2013 Cadillac XTS Recalled For Headrest Failure

By Suzanne Kane

Suzanne Kane

Contributing Writer BIO

Suzanne Kane is an editor at High Gear Media focusing on covering the latest product and other auto-related information for Family Car Guide... More

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1,199 views Nov 14, 2012

2013 Cadillac XTS

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General Motors is recalling certain 2013 model year Cadillac XTS luxury sedans due to a problem with rear-seat head restraints that may fail to lock in place.

A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website puts the number of vehicles potentially affected at 12,626. Affected vehicles were built from October 12, 2011 through August 30, 2012.

2013 Cadillac XTS

Enlarge Photo

The problem

The NHTSA bulletin, and documentation from General Motors (PDF), indicates that the issue is noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 202, “Head Restraints.”

According to GM, which discovered the problem, the rear-seat head restraints on certain 2013 Cadillac XTS sedans may not lock in the upright position after being folded forward. In the event the head restraint is adjusted to its lowest position and does not lock, it may fall forward, therefore not meeting the height required by the FMVSS standard.

A lowered head restraint increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

GM said that “very few vehicles” are expected to require head restraint replacement.

What GM will do

GM will notify owners and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace the rear-seat head restraints that do not lock in the upright position at no charge. The safety recall campaign is expected to begin on November 12, 2012.

In the meantime, owners of 2013 Cadillac XTS sedans with any questions or concerns may contact GM at 1-800-458-8006. The GM safety recall number for this campaign is #12258.

Alternatively, owners of vehicles involved in the campaign may contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov.  Reference the NHTSA campaign ID No. 12V525000.