The Lemon Index
201120132nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: electrical
Better years to buy
26 owner complaints, first 3 years 14–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2012 BMW 3 Series 242012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 192012 Lexus IS 16
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 10,000 and 29,000 miles (16,000–46,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 26 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 14V394000 (electrical) and 11V536000 (brakes) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1555 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 26 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 28K miles (16K to 46K km) on the car (22 of all 26 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
In starting up from a stop light and making a left turn, my knee evidently hit the dangling key fob and turned off the engine.
2012 Cadillac CTS owner · NHTSA complaint 10638666
More owner reports
Front sunroof glass exploded and shattered without warning.
NHTSA complaint 10670039
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1555 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
- Some customers may comment that the vehicle has reduced acceleration at low speed and/or…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or s.
- Brakes · recall issued 2011
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 21, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Cadillac CTS SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cadillac CTS 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Cadillac CTS SW RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$5,350 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac CTS year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2012 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-cts/?y=2012" title="Cadillac CTS reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-cts/2012/">Lemon Index</a> (2012 Cadillac CTS reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 47; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac CTS year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2012 Cadillac CTS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (35%), body structure (15%) and brakes (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Cadillac CTS get?
14 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Cadillac CTS problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 10,000 and 29,000 miles (16,000–46,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 26 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2012 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Cadillac CTS cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $5,350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac CTS year is better than the 2012?
Nearby, the 2010 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a quarter as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works