2012 Cadillac CTS: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 65 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (16% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that's going to end up killing someone when it completely separates”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2026
“"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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2025
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2022
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2021
“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2020
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2020
“When using full throttle, (floored accelerator) the gas pedal gets stuck in wot position. This occurs intermittently, first time was approximately 3/2015.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2019
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2019
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact CTS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS reliable?
NHTSA has 65 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Cadillac CTS. The most complained-about area is electrical system (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Cadillac CTS problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 47,000 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.