MotorDeets

2013 Cadillac Cts: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 Cadillac Cts: 2 recalls, 73 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
73owner complaints
10mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2013 Cadillac Cts
Photo: Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #14V394000 · 2014 · 554,328 vehicles

What's wrong: 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. 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,…

Why it matters: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags May not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: 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 Vehicle recall #14V614000 · 2014 · 106,307 vehicles

What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module May be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.

Why it matters: If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical26
Transmission & drivetrain13
Airbags11
Steering10
Suspension7
Engine7
Other / unknown7
Brakes6

What owners describe

The 2013 Cadillac Cts has 73 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 17 Cts model years for complaints (well below the 130 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 26,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (65 complaints, 2 recalls), 2014 (146 complaints, 6 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.6 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive182621Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive182721Regular
3.0 L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive162619Regular
6.2 L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive141916Premium
6.2 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive121814Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Cadillac Cts.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2013 Cadillac Cts manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2013 Cadillac Cts manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2013 Cadillac Cts manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 Cadillac Cts manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 Cadillac Cts have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Cadillac Cts. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 Cadillac Cts problems?

Owners have filed 73 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (26), transmission & drivetrain (13), airbags (11).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Cadillac Cts get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic (S6)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 Cadillac Cts repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Cts years

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