Model year guide

2013 Cadillac CTS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 Cadillac CTS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 84 on record.

2013 Cadillac CTS — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 Cadillac CTS at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints72
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$18,844

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2013 Cadillac CTS recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V394000 · 02/07/2014

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, 2…

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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14…

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #14V614000 · 01/10/2014

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. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM’s number for …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2013 Cadillac CTS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2013 Cadillac CTS MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,660

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2013 Cadillac CTS worth?

Low
$12,999
Typical price
$18,844
High
$23,800

From 82 comparable 2013 Cadillac CTS listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2013 Cadillac CTS costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,300
Depreciation (5 yrs)$8,750
Total$27,050
Per mile$0.36

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($18,844) with the same model 5 model-years older ($10,093), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2013 Cadillac CTS trims & engines on record

Trims
Luxury · Performance · Premium · Base
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl

2013 Cadillac CTS vehicles on record

Other Cadillac CTS model years

2013 Cadillac CTS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Cadillac CTS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2013 Cadillac CTS. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Cadillac CTS?

Based on 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, suspension.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Cadillac CTS get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2013 Cadillac CTS at about 18 mpg combined (16 city / 23 highway).

How much is a 2013 Cadillac CTS worth?

Comparable 2013 Cadillac CTS listings run roughly $12,999–$23,800, typically around $18,844 (from 82 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.