There are 5 owner-reported suspension complaints for the 2012 Cadillac CTSin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that’s going to end up killing someone when it completely separates
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 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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE REAR DRIVESHAFT AND THE SUPPORT BEARING CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CADILLAC NORWOOD (700 BOSTON PROVIDENCE HWY, NORWOOD, MA 02062) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUPPORT BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A FEW DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,478.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND LOWER CONTROL ARM DETACHED COMPLETELY. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES, ROTORS, AND OTHER SUSPENSION SUPPORT DETACHED ONTO THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A LOWER BACK INJURY. THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT SUFFERED FROM A BUMP TO THE HEAD. THE INJURIES REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILALBE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026