2012 Cadillac Cts: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Cadillac Cts: 2 recalls, 65 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #11V536000 · 2011 · 674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V394000 · 2014 · 554,328 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), door / lock issues (2).
- Exterior lights (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (7): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Suspension (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 Cadillac Cts has 65 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 17 Cts model years for complaints (well below the 130 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 43,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (101 complaints, 2 recalls), 2013 (73 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 19 | Regular |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 18 | 14 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Cadillac Cts.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Cadillac Cts have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Cadillac Cts. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Cadillac Cts problems?
Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (10), exterior lights (10), brakes (7).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Cadillac Cts get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic (S6)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Cadillac Cts repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.