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Vehicle safety record

2012 Cadillac CTS Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 67 complaints about the 2012 Cadillac CTS with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (10) and the lights (10). Those complaints describe 6 crashes and 8 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in July 2014 for the ignition. For comparison, the 2011 has 108 and the 2013 has 73.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical CTS year, for its age

#108 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints
67
Recalls
2
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
8
Deaths
0

Most common 2012 Cadillac CTS problems

Share of all 67 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 Cadillac CTS recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Electrical system: ignition

14V394000554,328 vehicles affected

The problem
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, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
The risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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 14172.

Service brakes: vacuum

11V536000674 vehicles affected

The problem
Gm is recalling certain model year 2012 cadillac cts vehicles manufactured from october 21, 2011, through october 26, 2011. These vehicles may have a condition in which the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut may not be torqued to the proper specification. If the nut is not torqued to the proper specification, the nut could loosen and allow the pushrod to separate from the brake pedal.
The risk
This could result in a loss of ability to brake and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix
Cadillac dealers will inspect the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut, and if necessary, torque the nut to the proper specification. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 1, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

What owners say

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67 complaints about the 2012 Cadillac CTS

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.

Suspension

Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that's going to end up killing someone when it completely separates

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11710859
Airbags

"service air bag" light is illuminated. Deal states the replacement part is out of production. Apparently, this is a relative common problem with this vehicle. The illumination of the warning light indicates the air bag system is not working.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11635385
SteeringSuspension

A combination of the lower control arm alignment adjustment bolt, it is just a slot and standard bolt. The alignment becomes loose over time and begins to work side to side in the slot, so retightening the bolt is the only solution to keep it from moving. The main issue is the subframe being made from aluminum and the machined slots for the lower arms, the "ears" for the lower arms are not machined or reenforced correctly which lead to severe fatigue cracks in the machined radius of the subframe. These cracks will...

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cause the lower control arm to break free of the mounts and causing the front suspension to shift to the left or right and causing a crash. All it will take to break them off is a large enough bump and this WILL kill or injure someone.

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11615171
Acceleration & cruise controlBrakes

There have been a collection of other Vin numbers for this year make and model for the symptoms I have been experiencing since taking ownership in 2019. The vehicle will stall while running and randomly disable ALL WHEEL drive, Traction Control, ABS, and send Check engine light on causing me amdy son on infinite number of times to almost be hit In the middle of amd intersection, after a stop sign at low speeds, upon turning the wheels into or put of driveway, parking spaces and worst off at 60 mph on a freeway. ...

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This has resulted in multiple near accidents as the vehicle randomly disables itself. It occurs mostly after pressing the brakes to shift gears and almost always causes the vehicle to become inoperable for over an hour where it sits as there is no option to disable AWD or choose from FWD OR RWD. It happens in manual mode (or called performance mode) as well as automatic mode and has been occurring for 5 and a half years. I have been charged an exorbitant amount for supposed repairs from.dealers and mechanics who have claimed to fix it and I have severe autoimmune disease, a foot prosthetic, AND a minor child I have to transport to and from.school in the car. My issue and warning lights and symptoms mirror the recall of the Vin numbers the manufacturer has performed the recall repair on exactly and yet I have been sent from dealers who refuse to check the part that's defective which is I believe the hydrolic brake rod to the brake petal. The bold needs to be simply retorqued to the proper torque to fix the problem as it was either assembled improperly torqued and or can loosen over time resulting in dangerous and immediate and unexpected complete loss of power to the vehicle allowing people to slam into you at any time. I have had it towed numerous times after these incidents. All features, climate control, locks, entertainment, windows and everything functions when this happens. I have replaced batteries, brakes, oil changes etc. Unresolved.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Unknown or other · Service brakesNHTSA 11525157
Brakes

The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the AWD inadvertently deactivated, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The service brake assist, check engine, traction control, ABS, and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics; however, no failure was found. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle...

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was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V536000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11521525
Suspension

The Sub frame has a crack where it connects with the control arm I posted a picture in the forum group for Cadillac owners of the same vehicle and over 20 owners I've counted have the same crack in the same location it has unfortunately failed for some members already. I fear that this was an engineering flaw that needs to be taken care of or examined before some one can get seriously hurt or lose there life by having the sub frame fail causing the control arm of the front wheel to fall off I have multiple...

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pictures of separate vehicles that have the same crack and even one that fully broke apart at the same location. Please take a look at this as this I fear could break at any time and I fear many Cadillacs are driving around with this same engineering flaw

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11491862
Airbags

The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, he was informed that the front passenger's side air bag had failed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,273.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11470406
Airbags

Recaro seat sensor failure, causing passenger air bag system inoperable for the passenger side, it appears this a very common problem, the dealer states that they have replaced a lot of these in the past, but GM no longer has any available, cannot find one anywhere in the country (USA), the safety concern is if involved in an accident the passenger is not protected, the dealer has confirmed this is the problem thru diagnostics, have contacted manufacture and they have confirmed no parts available for a repair, service air bag system message and air bag light on intermittently numerous time while driving, first appeared within approx. 2 days after purchased used on 03-17-2022

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11460145
Seats & seat belts

The driver's seat latch to access the backseat started to work only sometimes. Now it doesn't work at all

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11447084
Brakes

The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the traction control was off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, air · Traction control systemNHTSA 11439097
Lights

I was sent a letter about the recall and I sent it back saying I could not afford to pay up front. The sent another letter about the deadline and I sent back I could not afford to pay up front. I never got a response back. My lights are getting dimmer and can't see at night. This is a safety hazard that I didn't cause and should have been required to repair. I bought the vehicle used and have a few payments left. This is a safety issue and it's inconvenient. This need to be investigated.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11415097
SteeringEngine & cooling

My car was brought in for vibration at alderman cadillac in meriden I took it in and come to find out, it was the power steering and a motor mount. The dealer asked me if I wanted to take the car after it was fixed although he told me that it wouldn't be safe to drive. I received the vehicle 3 days later and the problem was still there. My steering wheel was also loose and the alignment was off. I took it back to the dealer withing 20 hours to tell them that it was not fixed and that the car all of a sudden drives...

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totally different and not in a good way. The manager of the service department told me that they can't fix the car because it's too much work. I did not feel safe driving my vehicle which I told the dealer about 5 times. That did not matter to them at all. The dealer argued me down and I told them that I will not drive my vehicle in the position it was in. I will continue to go as far as I need to do get this unsafe situation handled. I do not appreciate this. I trusted in cadillac and I will never go back there again.

Filed Incident Steering · EngineNHTSA 11361939
Lights

The head lamp has condensation and water built up in it causing the bulb to short out. The clear cover has become stained yellow rust color from the water. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11324556
Acceleration & cruise controlDriver assistance

While at a red light the engine idled down and the traction control went off, then the vehicle power is reduced

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11301471
Other & unknown

Liftgate on 2012 cadillac cts sportwagon falls without warning a couple of weeks ago my wife was retrieving items out of the rear cargo area when suddenly the hatch came down on top of her forcing her down to the top of the bumper. The vehicle was on level ground and stationary. She escaped by quickly sliding out from under it before it closed and was not injured. The lift gate had never failed like this before.. It now does this routinely this is a serious safety issue that could easily injure or...

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kill a small child or pet. Recall#15v415000 opened on 6/30/2015 covering several gm vehicles but no cadillacs. The mechanism is the same or very similar to all these other cars. Why aren't the cts wagons part of the 15v415000 recall? Thanks, [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11301410
Engine & cooling

The car began cutting off unexpectedly when stopping. The mechanic told us the timing chain was faulty. The car barely has 65,000 miles on it and has primarily been driven to work only, averaging 20 miles a day! We contacted the company but they have not recalled the timing chain on this particular car. It has on older models so I wanted to report to have the newer models further researched as well. This is a huge safety concern as intersections can be dangerous for an unpredictable car.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11301395
Wheels & tires

On 3/23/2019 bought bridgestone tire package for 2012 cadillac cts performance. My vehicle requires 2 sizes of tires, 265/45/18 & 235/50/18. The tires are almost bald are 265/45/18 potenza. On 11/29/2019 tire check light comes on to check tire pressure to right rear tire. Since weather is cold, I expect the tire light to come on and off when air has been put in. I went to discount tire to put air, and the tech indicated the back 2 tires has a thread depth of 2 and unsafe. I immediately went to firestone complete...

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auto care who I got the tires from and installation. They put the tire up on a scope and both 2 tires in back were almost bald in the middle. The thread on the outer tires seemed fine, but the middle section of the tire was almost completely bald. The tire technician took my car for test drive to see if there were ball joints, suspension or other issues that may be causing the wear on the tire and the tech found none. I go faithfully every 3,000 miles for oil change and tire rotation at the dealership so if there are issues, I would have known about them and correct them immediately. There were no issues found and the only explanation that firestone can give me is that these tires are not made for your car since it was a performance car.

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 11282966
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 cadillac cts. The contact stated that there was moisture in the headlight assemblies. The vehicle was taken to cadillac of naperville (630-219-0417, located at 1507 w ogden ave, naperville, il 60540) where it was determined that there was no recall. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11254777
Acceleration & cruise control

When using full throttle, (floored accelerator) the gas pedal gets stuck in wot position. This occurs intermittently, first time was approximately 3/2015.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11242117
Lights

Both headlights on the vehicle have had to be replaced very recently (spring/summer) following a cold and harsh winter. We believe that the problem identified with the srx models extends to the cts and perhaps other cadillac models given the number on the street with a single headlight; however, cadillac has denied our claim. The cost of repair of both headlights exceeded $600.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11230716
Transmission & drivetrainLights

While driving heard clanking under the car for about 2 blocks then stoped. Took it to the dealer and found out 2 bolts had backed out of the drive shaft and one had sheared. Had the exact same problem with a 2011 cts. I had purchased a warranty when I bought the car in 2018, car was repaired. I did notify cadillac. Right front headlight has moisture. Understand cadillac used inferior seals previously. Will need to replace. Light cost approximately $250.00.

Filed Incident Power train · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11228889
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 cadillac cts. While driving 5 mph, the contact heard an abnormal sound underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to moore cadillac (located at 25450 pleasant valley rd, chantilly, va 20152, (703) 939-9351) where it was diagnosed that two driveshaft bolts fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,318.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11228628
Lights

I purchased a new 2012 cadillac cts in january, 2012. The car has been garage kept since new and has only 27,000 miles. Both headlamps recently began accumulating heavy condensation causing very dim lighting at night. This hazardous condition is clearly a manufacturing defect and not caused by excessive use of the vehicle nor exposure to the elements.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11205051
Lights

I purchased a new 2012 cadillac cts in january, 2012. The car has been garage kept since new and has only 27,000 miles. Both headlamps recently began accumulating heavy condensation causing very dim lighting at night. This hazardous condition is clearly a manufacturing defect and not caused by excessive use of the vehicle nor exposure to the elements.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11205045
Other & unknown

Door often will not open from the inside when button is pushed to open door. If I was in a accident or there was a fire I may not be able to get out of door because it won't open. Gm has been made aware of this but refuses to do anything.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11183840

Cadillac CTS: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201631401Electrical systemA
201550322Transmission & drivetrainA
2014146640Transmission & drivetrainC
2013732100Electrical systemB
201267260Electrical systemB
20111082113AirbagsC
20100300-A
20091685100Engine & coolingD
20081752123Electrical systemD
All CTS years

2012 Cadillac CTS vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2012 Cadillac CTS

Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Cadillac CTS: ignition (July 2014); vacuum (November 2011). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Cadillac CTS?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (10), lights (10), brakes (9).

How many complaints has the 2012 Cadillac CTS had?

67 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 14, 2012 and the latest on January 14, 2026. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 8 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 65 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Cadillac CTS year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Cadillac CTS years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2012 Cadillac CTS has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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