Owners have filed 148 complaints
about the 2013 Cadillac XTS with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Cadillac XTS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 10
2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
54.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
65.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1312.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1817.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3029.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1110.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1312.7%
150,000+ miles
65.9%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Cadillac XTS 4 DR AWD
11.8% risk
2013 Cadillac XTS 4 DR FWD
11.8% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2012peak 6May 2026
Recalls on the 2013 Cadillac XTS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14V541000
PARKING BRAKE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 22, 2014, and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to September 2, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic parking brake piston actuation arm may not fully retract causing the brake pads to stay partially engaged.
Risk: Brake pads that remain partially engaged with the rotors may cause excessive brake heat that may result in a fire.
14V518000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured April 11, 2013, to June 27, 2013, and 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured May 13, 2013, to November 5, 2013. The affected vehicles may have left the factory with the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) set to "manufacturing mode."
Risk: In manufacturing mode, the vehicle's air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
14V116000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, through March 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, a cavity plug on the brake booster pump connector may dislodge allowing corrosion of the brake booster pump relay connector.
Risk: The corrosion of the brake booster pump relay connector may cause a resistive short and melt the connector, increasing the risk of a fire.
13V220000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
12V525000
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured from October 12, 2011, through August 30, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 202, "Head Restraints." The rear seat head restraints may not lock in the upright position after being folded forward. If the head restriant is at its lowest position and it falls forward, it will not meet the height required by the standard.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the lowered head restraint may increase the occupant's risk of neck injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20143806,137 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135 - Brake Systems. The electronic parking brake may not fully release, which could cause the brakes to drag. In this condition, the parking brake indicator also may not illuminate even though the parking brake is engaged, contrary to the requirements of the standard. Brake drag could affect vehicle acceleration and cause undesired deceleration, excessive brake heat, and premature wear to some brake components. If the brake drag is significant or if the vehicle is operated for an extended period of time in this condition, there is a potential for the rear brakes to generate significant heat, smoke and sparks. Correction: Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software.
Recall 20140821,469 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a buildup of pressure in the brake booster pump wiring harness could dislodge sealing plugs from an electrical connector and allow contaminates to enter the brake booster pump relay connector. This could result in corrosion and cause a short in the connector, potentially resulting in a fire and increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 20133561,140 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the brake lamps could flash intermittently without the brake pedal being depressed. This would convey a confusing message to following road users who, in turn, may not react in a timely manner when the driver does apply the brakes. As such, this could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module. Note: This recall supersedes 2013-176.
Recall 2013176118 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the brake lamps could flash intermittently without the brake pedal being depressed. This would convey a confusing message to following road users who, in turn, may not react in a timely manner when the driver does apply the brakes. As such, this could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module.
Recall 2012367181 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the rear seat headrest mechanisms may not lock in the upright position after the headrests are folded. Failure of the headrests to remain in the upright position could increase the seat occupant’s risk of personal injury during a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear seat headrest assemblies.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesJersey City, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that they parked their vehicle and approximately 5-10 minutes afterward the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were two vehicles and a bicycle nearby that caught on fire as a result of the contact's vehicle fire spreading. There were no injuries and medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11499363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJersey City, NJFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that they parked their vehicle and approximately 5-10 minutes afterward the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were two vehicles and a bicycle nearby that caught on fire as a result of the contact's vehicle fire spreading. There were no injuries and medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11499363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesHenrico, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC XTS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR AND OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT THERE WERE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #10924677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 156,000 milesArlington, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that several codes will intermittently illuminate on the vehicle, such as code 813, which refers to a transmission communication failure; a malfunction with the Instrument or Cluster (IPC); and code 62, which refers to the Body Control Module (recalls 13 and 158). The Power Steering, Drive Carefully, and Suspension warning lights would illuminate. The instrument panel would suddenly black out, or certain monitoring systems, such as the speedometer, would fail. All failures would occur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informed them that water intrusion into a bulk cluster behind the bumper of the front passenger's wheel, where several wires for different systems of the vehicle are interconnected. The vehicle was drained, dried, and sealed with silicone. The failures persisted. The contact completed some research and learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14v116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) online, which they believed could be related to their failure. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in any open recalls at the time. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #11735040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesArlington, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that several codes will intermittently illuminate on the vehicle, such as code 813, which refers to a transmission communication failure; a malfunction with the Instrument or Cluster (IPC); and code 62, which refers to the Body Control Module (recalls 13 and 158). The Power Steering, Drive Carefully, and Suspension warning lights would illuminate. The instrument panel would suddenly black out, or certain monitoring systems, such as the speedometer, would fail. All failures would occur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informed them that water intrusion into a bulk cluster behind the bumper of the front passenger's wheel, where several wires for different systems of the vehicle are interconnected. The vehicle was drained, dried, and sealed with silicone. The failures persisted. The contact completed some research and learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14v116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) online, which they believed could be related to their failure. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in any open recalls at the time. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #11735040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesArlington, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that several codes will intermittently illuminate on the vehicle, such as code 813, which refers to a transmission communication failure; a malfunction with the Instrument or Cluster (IPC); and code 62, which refers to the Body Control Module (recalls 13 and 158). The Power Steering, Drive Carefully, and Suspension warning lights would illuminate. The instrument panel would suddenly black out, or certain monitoring systems, such as the speedometer, would fail. All failures would occur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informed them that water intrusion into a bulk cluster behind the bumper of the front passenger's wheel, where several wires for different systems of the vehicle are interconnected. The vehicle was drained, dried, and sealed with silicone. The failures persisted. The contact completed some research and learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14v116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) online, which they believed could be related to their failure. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in any open recalls at the time. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #11735040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesCedarville, AR
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear suspension was bouncing, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The message to "Check Leveling System" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact researched and became aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the vehicle was self-diagnosed and it was determined that the stabilizer bar had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11716757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Guthrie, OK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Automatic Headlamp Leveling System malfunction causing safety issues with nighttime driving.
NHTSA complaint #11703855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My VIN is not associated with the recall, identified as NHTSA ID 12V525. It affected 12,626 2013 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured between October 12, 2011, and August 30, 2012. However, the rear seat headrests in this 2013 Cadillac XTS will not stay in the upright position. SAFETY CONCERN: This could lead to the headrest collapsing during a crash, potentially increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupant I called my local dealer Red Nolan Cadillac and they informed me that since the VIN is not associated with the recall, they cannot help me with a replacement unless I pay $497 for labor and parts to replace the headrests in the rear of my vehicle. HELP!!! I believe this is a safety issue when someone is in the back seat. It has already been identified as a safety issue. The rear seat headrest mechanism may not engage properly, causing the headrest to not lock in the upright position after being folded forward. REMEDY:The recall involved replacing the affected headrest mechanisms with a revised design.
NHTSA complaint #11656856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bella Vista, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As I’m driving with cruise set my brake lamps intermittently flashing without breaking and the cruise control potentially disengage. A software glitch in the body controls module. Plus, my passenger light says the dim light it out when it’s not. I’v had a mechanic replace the light multiple times and he says it something in the wiring.
NHTSA complaint #11645576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bella Vista, AR
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
As I’m driving with cruise set my brake lamps intermittently flashing without breaking and the cruise control potentially disengage. A software glitch in the body controls module. Plus, my passenger light says the dim light it out when it’s not. I’v had a mechanic replace the light multiple times and he says it something in the wiring.
NHTSA complaint #11645576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As I’m driving with cruise set my brake lamps intermittently flashing without breaking and the cruise control potentially disengage. A software glitch in the body controls module. Plus, my passenger light says the dim light it out when it’s not. I’v had a mechanic replace the light multiple times and he says it something in the wiring.
NHTSA complaint #11645576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bella Vista, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have replaced my low beam 4 times and it’s still showing the light is out and it is. My cruise control disengaged when I’m driving above 65 with the cruise set and there’s no cars in front of me.
NHTSA complaint #11642498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bella Vista, AR
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I have replaced my low beam 4 times and it’s still showing the light is out and it is. My cruise control disengaged when I’m driving above 65 with the cruise set and there’s no cars in front of me.
NHTSA complaint #11642498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesValrico, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed with the brake pedal going down to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake booster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11623432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The gear is stuck between P and R. I am unable to move the vehicle when this occurred, I have too call AAA.
NHTSA complaint #11585990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marengo, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Cadillac Cue Radio spider web cracked. After doing further research I have found that GM has been aware of the issues and has still yet to do a recall or work with people on replacing them at no cost as the radio screen is something out of the consumer hands. The whole touch screen will go out as I’ve read and not be able to use any radio function or control anything else the radio screen does.
NHTSA complaint #11566130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N.venice, FL
SEATS
Rear seat head restraint does not lock in upright position. I drive with read head restraint folded down for visibility. When I try to lock in upright position for passengers, brighter head restraint locks upright.
NHTSA complaint #11550616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,868 milesN.venice, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Message”stalbility track needs service” while driving, speedometer and rpm hands become unstable with lights for traction coming on. Then car shuts down with no acceleration. Have brought to GM service several times and they can’t find the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11550621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,868 milesN.venice, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Message”stalbility track needs service” while driving, speedometer and rpm hands become unstable with lights for traction coming on. Then car shuts down with no acceleration. Have brought to GM service several times and they can’t find the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11550621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,868 milesN.venice, FL
ENGINE
Message”stalbility track needs service” while driving, speedometer and rpm hands become unstable with lights for traction coming on. Then car shuts down with no acceleration. Have brought to GM service several times and they can’t find the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11550621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hazard lights independently activated, and the CUE touch screen became inoperable. The electrical system failure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then lost motive power and was towed to a nearby Pep Boys, where the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer for service. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11537848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hazard lights independently activated, and the CUE touch screen became inoperable. The electrical system failure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then lost motive power and was towed to a nearby Pep Boys, where the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer for service. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11537848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
las Vegas, NV
SUSPENSION
Front right passenger side suspension slams hard on the ground while driving at times. It has occurred multiple times and this can be dangerous while driving. It has been checked out and repaired by replacing them but front right side suspension still slams while driving after a few months. This is an expensive problem as well as dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11500963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJersey City, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that they parked their vehicle and approximately 5-10 minutes afterward the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were two vehicles and a bicycle nearby that caught on fire as a result of the contact's vehicle fire spreading. There were no injuries and medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11499363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJersey City, NJFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that they parked their vehicle and approximately 5-10 minutes afterward the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were two vehicles and a bicycle nearby that caught on fire as a result of the contact's vehicle fire spreading. There were no injuries and medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11499363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Killeen, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The car shut off while I was driving mid speed. This has happened multiple times luckily I wasnt on the highway. But this has happened many times so glad no other cars hit me, or I didnt crash with my kids in the car. This is so scary and I need Cadillac to look into this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11429696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Killeen, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car shut off while I was driving mid speed. This has happened multiple times luckily I wasnt on the highway. But this has happened many times so glad no other cars hit me, or I didnt crash with my kids in the car. This is so scary and I need Cadillac to look into this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11429696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
