2012 Cadillac CTS problems and complaints
Owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Cadillac CTS. The most-reported areas: Exterior Lighting (10), Electrical System (10), Service Brakes (9).
Key takeaways
- 67 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 6 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 8 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | 15% |
| Electrical System | 10 | 15% |
| Service Brakes | 9 | 13% |
| Suspension | 7 | 10% |
| Air Bags | 6 | 9% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 9% |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 | 9% |
| Engine | 6 | 9% |
| Structure | 5 | 7% |
| Steering | 4 | 6% |
| Power Train | 4 | 6% |
| Traction Control System | 2 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2012 Cadillac CTS SW AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Cadillac CTS 2 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Suspension - filed 2026-01-14
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 - filed 2025-01-11
"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 - filed 2024-09-18
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 subframe being made from aluminum and the ...
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More for the 2012 Cadillac CTS
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.