This page covers 3 recalls, 65 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Cadillac CTS.
14–21 mpg combined
11.2–16.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 13 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Exterior lighting and the electrical system draw the most complaints from 2012 CTS owners. On the lighting side, owners frequently describe headlights, taillights, or other exterior lights failing or behaving erratically. Electrical complaints cover a range of symptoms including warning lights illuminating unexpectedly and various systems dropping offline. Airbag warning lights showing up and staying on is the third most-reported issue, with some owners noting the service airbag light indicates the system is inactive. Separately, a recurring structural concern appears across multiple reports: owners describe cracks developing in the front subframe near the lower control arm bushing area. A related steering and suspension pattern involves the lower control arm alignment bolt working loose over time, requiring periodic retightening to maintain proper alignment.
65
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
Recalls 1 and 2 describe the same underlying brake booster pushrod defect filed in two jurisdictions. Treating as one issue.
The 2012 Cadillac CTS has 3 recalls, the most serious being a brake failure risk where a loose nut inside the brake booster can allow the pushrod to separate from the brake pedal, leaving the driver with no braking ability.
The ignition system also has a recall: if a heavy keychain weighs down the ignition key while driving, the key can rotate out of the run position. If that happens during a crash, the airbags may not deploy. As a precaution until the recall repair is completed, owners should remove everything from the key ring and drive with the ignition key alone, removing the key fob as well if the vehicle has one.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch may move out of the run position and turn off the engine if the key ring is too heavy, or due to road conditions or sudden jolts.
What the fix does
Dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on your ignition key at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the brake booster pushrod may not have been tightened enough during assembly. It could loosen and allow the pushrod to separate from the brake pedal, causing brake failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the pushrod retention nut and tighten it to the correct specification if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut holding the brake boost pushrod may not be tightened to the correct specification, allowing it to loosen and separate from the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and retorque the brake boost pushrod retention nut to the proper specification at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
