2013 Cadillac CTS: owner complaints and recalls
Analysis of 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 2 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.
72
Complaints
2
Recalls
10
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
8
Injuries
144.4
Severity index
Severity index 144.4 - High. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.
Among the 145 2013 vehicles we track with at least 40 complaints on file, the 2013 Cadillac CTS ranks 16 of 145 by severity, where 1 is the worst. Its severity is higher than 89% of its model-year peers. See the full 2013 ranking.
What actually fails
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 26 | 36.1% |
| POWER TRAIN | 13 | 18.1% |
| AIR BAGS | 11 | 15.3% |
| STEERING | 10 | 13.9% |
| ENGINE | 7 | 9.7% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7 | 9.7% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7 | 9.7% |
| SUSPENSION | 6 | 8.3% |
The single most-reported system is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, cited in 26 of 72 complaints (36.1%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.
Complaints filed per year
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Complaint volume is broadly steady year over year.
Recall campaigns
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14V394000 | 02/07/2014 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 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 (G |
| 14V614000 | 01/10/2014 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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 t |
Source. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-07-25. Complaints are unverified consumer reports; volume is influenced by how many units were sold and how long the vehicle has been on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.