CarRecallDB

2012 Cadillac CTS recalls and problems

2 recalls and 65 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Cadillac CTS.

2
recalls
65
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Cadillac CTS recalls

Electrical system: ignition

NHTSA campaign 14V394000 · reported July 2, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 554,328 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum

NHTSA campaign 11V536000 · reported November 2, 2011 · GENERAL MOTORS LLC · 674 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 pushrod to separate from the brake pedal.
The risk
THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ABILITY TO BRAKE AND a vehicle CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 14, 2026 · Suspension

Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that’s going to end up killing someone when it completely separates

Jan 11, 2025 · 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.

Sep 18, 2024 · 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 from aluminum and the…

Jun 3, 2023 · Service brakes

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…

May 11, 2023 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 130,000 miles

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…

CTS model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 5167100
2010 36721
2011 2101113
2012 26560
2013 273100
2014 614640
2015 34922

Across all years, the 2003 CTS has the most complaints (313). All Cadillac CTS years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Cadillac CTS, the most recent reported on July 2, 2014 (Electrical system: ignition). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (10 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (10).
How many 2012 Cadillac CTS complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 65 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 14, 2026.