2012 Cadillac CTS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Cadillac › CTS › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Cadillac CTS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2012 Cadillac CTS. Newest first.
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 554,328 model…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
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 loosen and allow the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in a loss of ability to brake and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
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 november 1, 2011. owners may contact cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.
Owner complaints
65 complaints6 involved a crash8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
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
"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
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…
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 machined slots for the lower arms, the "ears" for the lower arms are not machined or reenforced correctly which lead to severe fatigue cracks in the machined radius of the subframe. These cracks will cause the lower control arm to break free of the mounts and causing the front suspension to shift to the left or right and causing a crash. All it will take to break them off is a large enough bump and this WILL kill or injure someone.
- Service brakes · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
There have been a collection of other Vin numbers for this year make and model for the symptoms I have been experiencing since taking ownership in 2019. The vehicle will stall while running and randomly disable ALL WHEEL drive, Traction Control, ABS, and send Check engine light on causing me amdy…
There have been a collection of other Vin numbers for this year make and model for the symptoms I have been experiencing since taking ownership in 2019. The vehicle will stall while running and randomly disable ALL WHEEL drive, Traction Control, ABS, and send Check engine light on causing me amdy son on infinite number of times to almost be hit In the middle of amd intersection, after a stop sign at low speeds, upon turning the wheels into or put of driveway, parking spaces and worst off at 60 mph on a freeway. This has resulted in multiple near accidents as the vehicle randomly disables itself. It occurs mostly after pressing the brakes to shift gears and almost always causes the vehicle to become inoperable for over an hour where it sits as there is no option to disable AWD or choose from FWD OR RWD. It happens in manual mode (or called performance mode) as well as automatic mode and has been occurring for 5 and a half years. I have been charged an exorbitant amount for supposed repairs from.dealers and mechanics who have claimed to fix it and I have severe autoimmune disease, a foot prosthetic, AND a minor child I have to transport to and from.school in the car. My issue and warning lights and symptoms mirror the recall of the Vin numbers the manufacturer has performed the recall repair on exactly and yet I have been sent from dealers who refuse to check the part that's defective which is I believe the hydrolic brake rod to the brake petal. The bold needs to be simply retorqued to the proper torque to fix the problem as it was either assembled improperly torqued and or can loosen over time resulting in dangerous and immediate and unexpected complete loss of power to the vehicle allowing people to slam into you at any time. I have had it towed numerous times after these incidents. All features, climate control, locks, entertainment, windows and everything functions when this happens. I have replaced batteries, brakes, oil changes etc. Unresolved.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the AWD inadvertently deactivated, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The service brake assist, check engine, traction control, ABS, and stabili-trak warning…
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the AWD inadvertently deactivated, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The service brake assist, check engine, traction control, ABS, and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics; however, no failure was found. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V536000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Suspension
The Sub frame has a crack where it connects with the control arm I posted a picture in the forum group for Cadillac owners of the same vehicle and over 20 owners I’ve counted have the same crack in the same location it has unfortunately failed for some members already. I fear that this was an…
The Sub frame has a crack where it connects with the control arm I posted a picture in the forum group for Cadillac owners of the same vehicle and over 20 owners I’ve counted have the same crack in the same location it has unfortunately failed for some members already. I fear that this was an engineering flaw that needs to be taken care of or examined before some one can get seriously hurt or lose there life by having the sub frame fail causing the control arm of the front wheel to fall off I have multiple pictures of separate vehicles that have the same crack and even one that fully broke apart at the same location. Please take a look at this as this I fear could break at any time and I fear many Cadillacs are driving around with this same engineering flaw
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, he was informed that the front passenger's side air bag had failed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,273.
- Air bags
Recaro seat sensor failure, causing passenger air bag system inoperable for the passenger side, it appears this a very common problem, the dealer states that they have replaced a lot of these in the past, but GM no longer has any available, cannot find one anywhere in the country (USA), the safety…
Recaro seat sensor failure, causing passenger air bag system inoperable for the passenger side, it appears this a very common problem, the dealer states that they have replaced a lot of these in the past, but GM no longer has any available, cannot find one anywhere in the country (USA), the safety concern is if involved in an accident the passenger is not protected, the dealer has confirmed this is the problem thru diagnostics, have contacted manufacture and they have confirmed no parts available for a repair, service air bag system message and air bag light on intermittently numerous time while driving, first appeared within approx. 2 days after purchased used on 03-17-2022
- Seats
The driver’s seat latch to access the backseat started to work only sometimes. Now it doesn’t work at all
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Abs warning light · Traction control system
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the traction control was off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
- Exterior lighting
I was sent a letter about the recall and I sent it back saying I could not afford to pay up front. the sent another letter about the deadline and I sent back I could not afford to pay up front. I never got a response back. my lights are getting dimmer and can't see at night. this IS a safety…
I was sent a letter about the recall and I sent it back saying I could not afford to pay up front. the sent another letter about the deadline and I sent back I could not afford to pay up front. I never got a response back. my lights are getting dimmer and can't see at night. this IS a safety hazard that I didn't cause and should have been required to repair. I bought the vehicle used and have a few payments left. this IS a safety issue and it's inconvenient. this need to be investigated.
- Engine · Steering
My car was brought in for vibration at alderman cadillac in meriden I took it in and come to find out, it was the power steering and a motor mount. The dealer asked me if I wanted to take the car after it was fixed although he told me that it wouldn't be safe to drive. I received the vehicle 3 days…
My car was brought in for vibration at alderman cadillac in meriden I took it in and come to find out, it was the power steering and a motor mount. The dealer asked me if I wanted to take the car after it was fixed although he told me that it wouldn't be safe to drive. I received the vehicle 3 days later and the problem was still there. My steering wheel was also loose and the alignment was off. I took it back to the dealer withing 20 hours to tell them that it was not fixed and that the car all of a sudden drives totally different and not in a good way. The manager of the service department told me that they can't fix the car because it's too much work. I did not feel safe driving my vehicle which I told the dealer about 5 times. That did not matter to them at all. The dealer argued me down and I told them that I will not drive my vehicle in the position it was in. I will continue to go as far as I need to do get this unsafe situation handled. I do not appreciate this. I trusted in cadillac and I will never go back there again.
- Exterior lighting
The head lamp has condensation and water built up in it causing the bulb to short out. The clear cover has become stained yellow rust color from the water. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
While at a red light the engine idled down and the traction control went off, then the vehicle power IS reduced
- Unknown or other
Liftgate on 2012 cadillac CTS sportwagon falls without warning a couple of weeks ago my wife was retrieving items out of the rear cargo area when suddenly the hatch came down on top of her forcing her down to the top of the bumper. the vehicle was on level ground and stationary. she escaped…
Liftgate on 2012 cadillac CTS sportwagon falls without warning a couple of weeks ago my wife was retrieving items out of the rear cargo area when suddenly the hatch came down on top of her forcing her down to the top of the bumper. the vehicle was on level ground and stationary. she escaped by quickly sliding out from under it before it closed and was not injured. the lift gate had never failed like this before.. it now does this routinely this IS a serious safety issue that could easily injure or kill a small child or pet. recall#15v415000 opened on 6/30/2015 covering several gm vehicles but no cadillacs. the mechanism IS the same or very similar to all these other cars. why aren't the CTS wagons part of the 15v415000 recall? thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine
The car began cutting off unexpectedly when stopping. The mechanic told us the timing chain was faulty. The car barely has 65,000 miles on it and has primarily been driven to work only, averaging 20 miles a day! We contacted the company but they have not recalled the timing chain on this particular…
The car began cutting off unexpectedly when stopping. The mechanic told us the timing chain was faulty. The car barely has 65,000 miles on it and has primarily been driven to work only, averaging 20 miles a day! We contacted the company but they have not recalled the timing chain on this particular car. It has on older models so I wanted to report to have the newer models further researched as well. This IS a huge safety concern as intersections can be dangerous for an unpredictable car.
- Wheels
On 3/23/2019 bought bridgestone tire package for 2012 cadillac CTS performance. My vehicle requires 2 sizes of tires, 265/45/18 & 235/50/18. The tires are almost bald are 265/45/18 potenza. on 11/29/2019 tire check light comes on to check tire pressure to right rear tire. Since weather IS cold, I…
On 3/23/2019 bought bridgestone tire package for 2012 cadillac CTS performance. My vehicle requires 2 sizes of tires, 265/45/18 & 235/50/18. The tires are almost bald are 265/45/18 potenza. on 11/29/2019 tire check light comes on to check tire pressure to right rear tire. Since weather IS cold, I expect the tire light to come on and off when air has been put in. I went to discount tire to put air, and the tech indicated the back 2 tires has a thread depth of 2 and unsafe. I immediately went to firestone complete auto care who I got the tires from and installation. They put the tire up on a scope and both 2 tires in back were almost bald in the middle. The thread on the outer tires seemed fine, but the middle section of the tire was almost completely bald. the tire technician took my car for test drive to see if there were ball joints, suspension or other issues that may be causing the wear on the tire and the tech found none. I go faithfully every 3,000 miles for oil change and tire rotation at the dealership so if there are issues, I would have known about them and correct them immediately. There were no issues found and the only explanation that firestone can give me IS that these tires are not made for your car since it was a performance car.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL* the contact owns a 2012 cadillac CTS. The contact stated that there was moisture in the headlight assemblies. The vehicle was taken to cadillac of naperville (630-219-0417, located at 1507 w ogden ave, naperville, il 60540) where it was determined that there was no recall. The manufacturer was…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 cadillac CTS. The contact stated that there was moisture in the headlight assemblies. The vehicle was taken to cadillac of naperville (630-219-0417, located at 1507 w ogden ave, naperville, il 60540) where it was determined that there was no recall. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
- Vehicle speed control
When using full throttle, (floored accelerator) the gas pedal gets stuck in wot position. This occurs intermittently, first time was approximately 3/2015.
- Exterior lighting
Both headlights on the vehicle have had to be replaced very recently (spring/summer) following a cold and harsh winter. we believe that the problem identified with the SRX models extends to the CTS and perhaps other cadillac models given the number on the street with a single headlight; however, cadillac has denied our claim. the cost of repair of both headlights exceeded $600.
- Exterior lighting · Power train
While driving heard clanking under the car for about 2 blocks then stoped. Took it to the dealer and found out 2 bolts had backed out of the drive shaft and one had sheared. Had the exact same problem with a 2011 CTS. I had purchased a warranty when I bought the car in 2018, car was repaired. I did…
While driving heard clanking under the car for about 2 blocks then stoped. Took it to the dealer and found out 2 bolts had backed out of the drive shaft and one had sheared. Had the exact same problem with a 2011 CTS. I had purchased a warranty when I bought the car in 2018, car was repaired. I did notify cadillac. right front headlight has moisture. Understand cadillac used inferior seals previously. Will need to replace. Light cost approximately $250.00.
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
TL* the contact owns a 2012 cadillac CTS. While driving 5 mph, the contact heard an abnormal sound underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to moore cadillac (located at 25450 pleasant valley rd, chantilly, va 20152, (703) 939-9351) where it was diagnosed that two driveshaft bolts fractured…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 cadillac CTS. While driving 5 mph, the contact heard an abnormal sound underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to moore cadillac (located at 25450 pleasant valley rd, chantilly, va 20152, (703) 939-9351) where it was diagnosed that two driveshaft bolts fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,318.
- Exterior lighting
I purchased a new 2012 cadillac CTS in january, 2012. the car has been garage kept since new and has only 27,000 miles. Both headlamps recently began accumulating heavy condensation causing very dim lighting at night. this hazardous condition IS clearly a manufacturing defect and not caused by excessive use of the vehicle nor exposure to the elements.
- Exterior lighting
I purchased a new 2012 cadillac CTS in january, 2012. the car has been garage kept since new and has only 27,000 miles. Both headlamps recently began accumulating heavy condensation causing very dim lighting at night. this hazardous condition IS clearly a manufacturing defect and not caused by excessive use of the vehicle nor exposure to the elements.
- Unknown or other
Door often will not open from the inside when button IS pushed to open door. if I was in a accident or there was a fire I may not be able to get out of door because it won't open. Gm has been made aware of this but refuses to do anything.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009461This service bulletin provides information on Characteristics of Wide Low Aspect Ratio Tires, Vehicle Pulls Left or Right, Wanders, Follows Depressions in Road Surface, Tramlining.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006353This service bulletin provides inspection/diagnosis/correction information on a cold start misfire and/or rough idle and DTC P0300 that may also be set.
- 11006293This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted andnot start afterward. This is the result of hooking up the Active Fuel Injector Tool incorrectly on vehicles equipped with a direct fuel injection system. This Preliminary information instructs the dealer ofa repair kit they received that will prevent this issue when installed correctly.
- 11006282This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
Every Cadillac CTS model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.