Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Cadillac CTS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
driving to work on very busy highway. The engine light and Service Battery charging system came on, then went to battery saver almost instantly. Radio cut off, heat cutt off and the Car cut off in the middle of the highway before I could safely get over. this caused me to fear for my life as the cars behind me barely had time to stop. a hair probably could not have fit between us. I did eventually safely get off the highway, had the car towed to a service center. There was 14 different codes.(low voltage, engine running lean, low voltage and more. battery was checked and was 95 %, Alternator fine. was told it was the ECM. After looking on google some sites say there is a recall for 2013 cts some say there is not. there are multiple complaints on this issue and it is not safe. I called Cadillac gave my vin number and was told there was not a recall. …
My 2013 has only 75k miles on it and all the dash lights flash and the car fails every couple of days. It has a brand new battery but the gauges on the dash continue to dance. I'm not sure what the problem is but it's a huge safety factor in drivability.
While attempting to pull out of residential driveway from dead stop, CTS accelerated on its on to and unknown and uncontrollable speed. Causing collision to neighbors vehicle in oppostite driveway driveway directly across from where CTS was parked. Vehicle also had power failures as well, doors nor windows would work. Had to exit vehicle by crawling out on the window. Cause damaged to both vehicles and property damages from neighbor vehicle push by CTS into garage and structure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred while the engine was idling with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ECM wiring was defective. The wiring was replaced along with the camshaft sensor and ECM. The failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while reversing at approximately 2 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle stalled. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle rolled and crashed into a pole. The vehicle was able to restart. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The failure occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,474.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Cadillac CTS. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14V394000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.
I had just filed a complaint on my CTS and thought I should add that it almost stalled out on a steephill with a major intersection, quit after I started it in my drive on a level ground. No stalling sound to give warning. I am sure there is more, but these are the easy ones. Again, Cadillac customer service said it the stopping in traffic only happened once, so not so bad!
The engine continues to run even after shutting the car off and removing the key, the engine has just started to accelerate in this position in the last few days. The backup camera has stopped working and the reverse lights are on at all times (even while driving down the road). As of yesterday the power seats to be lagging, some of the buttons takes several tries to work.
My 2013 CTS has had a number of prior issues but at this time, I started the car, got into traffic and the vehicle just stopped running. It everything quit. I had no power to steering, brakes, lights. I coasted partway into a parking space I=on the side of the road but did not have enough momentum to fully pull into the space as I was headed up a slight incline. I was stuck with my rear end in traffic and no ability to move. I turned off the car and restarted and it started up. This is not the first issue as about half dozen times the car has refused to engage when I have turned the key. Nothing happens. No battery sound, nothing. I have called OnStar several times to get confirmation of issues and they have not been able to detect an issue. …
Not an actual incident with the vehicle. Writing to advise of inconsistent information concerning recall for ignition. Usually get a monthly diagnostics report from OnStar around the 7th-12th of each month. July's report made no mention of recall. When I when on to OnStar.com to renew minutes it said car is recalled. Called OnStar, was transferred to Cadillac customer assistance (cca), and was told recall was issued after report.. However cca said that recall number on OnStar website was wrong. That number was associated with a silverado. But, while on the lengthy hold, found on the owners website (at Cadillac.com) 2 recall numbers that are associated with my car (n140172 issued jul 21, and n140497 issued aug 4), that are still on the website. Received my aug diagnostics report, and no mention of a recall. …
Related recalls
Electrical system
General 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014.
Electrical system › Ignition
This 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Cadillac CTS, 36% of the model year's 73 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Cadillac CTS electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-614 (electrical system, Oct 1, 2014); NHTSA recall 14V-394 (ignition, Jul 2, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Cadillac CTS electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 17,000 miles, and 61% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.