Most common 2012 Cadillac CTS problems
Share of the 65 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac CTS complaints by model year
Best CTS years: 2018, 2019, 2017. Years to avoid: 2006, 2005, 2007, 2003. Compare all years →
2012 Cadillac CTS recalls (2)
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
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.
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.
What 2012 Cadillac CTS owners say
Electrical system
Attempted to turn onto major road and car stopped running leaving car 3 quarters of the way into right lane. Has happened 5 previous times. Was almost hit by semi truck which would have killed myself and child. Has been taken to 3 different dealerships on 5 different occasions for same failure. None of the dealerships could fix the issue but all agree it is electronic or electrical. Car emits strange smell after losing power. Called GM help/care line and filed a claim. Case# [redacted]. Spoke with supervisor [redacted] [phone] extension [redacted]. GM is not willing to correct the failure or investigate claim. Offered to pay for 1 hour of service time to try to identify issue. Vehicle is not safe to drive and will not let wife or child ride in. Afraid this will become another Ford/Firestone issue and kill innocent consumers. Almost killed me.
Driver side door would not open from outside with key or from inside with manual lever. The door lock button would not move to unlock door by the electric switch or by hand. I had to exit vehicle by crawling over center console and exiting passenger side. At some level I can understand the electrical door control failing, but I do not feel it is safe to not have a mechanical option to open the door under electrical failure. This first happened while vehicle was parked. Mechanic needed to crawl in the passenger side and remove door panel to replace door latch assembly. 62014 on odometer at repair time.
Lights
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.
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 [phone], 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.
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 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.
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.
2012 Cadillac CTS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 26 / 19 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 18 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS a good car?
Based on 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 CTS rates better than average: 54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CTS at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
The electrical system — 10 complaints, 15% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the lights (10) and brakes (9).
How many recalls does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2012 Cadillac CTS, the most recent from July 2, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac CTS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2019 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2005, 2007 and 2003. See the full Cadillac CTS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Cadillac CTS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 53% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.