How many open recalls are there on the 2012 Cadillac CTS?

There are 2 active NHTSA recall campaigns on file for the 2012 Cadillac CTS.

Are recall repairs free?

Yes. Federal law requires manufacturers to remedy any safety recall at no cost to the owner, regardless of warranty status, mileage, or whether you are the original owner. The dealership performs the work and bills the manufacturer. You should never pay out of pocket for a recall repair.

How do I check if a specific recall has been performed on my Cadillac?

Run your VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls or use the VIN decoder at the top of this page. The federal system shows the completion status of every safety recall on your specific vehicle, including campaigns the original owner may have addressed before you bought it.

How long do I have to claim a recall repair?

Most safety recalls have no expiration date — manufacturers must honor them indefinitely. A small subset of voluntary service campaigns and "customer satisfaction programs" do expire, typically 7-10 years from issue date. The campaigns listed on this page are full safety recalls; if your vehicle is covered, you can claim the repair at any time.

What if my dealer says they can't fix the recall?

Two situations: (1) parts shortage — manufacturers sometimes issue recalls before remedy parts are available; you may have to wait, but the dealer should give you a written acknowledgment that your vehicle is on the list. (2) Dealer error — if the dealer claims your VIN doesn't qualify when NHTSA's system says it does, escalate to NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline (1-888-327-4236). NHTSA can compel the manufacturer to honor the campaign.

When was the most recent recall on this vehicle issued?

The most recent recall in our records was campaign 11V536000, dated 2011-11-02. The oldest active campaign on file dates to 2014-07-02.

ProblemsByVin Recalls / 2012-CADILLAC-CTS

2 active campaigns

2012 Cadillac CTS recalls

Every active NHTSA recall campaign for this vehicle, ranked by severity. Each entry shows the consequence if left unfixed and the manufacturer's prescribed remedy.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Recall timeline

When were recalls issued for the 2012 Cadillac CTS? Recalls span 2011 to 2014. No new campaigns in over five years — issues appear settled.

Critical Severe Moderate

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severe NHTSA 14V394000 July 2, 2014

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.

severe NHTSA 11V536000 November 2, 2011

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.

← Back to 2012 Cadillac CTS overview

Recall data sourced from the NHTSA recallsByVehicle public API. Each campaign number above links to the official federal record; you can also verify the full recall history at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Cadillac/CTS. Campaign numbers, consequences, and remedies are reproduced from the official record. Manufacturers are required to provide the remedy free of charge for safety recalls — contact your nearest dealer with the campaign number to schedule the repair.