MYRModel Year Report

2012 Cadillac CTS

▲ Better than typical
2012 Cadillac CTS
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:58:32.224Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Cadillac CTS Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2003: 313 complaints 2003 2004: 224 complaints 2005: 277 complaints 2006: 269 complaints 2006 2007: 217 complaints 2008: 175 complaints 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 67 complaints 2011: 101 complaints 2012: 65 complaints 2012 2013: 72 complaints 2014: 144 complaints 2015: 46 complaints 2015 2016: 31 complaints 2017: 26 complaints 2018: 8 complaints 2018 2019: 10 complaints 2019
2012: 65 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2003313
2004224
2005277
2006269
2007217
2008175
2009167
201067
2011101
201265
201372
2014144
201546
201631
201726
20188
201910

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 14%

14% of complaints: exterior lighting — 9 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.

SUSPENSION 11%

11% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

A combination of the lower control arm alignment adjustment bolt, it is just a slot and standard bolt.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240918

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9%

9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20111102 — service brakes, hydraulic

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 P

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 SAF

Campaign 11V536000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140915 — electrical system

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.

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.

Campaign 14V394000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Cadillac CTS — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 11V536000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V394000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2016 ▲ 2015 ▲ 2010

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ◆ 2005 ◆ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Cadillac CTS is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Cadillac CTS?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.