2013 Cadillac CTS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2013 Cadillac CTS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2013 Cadillac CTS. Newest first.
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 Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GMs number for this recall is 14515.
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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
Owner complaints
73 complaints10 involved a crash8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
I went to get my car checked at the mechanic because the suspension was making noise. I thought it was the struts which I coudnt change because Cadillac does not make the parts any longer. They found my frame is actually cracked and are charging $3k to fix! They told me to not drive it, imagine how…
I went to get my car checked at the mechanic because the suspension was making noise. I thought it was the struts which I coudnt change because Cadillac does not make the parts any longer. They found my frame is actually cracked and are charging $3k to fix! They told me to not drive it, imagine how scary it would be if it complete cracks while driving! This is a huge safety concern and upon investigating it looks like I’m not the only one having the same issue, this needs to be recalled
- Electrical system · Suspension
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
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…
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. There was 14 different codes.(low voltage, engine running lean, low voltage and more. battery was checked and was 95 %, Alternator fine. was told it was the ECM. After looking on google some sites say there is a recall for 2013 cts some say there is not. there are multiple complaints on this issue and it is not safe. I called Cadillac gave my vin number and was told there was not a recall. Cadillac/GMC really need to issue a recall before something tragic happens, as it almost was me. Thank God that it wasn't.
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Power train
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 low. The…
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 low. The transmission was topped off. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to the residence; however, on arrival the transmission fluid level was abnormally low. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
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.
- Structure › Body
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
Air bags didn’t come out
- Electronic stability control (esc)
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 independent…
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 independent mechanic and the mechanic cleaned the transmission; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
- Air bags
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 contact sustained…
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 contact sustained bruising in torso, and swelling in eyes due to powder; medical attention was not sought. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to local tow lot where it was diagnosed with being destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The vin was not available.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Electrical system
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 mechanic who diagnosed…
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 mechanic who diagnosed that the ecm wiring was defective. The wiring was replaced along with the camshaft sensor and ecm. The failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
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.…
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.
- Air bags
Service air bag light on
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Steering
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…
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.
- Exterior lighting
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, pa) where it was…
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, 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.
- Air bags · Seats
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting
Evaporating system and lights and electrical
- Electrical system
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). As of yesterday the power seats to be lagging, some of the buttons takes several tries to work.
- Power train
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…
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. I am concerned that this could happen again. How do bolts get sheared off. I was told that the dealership could have used used the wrong size bolts or the parts could have been defective. In any event I am without fault and have a genuine concern that this could happen again. Could it happen while I am driving?
- Service brakes
Car has no breaks when first started it takes about 30 seconds after start for breaks to work this happens after car IS parked overnight all the time
- Exterior lighting
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.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009461This service bulletin provides information on Characteristics of Wide Low Aspect Ratio Tires, Vehicle Pulls Left or Right, Wanders, Follows Depressions in Road Surface, Tramlining.
- 11009170This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This 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 accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008986This Preliminary information communicatesdirection and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007721This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This 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 on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
Every Cadillac CTS model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.