2012 Cadillac CTS: owner complaints and recalls
Analysis of 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 2 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.
67
Complaints
2
Recalls
6
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
8
Injuries
131.3
Severity index
Severity index 131.3 - High. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.
Among the 129 2012 vehicles we track with at least 40 complaints on file, the 2012 Cadillac CTS ranks 13 of 129 by severity, where 1 is the worst. Its severity is higher than 90% of its model-year peers. See the full 2012 ranking.
What actually fails
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10 | 14.9% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 10 | 14.9% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9 | 13.4% |
| SUSPENSION | 7 | 10.4% |
| AIR BAGS | 6 | 9.0% |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 | 9.0% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6 | 9.0% |
| ENGINE | 6 | 9.0% |
The single most-reported system is EXTERIOR LIGHTING, cited in 10 of 67 complaints (14.9%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.
Complaints filed per year
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 (year to date) | 1 |
Complaint volume is declining, consistent with a defect that was addressed by recall or that affected early builds.
Recall campaigns
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14V394000 | 02/07/2014 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 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 (G |
| 11V536000 | 02/11/2011 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM | 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 |
Source. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-07-25. Complaints are unverified consumer reports; volume is influenced by how many units were sold and how long the vehicle has been on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.