Problems · by component

2013 Cadillac XTS electrical system problems

41 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Cadillac XTS cite electrical system, 40% of all 103 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
41
40% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated that several codes will intermittently illuminate on the vehicle, such as code 813, which refers to a transmission communication failure; a malfunction with the Instrument or Cluster (IPC); and code 62, which refers to the Body Control Module (recalls 13 and 158). The Power Steering, Drive Carefully, and Suspension warning lights would illuminate. The instrument panel would suddenly black out, or certain monitoring systems, such as the speedometer, would fail. All failures would occur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informed them that water intrusion into a bulk cluster behind the bumper of the front passenger's wheel, where several wires for different systems of the vehicle are interconnected. The vehicle was drained, dried, and sealed with silicone. The failures persisted. The contact completed some research and learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14v116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) online, which they believed could be related to their failure. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in any open recalls at the time. The vehicle was…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11735040
“As I’m driving with cruise set my brake lamps intermittently flashing without breaking and the cruise control potentially disengage. A software glitch in the body controls module. Plus, my passenger light says the dim light it out when it’s not. I’v had a mechanic replace the light multiple times and he says it something in the wiring.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 28, 2025Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11645576
“I have replaced my low beam 4 times and it’s still showing the light is out and it is. My cruise control disengaged when I’m driving above 65 with the cruise set and there’s no cars in front of me.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 13, 2025Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11642498
“Cadillac Cue Radio spider web cracked. After doing further research I have found that GM has been aware of the issues and has still yet to do a recall or work with people on replacing them at no cost as the radio screen is something out of the consumer hands. The whole touch screen will go out as I’ve read and not be able to use any radio function or control anything else the radio screen does.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 17, 2024Electrical systemODI 11566130
“Message”stalbility track needs service” while driving, speedometer and rpm hands become unstable with lights for traction coming on. Then car shuts down with no acceleration. Have brought to GM service several times and they can’t find the problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2023Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11550621
“The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hazard lights independently activated, and the CUE touch screen became inoperable. The electrical system failure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then lost motive power and was towed to a nearby Pep Boys, where the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer for service. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2023Electrical system, EquipmentODI 11537848

Showing 6 of 41 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Electrical systemReported May 24, 2013NHTSA 13V220000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2013 XTS problem areas