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.

2013 Cadillac XTS

○ Not enough data

2013 Cadillac XTS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:37:32.145Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 103
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2013: 103 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2013	103
2014	50
2015	14
2016	22
2017	24
2018	7
2019	5

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

40% · 41 reports

FIRE

Show 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, 2022-12-29

Also filed under Engine

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, 2016-11-07

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, 2023-10-18

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Suspension

24% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing stabilizer bar.

Engine

12% · 12 reports

FIRE

Exterior lighting

9% · 9 reports

Service brakes

9% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2012-12-04Seats12V525000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-06-13Electrical system, exterior lighting13V220000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-04-07Service brakes, hydraulic14V116000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-15Air bags14V518000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-28Parking brake14V541000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Cadillac XTS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 41 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 25 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V525000 · Seats
Recall 13V220000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
Recall 14V116000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 14V518000 · Air bags
Recall 14V541000 · Parking brake

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.