The Lemon Index
2012
20142nd generation
Better than average · most complaints: electrical
39 owner complaints, first 3 years 14–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2013 BMW 3 Series 682013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 392013 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2013 Cadillac CTS
- Engine stalling10 complaintsmostly at 2,000–31,000 miles (3,200–50,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Cadillac CTS (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 3,000 and 25,000 miles (4,800–40,000 km) (the middle half of the 31 complaints, of all 39 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 14V614000 (electrical) and 14V394000 (electrical) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1657 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “The transmission is slipping or has no forward/reverse movement”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 39 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 25K miles (5K to 40K km) on the car (31 of all 39 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The vehicle staled on the street and the two signs popped up about stability control and traction. Cars had to act quickly so they wouldn't hit me from behind
2013 Cadillac CTS owner · NHTSA complaint 10762435
More owner reports
Air bag light has came on. While vehicle was in motion driving on the highway the passenger rear window came down on it's own and would not roll back up. My car only have 60,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint 10896419
Extreme lose steering, way to lose cant feel the road, also the transmission is not shifting right it has a delay then shifts very hard. The car is very hard to drive.
NHTSA complaint 10494477
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1657 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The transmission is slipping or has no forward/reverse movement
- Rear axle is making a chatter noise during turning
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or s.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Cadillac CTS 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Cadillac CTS SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cadillac CTS SW RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$5,350 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac CTS year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2013 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-cts/?y=2013" title="Cadillac CTS reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-cts/2013/">Lemon Index</a> (2013 Cadillac CTS reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2013 Cadillac CTS reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew somewhat fewer complaints than the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 84; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac CTS year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2013 Cadillac CTS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (49%), transmission & drivetrain (23%) and steering (23%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Cadillac CTS have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Cadillac CTS get?
14 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Cadillac CTS safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Cadillac CTS problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 3,000 and 25,000 miles (4,800–40,000 km) (the middle half of the 31 complaints, of all 39 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2013 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2013 Cadillac CTS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 23% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Cadillac CTS cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $5,350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Cadillac CTS have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac CTS year is better than the 2013?
Nearby, the 2010 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a quarter as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works