Home · 2012 Cadillac Cts-v · Complaints

What 67 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Cadillac Cts-v

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (67)Crash / fire / injury (7)Electrical system (10)Lights (10)Brakes (8)Suspension (7)Airbags (6)Engine (6)Speed control (6)Body & structure (5)Steering (4)Transmission & drivetrain (4)

Newest first · 67 complaints · page 2 of 3

Oct 26, 2018Transmission & drivetrain

BOLTS BACKED OUT OF DRIVE SHAFT

NHTSA ODI 11142901

Jul 10, 2018Lights

MY STATION WAGON IS A 2012 THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN AUG 2013. IN ABOUT A YEAR I NOTICED CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF THE SEALED LED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY

NHTSA ODI 11110608

Jun 29, 2018Airbags1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO QUANTRELL AUTO GROUP (1440 E NEW CIRCLE RD, LEXINGTON, KY 40509, (859) 266-2161) WHERE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS COMPLETED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE RESULTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11104691

May 9, 2018SuspensionEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE REAR DRIVESHAFT AND THE SUPPORT BEARING CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CADILLAC NORWOOD (700 BOSTON PROVIDENCE HWY, NORWOOD, MA 02062) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUPPORT BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A FEW DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,478.

NHTSA ODI 11092729

Jan 22, 2018Wheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OEM RIMS FROM THE MANUFACTURER PREVENTED THE TIRES FROM HOLDING AIR. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY REFILL THE AIR IN THE TIRES. THE DEALER (LOCKHART CADILLAC OF GREENWOOD, 1287 US-31, GREENWOOD, IN 46143, (317) 865-1551) HAD NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT TIRE REPAIR FACILITIES FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11064230

Oct 11, 2017Speed control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO 90 MPH AFTER THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS SHIFT TO MANUAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AL MOORE CADILLAC LOCATED AT 9177 W BROAD ST, RICHMOND, VA 23294 WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11032834

May 25, 2017Speed controlCrash2 injuries

THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, AT APPROX 40MPH IN THE EVENING. WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS A CAR GOING SLOW IN A 50MPH+ ROAD, THE ACCELERATOR STUCK IN THE CADILLAC. THIS FORCED A DEFENSIVE DECISION TO UNFORTUNATELY HIT THE CAR IN FRONT VERSUS UNKNOWN CLEARING. AFTER (NOW AT 60MPH), THE ACCELERATOR STAYED STUCK, WHICH REQUIRED THE CAR TO THEN STRIKE A POLE AT 100MPH! THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SCENARIO AND ONLY BY GRACE WERE ALL PARTIES SAFE IN THE PRIMARY CAR (CADILLAC REFERENCED), AND THE CAR STRUCK. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND EVEN THE BLACK BOX WAS NOT OPERATIONAL AFTER SITTING FOR A 3 WEEK SPAN IN A TOW LOT.

NHTSA ODI 10991625

May 22, 2017Electrical system

DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE WITH KEY OR FROM INSIDE WITH MANUAL LEVER. THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON WOULD NOT MOVE TO UNLOCK DOOR BY THE ELECTRIC SWITCH OR BY HAND. I HAD TO EXIT VEHICLE BY CRAWLING OVER CENTER CONSOLE AND EXITING PASSENGER SIDE. AT SOME LEVEL I CAN UNDERSTAND THE ELECTRICAL DOOR CONTROL FAILING, BUT I DO NOT FEEL IT IS SAFE TO NOT HAVE A MECHANICAL OPTION TO OPEN THE DOOR UNDER ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THIS FIRST HAPPENED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. MECHANIC NEEDED TO CRAWL IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND REMOVE DOOR PANEL TO REPLACE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY. 62014 ON ODOMETER AT REPAIR TIME.

NHTSA ODI 10990875

Mar 20, 2017Lights

2012 CADILLAC CTS WAGON: REAR STOP, TURN SIGNAL, BACK-UP, BRAKE LIGHTS ARE COMING AWAY FROM BODY OF VEHICLE. THE TABS UNDER THE TOP HAVE BROKEN OFF AND LIGHTS DO NOT FIT THE BODY OF VEHICLE AS DESIGNED. THE LIGHTS WORK AS DESIGNED, PHOTOS ATTACHED OF COMPLAINT. IT APPEARS THAT THE PLASTIC THESE LIGHTS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM IS DEFECTIVE AND LIGHTS COULD BE CHANGING SHAPE AND DISTORTING UNDER TEMPERATURE CHANGES, THE HOLDING TABS UNDER THE LIGHTS MUST WEAKEN AND EVENTUALLY BREAK OFF. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY DEALER THIS IS NORMAL? WOW! UPON SEARCH OF WWW AND CADILLAC FORUMS FOUND THAT THESE REAR LIGHTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND I READ WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY DEALERS UNDER ORIGINAL BTB WARRANTY (IF THE OWNERS COMPLAINED HARD ENOUGH). I AM NOW THE THIRD OWNER AND WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. HERE IS THE KICK IN THE GROIN: GM/CADILLAC IN OCT 2012 REMANUFACTURED THESE LIGHTS FROM A HIGHER QUALITY PLASTIC TO RESOLVE THE BAD MANUFACTURING-POOR QUALITY PLASTIC USED PREVIOUSLY. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR BOTH DRIVER, PASSENGER AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. A CAR WASH WILL EVENTUALLY DESTROY AND OR REMOVE THESE LIGHTS FOR ME. OR IF HAND WASHING VEHICLE I COULD CUT AN ARM OR FINGER. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THERE WERE INSUFFICIENT OF THESE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED/BUILT AND THEREFORE THE DEALERS AND GM/CADILLAC DON'T FEEL THE NEED FOR FURTHER ACTION OR ASSISTANCE TO CURRENT OWNERS OUT OF WARRANTY. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO SAFETY ISSUES HERE? I COULD EPOXY/GLUE THESE LIGHTS TO STAY IN PLACE AND MAKE THE REMOVAL OF THEM IMPOSSIBLE FOR FUTURE SERVICE, POSSIBLY DOING ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, OR I CAN PURCHASE NEW OEM REPLACEMENTS! AS LONG AS THE REPLACEMENT LIGHTS ARE MANUFACTURED AFTER OCT 2012. THANK YOU FOR READING MY COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ODI 10967316

Feb 10, 2017

STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT HEAT UP. DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL CAUSE A FIRE

NHTSA ODI 10953837

Feb 6, 2017

MY SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED

NHTSA ODI 10949693

Jan 25, 2017Visibility & wipers

MY SUNROOF SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10947541

Jan 25, 2017Brakes

HEARD A GRINDING NOISE WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, WAS TOLD BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY GONE, METAL ON METAL. ASKED WHY NO WARNING BRAKES WERE GOING BAD AND WHY ALL FOUR BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON SO CALLED HIGH END/TOP QUALITY VEHICLE LIKE A CADILLAC AT ONLY 30,000 MILES AND WAS TOLD "BECAUSE IT HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN ENOUGH AND BRAKES WORE FASTER DUE TO RUST". ALTHOUGH THE MECHANICS AGREED THIS WAS AN ILLOGICAL EXPLANATION AND SEEMS LIKE A PRODUCT DEFECT, I WAS STILL EXPECTED TO PAY $600-800 TO REPLACE THE FAULTY PARTS - WHICH I HAVE NOT YET DONE. I WAS NEVER PROVIDED AN EXPLANATION FOR WHY THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING THAT THE BRAKES WERE FAILING, EVEN THOUGH I EXPRESSED MY CONCERN ABOUT THIS BEING A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. AFTER A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH, I DISCOVERED OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR ON CADILLAC VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI 10947692

Jun 8, 2016Body & structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL TOUCH PAD SEIZED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAUSED THE DOOR NOT TO OPEN NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE FAILURE BY PRESSING AN EMERGENCY RELEASE BUTTON, BUT IT DID NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 10873272

Apr 21, 2016SuspensionBrakesCrash2 injuries

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND LOWER CONTROL ARM DETACHED COMPLETELY. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES, ROTORS, AND OTHER SUSPENSION SUPPORT DETACHED ONTO THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A LOWER BACK INJURY. THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT SUFFERED FROM A BUMP TO THE HEAD. THE INJURIES REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILALBE.

NHTSA ODI 10860646

Apr 21, 2016Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 10860647

Dec 10, 2015

THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ON MY CTS COUPE HAS AN ELECTRICAL "TOUCH PAD" THAT HAS CEASED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. TWICE I HAVE HAD TO CRAWL INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED. DEALERSHIP HAS STATED THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE MILEAGE IS IN EXCESS OF 50,000 (MY VEHICLE IS AT 55,690). PAIN IN THE NECK.

NHTSA ODI 10809470

Nov 2, 2015Transmission & drivetrain

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE I HAVE EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ISSUE WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTS GEARS. THE CAR WILL VIBRATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS AND CAUSE ME TO OCCASIONALLY HAVE TO SLOW DOWN OR SPEED UP IN ORDER FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THE ISSUE IS REFLECTING IN THE RPM GAUGE, WHICH WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURS THE RPMS APPEAR TO BOUNCE UP AND DOWN UNTIL THE GEARS FULLY ENGAGE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE CAR WILL VIBRATE WHILE UPSHIFTING AND I WILL HAVE TO EITHER LET OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL OR PUSH DOWN MORE IN ORDER TO MAKE THE ISSUE STOP. SHIFTING IS FAR FROM SMOOTH IN THIS VEHICLE. ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE MARCH OF 2015 WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER, WHICH I HAVE BEEN TOLD CADILLAC AND GM ARE AWARE, BUT THE DEALER WAS ADVISED NOT TO CONDUCT ANY REPAIRS.

NHTSA ODI 10787838

Sep 15, 2015Body & structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND NEEDED BODY WORK PRIOR TO IT BEING PURCHASED BY THE CONTACT. IN ADDITION, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MISSING COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,500.

NHTSA ODI 10763816

Jun 22, 2015BrakesCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 10726607

Apr 25, 2015Electrical system

ATTEMPTED TO TURN ONTO MAJOR ROAD AND CAR STOPPED RUNNING LEAVING CAR 3 QUARTERS OF THE WAY INTO RIGHT LANE. HAS HAPPENED 5 PREVIOUS TIMES. WAS ALMOST HIT BY SEMI TRUCK WHICH WOULD HAVE KILLED MYSELF AND CHILD. HAS BEEN TAKEN TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR SAME FAILURE. NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS COULD FIX THE ISSUE BUT ALL AGREE IT IS ELECTRONIC OR ELECTRICAL. CAR EMITS STRANGE SMELL AFTER LOSING POWER. CALLED GM HELP/CARE LINE AND FILED A CLAIM. CASE# [XXX]. SPOKE WITH SUPERVISOR [XXX] 1-800-790-5600 EXTENSION [XXX]. GM IS NOT WILLING TO CORRECT THE FAILURE OR INVESTIGATE CLAIM. OFFERED TO PAY FOR 1 HOUR OF SERVICE TIME TO TRY TO IDENTIFY ISSUE. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND WILL NOT LET WIFE OR CHILD RIDE IN. AFRAID THIS WILL BECOME ANOTHER FORD/FIRESTONE ISSUE AND KILL INNOCENT CONSUMERS. ALMOST KILLED ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI 10712837

Mar 25, 2015Fuel system

AFTER FUELING THE CAR I WAS DISTRACTED AND FAILED TO REMOVE THE NOZZLE FROM THE TANK FILLER. AS I MOVED FORWARD, I HEARD A THUMP AND STOPPED. THE FUELING HOSE WAS PULLED FROM THE FILLER AND WAS ALSO DISCONNECTED FROM THE GAS PUMP. THERE IS A QUICK DISCONNECT ON THE HOSE THAT PARTED. EVIDENTLY ENOUGH PEOPLE MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE OTHERWISE THE QUICK DISCONNECT WOULD NOT HAVE BEE PROVIDED. THE STATION ATTENDANT SAID NOT TO WORRY IT IS EASY TO RECONNECT. HE SAID I WAS NOT THE FIRST PERSON TO DO THIS AND WON'T BE THE LAST. THERE IS AN EASY REMEDY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING. ALL CARS SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH A SOUND WARNING INDICATING THAT THE FUEL HOSE IS STILL IN THE FILLER. EVEN BETTER THERE SHOULD BE AN INTERLOCK TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM STARTING. THIS WOULD NOT BE A VERY EXPENSIVE WARNING DEVICE. IT CERTAINLY WOULD MAKE MORE SENSE THAN HAVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON WHEN RAIN IS DETECTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10701802

Feb 27, 2015Electrical system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT EFFECTIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE ISSUE, NOT THE KEY FOB OR KEY RING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10691138

Jan 5, 2015Visibility & wipersBody & structure

FRONT SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED AND SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10670039

Dec 8, 2014AirbagsBrakesCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD, CHEST AND FOOT INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ODI 10662860

← NewerOlder →

Working with the data? Download all 67 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Cadillac Cts-v verdict →