Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2013 Cadillac CTS: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generationAn average CTS year.
73 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 CTS?The 2013 Cadillac CTS has 73 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. Owners most often flag timing chain stretch/failure on 3.6l engines, especially when oil runs low.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Cadillac CTS vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other CTS years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the CTS?
Across the 17 CTS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 334 (2009). With 73 complaints, the 2013 CTS sits below the model's median of 108.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 CTS
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 14V394000This 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 year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
electrical system
Campaign 14V614000General 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 contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
What owners report on the 2nd generation CTS
Owners generally describe the second-generation CTS as a good, enjoyable car that rewards proper maintenance but punishes neglect.
- Very frequentTiming chain stretch/failure on 3.6L engines, especially when oil runs low
- Very frequentOil consumption on 3.6L engines requiring vigilant level monitoring
- RecurrentSunroof drain clogging causing water leaks into cabin
- RecurrentWheel hub assembly failures, especially in salt-belt regions
- RecurrentTransmission harsh shifting or failure around 100,000+ miles
Owner insights for the 2nd generation CTS. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used CTS listings typically run $11,549–$18,393 across 2008 to 2019 model years.
Other CTS model years
Compare every CTS year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CTS against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy