RecallMyCar

2012 Cadillac CTS Recalls, Complaints & Specs

2 safety recalls list the 2012 Cadillac CTS, and owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

2
safety recalls
65
owner complaints to NHTSA
6 / 0
complaints citing a crash / fire
14–21
MPG combined (EPA)

2 safety recalls for the 2012 Cadillac CTS

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Ignition (electrical system)

    NHTSA 14V394000 Reported 554,328 vehicles potentially affected General Motors LLC

    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…

    Remedy: 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…

  2. Vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 11V536000 Reported 674 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS LLC

    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…

    Remedy: 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…

65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 2012 Cadillac CTS have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA; 6 describe a crash. Reports cite 8 injuries and 0 deaths. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 46,368 miles. Complaints peaked in 2014 with 13 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that’s going to end up killing someone when it completely separates”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, January 14, 2026 · Suspension

“"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 in”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, January 11, 2025 · Air bags

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 2012 Cadillac CTS (CTS AWD, CTS Wagon, CTS Wagon AWD). Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined14–21 mpg
City / Highway12–18 / 18–27
FuelPremium, Regular
EPA classMidsize Cars, Small Station Wagons
Engine6/8 cyl, 3/3.6/6.2 L
TransmissionAutomatic (S6); Manual 6-spd

Compare Cadillac CTS model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Cadillac CTS model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
2003 Cadillac CTS4313
2004 Cadillac CTS6224
2005 Cadillac CTS6277
2006 Cadillac CTS6269
2007 Cadillac CTS6217
2008 Cadillac CTS2175
2009 Cadillac CTS5167
2010 Cadillac CTS367
2011 Cadillac CTS2101
2012 Cadillac CTS265
2013 Cadillac CTS273
2014 Cadillac CTS6146
2015 Cadillac CTS347
2016 Cadillac CTS431
2017 Cadillac CTS227
2018 Cadillac CTS28
2019 Cadillac CTS010

Checking a specific 2012 Cadillac CTS

How do I know if my 2012 Cadillac CTS has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 2 campaigns currently list the 2012 Cadillac CTS; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Cadillac dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 11V536000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other Cadillac models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.