Transport CanadaHigh Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic parking brake may not fully release, causing the brakes to drag. The parking brake indicator may not light up even when the brake is engaged.
What the fix does
This page covers 8 recalls, 103 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Cadillac XTS.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2013 Cadillac XTS draws its highest complaint volume from the electrical system and suspension. On the electrical side, owners frequently describe erratic behavior from the body control module, brake lamps flashing without the driver applying the brakes, cruise control disengaging unexpectedly at highway speeds, and false warning messages indicating exterior bulbs are burned out even after the bulbs have been replaced multiple times. Exterior lighting complaints echo that last pattern, with owners reporting that low-beam and passenger-side lights trigger persistent "bulb out" warnings that repeated replacements don't resolve, pointing to a wiring or module issue rather than the bulbs themselves. Suspension complaints center on the rear air leveling system, where owners report bouncing, reduced handling control, and a "Check Leveling System" warning appearing on the instrument cluster.
103
Total Complaints
2
Fire-Related
By System
The 2013 Cadillac XTS has 8 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk tied to the brake booster pump's electrical connector, which can corrode, short, and melt when sealing plugs allow moisture or contaminants inside.
On the airbag side, certain vehicles may have left the factory with the airbag control module set to a manufacturing mode, which prevents the airbags from deploying in a crash. Rear seat headrests on some vehicles may not lock upright after being folded forward, leaving occupants with reduced neck protection in a collision. The electronic parking brake can fail to fully release, causing the brakes to drag while the parking brake warning light stays off, giving no indication that the brake is still engaged. There is also a brake light issue where the lights can flash intermittently without the pedal being pressed, which can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and cause them to miss or delay reacting when braking actually occurs. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the brake light problem, which is why it remains an open issue across more than one filing.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic parking brake may not fully release, causing the brakes to drag. The parking brake indicator may not light up even when the brake is engaged.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software to fix the release and indicator functions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sensing and diagnostic module may have been left in manufacturing mode instead of the correct operating mode, potentially affecting how the vehicle detects and responds to safety events.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module to the correct mode at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Pressure buildup in the brake booster pump wiring harness can dislodge sealing plugs from an electrical connector, allowing contaminants to enter the relay connector. This causes corrosion and electrical shorts that may result in fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will perform repairs to address the pressure buildup and connector sealing issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A cavity plug on the brake booster pump connector can come loose, allowing moisture and corrosion to damage the relay connector.
What the fix does
Dealers will seal the connector cavity plugs, reroute the vacuum pump vent hose, and replace the front body wiring harnesses as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lights may flash on and off by themselves even when the brake pedal is not pressed, confusing drivers behind you about your actual braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module to fix the brake light flashing problem.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lights may flash on and off without the brakes being applied, and cruise control may turn off unexpectedly due to a body control module issue.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the body control module to fix the brake light and cruise control problems.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat head restraints may not stay locked in the upright position after being folded down. If a head restraint falls forward from its lowest position, it won't meet the required safety height.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear seat head restraints at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat headrests may not stay locked in the upright position after being folded down, which could increase injury risk in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear seat headrest assemblies and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
