MYRModel Year Report

2012 Cadillac CTS

▲ Better than typical
2012 Cadillac CTS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:18.171Z

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
65
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Exterior lighting

15% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 65 2013: 73 complaints 2014: 145 complaints 2015: 48 complaints 2015 2016: 31 complaints 2017: 27 complaints 2018: 8 complaints 2018 2019: 10 complaints
2003: 313 complaints 2003 2004: 224 complaints 2005: 277 complaints 2005 2006: 269 complaints 2007: 217 complaints 2007 2008: 175 complaints 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 67 complaints 2011: 101 complaints 2011 2012: 65 complaints 2012 65 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 145 complaints 2015: 48 complaints 2015 2016: 31 complaints 2017: 27 complaints 2017 2018: 8 complaints 2019: 10 complaints 2019
2003: 313 complaints 2003 2004: 224 complaints 2004 2005: 277 complaints 2005 2006: 269 complaints 2006 2007: 217 complaints 2007 2008: 175 complaints 2008 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 67 complaints 2010 2011: 101 complaints 2011 2012: 65 complaints 2012 65 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 145 complaints 2014 2015: 48 complaints 2015 2016: 31 complaints 2016 2017: 27 complaints 2017 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
201373
2014145
201548
201631
201727
20188
201910

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

15% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Electrical system

15% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

Service brakes

14% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Suspension

11% · 7 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-18

Also filed under Steering

Vehicle speed control

9% · 6 reports
CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2011-11-02Service brakes, hydraulic11V536000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2014-09-15Electrical system14V394000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Cadillac CTS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 11V536000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 14V394000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.