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

Electrical system and exterior lighting each have 10 complaints, followed by brakes with 9. See the problems section above for what owners describe.

Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have recalls?

Yes. The by-year data shows 2 recalls for 2012. The Recalls section on this page lists them.

How many complaints does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?

NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on file, and 6 mention a crash.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Cadillac CTS get?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS a reliable car?

Complaints are spread across electrical, lighting, brakes and more. Check the by-year comparison on this page to see how 2012 stacks up against other years.

2012 Cadillac CTS Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Cadillac CTS^[1]. The electrical system and exterior lighting groups lead the list with 10 complaints each^[2]^[3].

67owner complaints^[1]

2recalls^[4]

14–21MPG combined (EPA)^[5]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[6]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners name most often, biggest first.

Electrical System. 10 complaints^[2]. Owners describe the car losing power while driving and then restarting, plus worries about how a repair kit arrived and what to do with it.
Exterior Lighting. 10 complaints^[3]. In the stories we read, owners describe fogged or wet headlight housings that dim the view at night, and rear lamp housings that pull away from the body.
Brakes. 9 complaints^[7]. Owners describe a pedal that sank to the floor, a brake line that broke, and pads worn out earlier than they expected. Some of these reports involve crashes and injuries^[7].
Suspension. 7 complaints^[8]. Owners describe suspension parts coming apart from the car, odd noises up front, and a cracked mounting point for the control arm.
Engine. 6 complaints^[9].
Speed Control. 6 complaints^[10].
Air Bags. 6 complaints^[11].
Unknown Or Other. 6 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2012 CTS is necessarily included.

Electrical System › Ignition (14V394), July 2014. About 554,328 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum (11V536), November 2011. About 674 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
CTS, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[5]	18 / 27 / 21	$3,200
CTS, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive^[15]	12 / 18 / 14	$5,850
CTS, 6.2L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive^[16]	14 / 19 / 16	$5,150
CTS, 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[17]	16 / 26 / 19	$3,550
CTS AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[18]	18 / 26 / 21	$3,200
CTS Wagon, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[19]	18 / 26 / 21	$3,200
CTS Wagon, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive^[20]	12 / 18 / 14	$5,850
CTS Wagon, 6.2L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive^[21]	14 / 19 / 16	$5,150
CTS Wagon AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[22]	18 / 26 / 21	$3,200
CTS, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[23]	18 / 27 / 21	$3,200
CTS Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[24]	18 / 27 / 21	$3,200
CTS AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[25]	18 / 26 / 21	$3,200
CTS Wagon AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[26]	18 / 26 / 21	$3,200

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR AWD^[6]	5	5	5	4	10.3%
SW AWD^[27]	5	5	5	4	10.3%
4 DR RWD^[28]	5	5	5	4	10.3%
SW RWD^[29]	5	5	5	4	10.3%

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 2 DR AWD^[30], 2 DR RWD^[31].

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2012 Cadillac CTS with 3.0L 6-cylinder^[32]	265 hp
2012 Cadillac CTS with 3.6L 6-cylinder^[33]	280 to 304 hp
2012 Cadillac CTS with 6.2L 8-cylinder^[34]	550 to 556 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
CTS 2 DR COUPE AWD 3.6 4^[35]	189 in	74 in	56 in	113 in	4,131 lb
CTS 2 DR COUPE RWD 3.6^[36]	189 in	74 in	56 in	113 in	3,909 lb
CTS 4DR SEDAN AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4^[37]	192 in	72 in	58 in	113 in	4,118 lb
CTS 4DR SEDAN RWD 3.0/3.6^[38]	192 in	72 in	58 in	113 in	3,860 lb
CTS 4DR SPORTWAGON AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4^[39]	191 in	72 in	59 in	113 in	4,222 lb
CTS 4DR SPORTWAGON RWD 3.0/3.6^[40]	191 in	72 in	59 in	113 in	4,030 lb

How 2012 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each CTS model year. The 2012 is highlighted^[4].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2003	313	4
2004	229	7
2005	284	7
2006	272	7
2007	218	7
2008	175	2
2009	167	5
2010	68	3
2011	108	2
2012	67	2
2013	73	2
2014	146	7
2015	50	4
2016	31	4
2017	27	2
2018	8	2
2019	10	0

NHTSA's counts for the CTS show 67 complaints and 2 recalls for 2012^[4]. Among the 17 model years listed, 5 have fewer complaints than 2012 and 11 have more^[4]. The fewest complaints are for 2018 (8) and the most are for 2003 (313)^[4]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2012 CTS?

The 2012 Cadillac CTS has 67 complaints on file with NHTSA^[1]. They are spread across several groups instead of piling up in one place^[2]^[3]^[7]. Brake and suspension reports include some of the crash and injury mentions (brakes have 3 crashes and 4 injuries, suspension has 2 crashes and 2 injuries), so those deserve a close look on any used car^[7]^[8]. Complaints are unverified and are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a guide for what to inspect, not as a final score^[1].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Cadillac CTS?: Electrical system and exterior lighting each have 10 complaints, followed by brakes with 9^[2]^[3]^[7]. See the problems section above for what owners describe.
Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have recalls?: Yes. The by-year data shows 2 recalls for 2012^[4]. The Recalls section on this page lists them.
How many complaints does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?: NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on file, and 6 mention a crash^[1].
What gas mileage does the 2012 Cadillac CTS get?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS a reliable car?: Complaints are spread across electrical, lighting, brakes and more^[2]^[3]^[7]. Check the by-year comparison on this page to see how 2012 stacks up against other years.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Cadillac CTS

2003 313 complaints, 4 recalls
2004 229 complaints, 7 recalls
2005 284 complaints, 7 recalls
2006 272 complaints, 7 recalls
2007 218 complaints, 7 recalls
2008 175 complaints, 2 recalls
2009 167 complaints, 5 recalls
2010 68 complaints, 3 recalls
2011 108 complaints, 2 recalls
2012 this page
2013 73 complaints, 2 recalls
2014 146 complaints, 7 recalls
2015 50 complaints, 4 recalls
2016 31 complaints, 4 recalls

Compare all model years of the Cadillac CTS

Other Cadillac models from 2012

2012 Cadillac SRX 417 complaints, 3 recalls

All Cadillac models

Similar cars from 2012: midsize cars

2012 Buick Regal 92 complaints, 7 recalls
2012 Chevrolet Cruze 865 complaints, 7 recalls
2012 Chevrolet Malibu 907 complaints, 2 recalls
2012 Dodge Avenger 554 complaints, 3 recalls
2012 Dodge Challenger 253 complaints, 6 recalls
2012 Ford Fusion 2,617 complaints, 5 recalls

All midsize cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Cadillac CTS (6 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
10 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,700). NHTSA vehicle records
10 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 28,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Cadillac CTS model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for CTS, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
9 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
7 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,918). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 14V394, filed July 2, 2014: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
Recall 11V536, filed November 2, 2011: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for CTS, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS, 6.2L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS, 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS Wagon, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS Wagon, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS Wagon, 6.2L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS Wagon AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for CTS Wagon AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2012 Cadillac CTS with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 265 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2012 Cadillac CTS with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 280 to 304 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2012 Cadillac CTS with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 550 to 556 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CTS 2 DR COUPE AWD 3.6 4: length 189 in, width 74 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,131 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CTS 2 DR COUPE RWD 3.6: length 189 in, width 74 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,909 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CTS 4DR SEDAN AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4: length 192 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,118 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CTS 4DR SEDAN RWD 3.0/3.6: length 192 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,860 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CTS 4DR SPORTWAGON AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4: length 191 in, width 72 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,222 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CTS 4DR SPORTWAGON RWD 3.0/3.6: length 191 in, width 72 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,030 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2012 Cadillac CTS: problems, recalls and fuel economy