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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-CADILLAC-XTS
2013 · cadillac

cadillac XTS problems

1 safety recall. 102 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
37 reports · avg $850
severe
suspension
24 reports · avg $900
moderate
lighting
5 reports · avg $250
moderate
wheels
5 reports · avg $400
moderate
brakes
3 reports · avg $450
moderate
engine
3 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
3 reports · avg $700
moderate
tires
3 reports · avg $150
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 XTS · electrical Fire
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…
12/29/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499363.0
2013 XTS · tires
MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 CADILLAC XTS A YEAR AGO AND HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE VOGUE TIRES AND RIMS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. THE TIRES ARE VOGUE M&S 245/40R20 99VXL AND WE BELIEVE THEY ARE A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. A FEW MONTHS AGO THE FRONT TIRES HAD A MAJOR VIBRATION…
12/23/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10667826.0
2013 XTS · engine
MY 2013 XTS WITH 23,000 MILES JUST STOPPED. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE SOME VENT SCREEN HAD A TEAR IN IT. THE AIR BLEW ON THE ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A 3 LANE ROAD. EVERYONE PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS THERE WAS NO WARNING IT JUST SHUTTLE DOWN.
12/19/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10811247.0
2013 XTS · lighting
Automatic Headlamp Leveling System malfunction causing safety issues with nighttime driving.
12/08/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11703855.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 12V525000 31/10/2012

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

In the event of a vehicle crash, the lowered head restraint may increase the occupant's risk of neck injury.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Cadillac XTS reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Cadillac XTS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Cadillac XTS?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 37 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Cadillac XTS has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Cadillac XTS?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 102 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 13 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with cadillac. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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