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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-CADILLAC-CTSNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Cadillac
2012 Cadillac CTS problems
The 2012 Cadillac CTS has 67 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2012 Cadillac CTS has 67 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 9 complaints (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 CTS?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2012 Cadillac CTS SW AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2012 Cadillac CTS? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 9 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
lighting — 9 owner reports
· ~$250 to fix
airbags — 6 owner reports
· ~$1,100 to fix
brakes — 6 owner reports
· ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 CTS· airbagsCrash
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Cadillac cts. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a head, chest…
The electrical system in the Cadillac seems to have a lot of issues and brings a lot of concerns to me, especially in transporting family members. First the navigation screen will sputter and start sporadically flashing on an off, second the controls on the steering wheels will…
On 3/23/2019 bought bridgestone tire package for 2012 Cadillac cts performance. My vehicle requires 2 sizes of tires, 265/45/18 & 235/50/18. The tires are almost bald are 265/45/18 potenza. On 11/29/2019 tire check light comes on to check tire pressure to right rear tire.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Cadillac cts. The contact stated that the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal were to close together unlike normal pedals. The dealer advised that they could not correct the pedals being close to each other. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
Had a problem with your 2012 Cadillac CTS?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Gm is recalling certain model year 2012 Cadillac cts vehicles manufactured from october 21, 2011, through october 26, 2011
This could result in a loss of ability to brake and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Cadillac CTS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Cadillac CTS does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Cadillac CTS?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 9 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 67 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 9 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Cadillac CTS has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Cadillac CTS?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 67 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Cadillac/CTS.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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