2013 Cadillac XTS
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 103 |
| 2014 | 49 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2017 | 24 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
40% of complaints: electrical system — 41 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221229
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161107
Messageâstalbility track needs serviceâ while driving, speedometer and rpm hands become unstable with lights for traction coming on. Then car shuts down with no acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231018
23% of complaints: suspension — 24 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221229
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 9 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Messageâstalbility track needs serviceâ while driving, speedometer and rpm hands become unstable with lights for traction coming on. Then car shuts down with no acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231018
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 Vehi
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the head restraints, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2012. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-458-8006.
Campaign 12V525000 — check if this car was fixed
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 201
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's rec
Campaign 13V220000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, through March 7, 2014.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealant to the connector cavity plugs, re-route the vacuum pump vent hose and replace the front body wiring harnesses as needed, free of charge. The recall began on April 7, 2014.
Campaign 14V116000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers are to reprogram the SDM to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014.
Campaign 14V518000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic parking brake software, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2014.
Campaign 14V541000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Cadillac XTS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V525000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V220000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V116000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V518000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V541000 (parking brake) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2013 Cadillac XTS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Cadillac XTS?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Cadillac XTS have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.