2012 Cadillac CTS

65 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

1. Filed Jan 14, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2026Derby, KSSuspension

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

   NHTSA complaint 11710859
2. Filed Jan 11, 2025Failure Jan 7, 2025Milton, DEAir 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11635385
3. Filed Sep 18, 2024Failure Sep 18, 2024Springfield, MOSteering, 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 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11615171
4. Filed Jun 3, 2023Failure Sep 30, 2019Cleveland, OHService 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 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11525157
5. Filed May 11, 2023Failure Apr 1, 2023130,000 milesCleveland, OHService 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 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11521525
6. Filed Nov 2, 2022Failure Nov 1, 2022Palmdale, CASuspension

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11491862
7. Filed Jun 22, 2022Failure Jun 7, 2022126,273 milesPflugerville, TXAir 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11470406
8. Filed Apr 8, 2022Failure Mar 19, 2022Galesburg, MIAir 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 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

   NHTSA complaint 11460145
9. Filed Jan 11, 2022Failure Nov 1, 2020Midway, TXSeats

   The driver’s seat latch to access the backseat started to work only sometimes. Now it doesn’t work at all

   NHTSA complaint 11447084
10. Filed Nov 2, 2021Failure Oct 1, 201550,000 milesSlidell, LAService brakes, 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.

    NHTSA complaint 11439097
11. Filed May 4, 2021Failure May 3, 2021Adamsville, ALExterior 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 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.

    NHTSA complaint 11415097
12. Filed Sep 30, 2020Failure Sep 29, 202075,000 milesWest Haven, CTEngine, 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 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.

    NHTSA complaint 11361939
13. Filed May 14, 2020Failure May 14, 2020Chickasha, OKExterior 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

    NHTSA complaint 11324556
14. Filed Jan 23, 2020Failure Jan 22, 2020West Palm, FLElectronic 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

    NHTSA complaint 11301471
15. Filed Jan 23, 2020Failure Jan 17, 202080,000 milesFlint, TXUnknown 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 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

    NHTSA complaint 11301410
16. Filed Jan 23, 2020Failure Jan 2, 202065,000 milesFlorence, SCEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11301395
17. Filed Nov 30, 2019Failure Nov 29, 201990,000 milesMcdonough, GAWheels

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11282966
18. Filed Sep 11, 2019Failure Oct 20, 201630,000 milesNaperville, ILHeadlights

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11254777
19. Filed Aug 6, 2019Failure Jul 2, 2019160,000 milesJackson, MIVehicle 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.

    NHTSA complaint 11242117
20. Filed Jul 10, 2019Failure Mar 2, 201968,000 milesChicago, ILExterior 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.

    NHTSA complaint 11230716