Model year guide

2012 Cadillac CTS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Cadillac CTS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 274 on record.

2012 Cadillac CTS — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Cadillac CTS at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints67
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$19,666

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Cadillac CTS recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V394000 · 02/07/2014

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, 2…

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 14…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum NHTSA Campaign #11V536000 · 02/11/2011

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Cadillac CTS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2012 Cadillac CTS safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Cadillac CTS SW AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Cadillac CTS MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,870

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Cadillac CTS worth?

Low
$16,300
Typical price
$19,666
High
$23,250

From 272 comparable 2012 Cadillac CTS listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Cadillac CTS costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,350
Depreciation (5 yrs)$13,800
Total$33,150
Per mile$0.44

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($19,666) with the same model 5 model-years older ($5,847), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Cadillac CTS trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Luxury · Premium · Performance
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl

2012 Cadillac CTS vehicles on record

Other Cadillac CTS model years

2012 Cadillac CTS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2012 Cadillac CTS. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Cadillac CTS?

Based on 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, air bags, service brakes.

What is the 2012 Cadillac CTS safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Cadillac CTS an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Cadillac CTS get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Cadillac CTS at about 18 mpg combined (16 city / 23 highway).

How much is a 2012 Cadillac CTS worth?

Comparable 2012 Cadillac CTS listings run roughly $16,300–$23,250, typically around $19,666 (from 272 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.