BEHIND

9/9/2015

THE CAR HESATATES LIKE IT WANTS TO CUT OFF POPPING IN THE FRONT END TROTTLE BODY STABLE LINK THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS BROKE THEY JUST FIXED IT. CANT BELEIVE A 2013 NEEDS THESE THINGS ALREADY HAVE BEEN TO CAD 5 TIMES AND THEY CLAIM THEY CANT FIND THE PROBLEM. IM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS

12/14/2015

3 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

LCD TEMPERATURE DISPLAY ON PASSENGER SIDE IS INTERMITTENT.

10/25/2015

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.

5/20/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER REAR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE BECAME PINNED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED, CAUSING SPINAL INJURIES TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

1/24/2014

BOTH THE HEATED SEAT OPTION AND SEAT/MIRROR MEMORY SETTINGS STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY.

8/26/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT OF RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY FROM DEAD STOP, CTS ACCELERATED ON ITS ON TO AND UNKNOWN AND UNCONTROLLABLE SPEED. CAUSING COLLISION TO NEIGHBORS VEHICLE IN OPPOSTITE DRIVEWAY DRIVEWAY DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM WHERE CTS WAS PARKED. VEHICLE ALSO HAD POWER FAILURES AS WELL, DOORS NOR WINDOWS WOULD WORK. HAD TO EXIT VEHICLE BY CRAWLING OUT ON THE WINDOW. CAUSE DAMAGED TO BOTH VEHICLES AND PROPERTY DAMAGES FROM NEIGHBOR VEHICLE PUSH BY CTS INTO GARAGE AND STRUCTURE.

9/7/2015

BRAKES ON MY CTS 2013 CADILLAC , ON MARCH 29, I MADE A TURN TO PARK MY CAR FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STREET MAMARONECK AVENUE IN WHITE PLAINS TO THE LEFT THERE WERE NO PARKING SPACES ON THE RIGHT . AS I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL THE CAR SPEED UP AND HIT THE CURB, KNOCKING OVER TWO PARKING METERS AND HURTING MY FINGER ON MY RIGHT HAND AND LATER MY LEFT LEG. I HAD JUST TAKEN MY CAR TO PEPE CADILLAC IN WHITE PLAINS ,N. Y. TO GET MY BRAKES REPAIRED. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO BRENNENAN TOWING SERVICE IN ELMSFORD. THEY CLAIM IT WAS REPAIRED!!!!SINCE THEN WHICH WAS LAST SUMMER MY CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE REPAIR SHOP AS MANY AS 9 OR 10 TIMES WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT COMING ON AND OTHER LIGHT SUCH AS THE TRACTION , THE ABS, THE LOCK ON PASSENGER DID NOT WORK UNTIL I ASK THEM TO REPAIR IT! I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR. WHEN I TAKE IT TO MT. KISCO CADILLAC THEY FIX A DIFFERENT THING, BUT ANOTHER SITUATION OCCURS. I AM SO UPSET AND SAD ABOUT THIS SITUATION N, BECAUSE I AM A RETIRED COUNSELOR ON A FIXED INCOME AND I PAID FOR MY CAR IN FULL AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO USE IT... PLEASE HELP ME OR LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS SITUATION.

4/23/2018

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

1/5/2024

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 series CTS.

3/23/2024

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

3/21/2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

NOT AN ACTUAL INCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE. WRITING TO ADVISE OF INCONSISTENT INFORMATION CONCERNING RECALL FOR IGNITION. USUALLY GET A MONTHLY DIAGNOSTICS REPORT FROM ONSTAR AROUND THE 7TH-12TH OF EACH MONTH. JULY'S REPORT MADE NO MENTION OF RECALL. WHEN I WHEN ON TO ONSTAR.COM TO RENEW MINUTES IT SAID CAR IS RECALLED. CALLED ONSTAR, WAS TRANSFERRED TO CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE (CCA), AND WAS TOLD RECALL WAS ISSUED AFTER REPORT.. HOWEVER CCA SAID THAT RECALL NUMBER ON ONSTAR WEBSITE WAS WRONG. THAT NUMBER WAS ASSOCIATED WITH A SILVERADO. BUT, WHILE ON THE LENGTHY HOLD, FOUND ON THE OWNERS WEBSITE (AT CADILLAC.COM) 2 RECALL NUMBERS THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MY CAR (N140172 ISSUED JUL 21, AND N140497 ISSUED AUG 4), THAT ARE STILL ON THE WEBSITE. RECEIVED MY AUG DIAGNOSTICS REPORT, AND NO MENTION OF A RECALL. CALLED ONSTAR TO ASK WHY NO MENTION OF RECALL, AND THE ADVISOR SAID THE DIAGNOSTICS REPORT IS THE "MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION, AND MY VEHICLE IS SAFE TO OPERATE", AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT PUTTING MY OTHER KEYS AND THE FOB BACK ONTO THE KEY RING. *TR

8/12/2014

WHEELS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FRONT HUB BEARINGS DAMAGED AT 77,000 MILE AND AGAIN AT 129,000 MILES. CADILLAC FORUM HAS MULTIPLE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME COMPLAINT

12/29/2017

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 HERITAGE CADILLAC, INC. (303 W ROOSEVELT RD, LOMBARD, IL 60148) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAL ON THE HEADLIGHTS WERE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND THAT THERE WAS A COST TO REPAIR THE HEADLIGHTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

6/5/2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 FORUMS AND YOU WILL SEE ALL OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A FUEL LEAK PROBLEM.

1/8/2021

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Cadillac CTS?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Cadillac CTS is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 25 owner reports. That is about 24% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, AIR BAGS.

Are complaints about the 2013 Cadillac CTS a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 68 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Cadillac CTS?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Cadillac CTS severe?

68 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Cadillac CTS: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
106
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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