Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Cadillac XTS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear suspension was bouncing, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The message to "Check Leveling System" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact researched and became aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the vehicle was self-diagnosed and it was determined that the stabilizer bar had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Front right passenger side suspension slams hard on the ground while driving at times. It has occurred multiple times and this can be dangerous while driving. It has been checked out and repaired by replacing them but front right side suspension still slams while driving after a few months. This is an expensive problem as well as dangerous.
My 2013 Cadillac xts4 premium rear suspension level system deflated while driving and didnt stay raised in the rear. I pulled over to see and the rear end was too low. I shut the car off and waited a few minutes. I started the car and it raised up until it reached height level. I then drove off and a few minutes later it happened again. When I stop and pull over and restart the car, the air compressor kicks in and raises the car to level and the air compressor shuts off once height level is achieved. I went to the dealer and was told many suspension problems with this particular model and I would need new struts, shocks, air springs, air ride compressor, and air lines. I'm out of warranty and I can't afford to pay for all of that. It was riding fine and the next day it just gave up. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. After exiting the driveway, the vehicle began to operate abnormally. The contact noticed that the suspension was off balance. The contact discovered that the driver's side air bag fell from underneath the vehicle as an unknown warning indicator illuminated. The contact drove back home and inspected the vehicle himself, but he was unable to remedy the failure. The contact spoke with hawk Cadillac of joliet (2001 w jefferson st, joliet, il 60435, [phone]) and was informed that there were no recalls associated with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. While driving 50 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle because the compressor for the air suspension failed. The contact stated that the self leveling suspension system became inoperable and the vehicle was lowered to the ground. The vehicle was taken to alan jay Cadillac (located at 441 us highway 27 n, sebring, fl 33870, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the air compressor and air hose needed to be replaced; however, the compressor was not readily available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available.
6 months after I purchased this vehicle the cue system completely stop functioning so I had that replaced at lee Chevrolet costing around $1000. Now the rear shocks are stuck in the upward position causing a ride similar to a gocart. This is going to be my last repair on this vehicle then it will be no more Cadillac's for me. This vehicle only has about 80,000 miles on it so I feel GM should have a recall on these cars im sure they know about all of these issues with a car costing $50,000 plus when it was new.
The suspension of the vehicle gives out and a corner of the car will slam to the ground while driving. It can be dangerous when driving on the freeway. Year over year we have had the " service leveling system " error come up for our vehicle. It is not only expensive but dangerous to drive not knowing when the suspension will give out. Dealerships have made multiple repairs and updates to no avail. Nothing seems to fix the problem.
While I was driving rear dropped to ground I almost had accident on busy hwy stoped the car on curb side to look rear was almost on ground wait for 10 minutes start the car it went up but now it happens all the time and dealer doesn't know the cause I sow more than 100 complaine on the same model and year car I am hoping to NHTSA will do something to make GM fixed the problem. It happened last December and still happening
The suspension in the rear of the vehicle will suddenly and without warning totally collapse. This has happened while driving and also one first getting into and starting the car. Mechanic replaced a relay switch but the problem continues still. I have looked online and found many similar accounts from various owners of this year and model!
While driving on the hwy, my rear suspension lost all air and dropped fully causing a very bumpy ride and unsafe handling. Vehicle showed a leveling fault on the dash. Later that day it was working normally again. While it is unkown what caused this to happen I believe the air compressor that inflates the rear suspension failed.
Suspension complaints in other XTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2013 Cadillac XTS?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the suspension of the 2013 Cadillac XTS, 24% of the model year's 103 complaints. The component named most often is front › stabilizer bar (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Cadillac XTS suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2013 Cadillac XTS, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Cadillac XTS suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
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.