Cadillac · CTS · 2012
2012 Cadillac CTS
2
Recalls
67
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Cadillac CTS has 2 recalls and 67 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: exterior lighting (9 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Cadillac CTS page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is exterior lighting with 9 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Cadillac CTS currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 67 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are exterior lighting (9), electrical system (9), unknown or other (5).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Cadillac CTS
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 67
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.3% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 14V394000July 02, 2014
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. 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 Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 11V536000November 02, 2011
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. 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 Status
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.
Owner Complaints
67 totalSUSPENSION
Jan 1, 2026
Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that’s going to end up killing someone when it completely separates
AIR BAGS
Jan 7, 2025
"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.
STEERING,SUSPENSION
Sep 18, 2024
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 su...
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SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Apr 1, 2023
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...
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SUSPENSION
Nov 1, 2022
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 th...
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AIR BAGS
Jun 7, 2022
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...
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AIR BAGS
Mar 19, 2022
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...
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EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 3, 2021
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. ...
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SEATS
Nov 1, 2020
The driver’s seat latch to access the backseat started to work only sometimes. Now it doesn’t work at all
STEERING,ENGINE
Sep 29, 2020
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...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 67 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Cadillac models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Cadillac CTS Years
2013 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.2r72c2011 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.2r108c2014 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.6r142c2010 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.3r67c2015 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.2r47c2009 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.5r167c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?
The 2012 Cadillac CTS has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has received 67 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Cadillac CTS.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
The 2012 Cadillac CTS received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Cadillac CTS are exterior lighting (9 reports), electrical system (9 reports), unknown or other (5 reports).
Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2012 Cadillac CTS. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.