Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.5× usual Extended coverage
40 serious complaints of 67, the most about suspension (7) and brakes (7); per car on the road, 0.5× this model's usual year. 2 recalls.
What owners report
“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.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the suspension, Apr 2016
“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.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the brakes, Apr 2016
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Some 2012 model year Cadillac CTS vehicles equipped with 3.0L (LFW), 3.6L (LFX), or 6.2L (LSA) engines and some 2012 model year Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with 3.6L (LFX), or 6.2L (LS3, L99, LSA) engines may have an evaporative emission canister vent solenoid valve that may not properly… (14264, Feb 2015)
- Extended coverage Some vehicles equipped with 3.6L (LFX), or 6.2L (LS3, L99, LSA) engines may have an evaporative emission canister vent solenoid valve that may not properly close. 14264B - Special Coverage - Revised Warranty Transaction Information Section. (14264B, Aug 2017)
- Extended coverage Special Coverage Adjustment - Superchasrger Warranty Extension - Equipped with 6.2L V8 Engine (LSA) (13313, May 2014)
- Extended coverage Some vehicles, equipped with a 6.2l v8 engine (lsa), may have a condition where the engines supercharger may not function as designed. 13313 - special coverage. (G-192624, May 2014)
- Extended coverage Some vehicles equipped with 3.0l (lfw), 3.6l (lfx), or 6.2l (lsa) engines and some 2012 model year chevrolet camaro vehicles equipped with 3.6l (lfx), or 6.2l (ls3, l99, lsa) engines may have an evaporative emission canister vent solenoid valve that may not properly close. 14264 - special coverage. (G-204647, Nov 2014)
- Repair program This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. (PIT5236F, Aug 2015)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
67 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 14–21 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl; 3.6L 6-cyl; 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged · Drive: AWD, RWD
2012 CTS trims
| Base | Luxury | Performance | Premium | V |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Cadillac reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Cadillac aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | AWD, RWD | 19–25 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 0 | 10 | Power train (3) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | AWD, RWD | 19–25 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 2 | 8 | Power train (3) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | AWD, RWD | 18–25 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 2 | 27 | Power train (9) | Yes |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | AWD, RWD | 19–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 31 | Electrical system (10) | Yes |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl turbo 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged manual available | AWD, RWD | 14–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 48 | Power train (19) | No |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.0L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl turbo 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged manual available | AWD, RWD | 14–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 146 | Power train (84) | No |
| 2013 | 3.0L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged manual available | AWD, RWD | 14–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 73 | Electrical system (26) | No |
| 2012 | 3.0L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged manual available | AWD, RWD | 14–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 67 | Exterior lighting (10) | No |
| 2011 | 3.0L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged manual available | AWD, RWD | 14–21 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 108 | Air bags (25) | No |
| 2010 | 3.0L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD, RWD | 19–22 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 0 | — | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: CTS 2016–2019 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 10 |
| 2019 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 10 |
| 2019 | Cadillac CTS-V 4 DR RWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 8 |
| 2018 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 8 |
| 2018 | Cadillac CTS-V 4 DR RWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 27 |
| 2017 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 27 |
| 2017 | Cadillac CTS-V 4 DR RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 21 |
| 2016 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 31 |
| 2016 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 31 |
| 2016 | Cadillac CTS-V 4 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 3 | 30 |
| 2015 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 48 |
| 2015 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 48 |
| 2015 | Cadillac CTS-V 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 46 |
| 2014 | Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 6 | 146 |
| 2014 | Cadillac CTS 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 6 | 146 |
| 2014 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 6 | 146 |
| 2014 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 6 | 146 |
| 2014 | Cadillac CTS SW AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 6 | 146 |
| 2014 | Cadillac CTS SW RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 6 | 146 |
| 2014 | Cadillac CTS-V 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 7 | 138 |
| 2014 | Cadillac CTS-V 4 DR RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 7 | 138 |
| 2013 | Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 73 |
| 2013 | Cadillac CTS 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 73 |
| 2013 | Cadillac CTS SW AWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 73 |
| 2013 | Cadillac CTS SW RWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 73 |
| 2013 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 73 |
| 2013 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 73 |
| 2012 | Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 67 |
| 2012 | Cadillac CTS SW AWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 67 |
| 2012 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 67 |
| 2012 | Cadillac CTS 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 67 |
| 2012 | Cadillac CTS SW RWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 67 |
| 2012 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 67 |
| 2011 | Cadillac CTS SW AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 108 |
| 2011 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 108 |
| 2011 | Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 108 |
| 2011 | Cadillac CTS SW RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 108 |
| 2011 | Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 108 |
| 2011 | Cadillac CTS 2 DR RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 108 |
| 2010 | Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 67 |
| 2010 | Cadillac CTS 4-DR. Wagon w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | CTS | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo |
19–25 |
| 2019 | CTS AWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–24 |
| 2018 | CTS | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo |
19–25 |
| 2018 | CTS AWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
22–24 |
| 2017 | CTS | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo |
18–25 |
| 2017 | CTS AWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
22–24 |
| 2016 | CTS Sedan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo |
19–25 |
| 2016 | CTS Sedan AWD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
22–24 |
| 2015 | CTS | Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
14–16 |
| 2015 | CTS Sedan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo |
18–24 |
| 2015 | CTS Sedan AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–22 |
| 2014 | CTS | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
14–21 |
| 2014 | CTS AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2014 | CTS Sedan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo |
18–23 |
| 2014 | CTS Sedan AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–22 |
| 2014 | CTS Wagon | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
14–21 |
| 2014 | CTS Wagon AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21 |
| 2013 | CTS | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
14–21 |
| 2013 | CTS AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
21 |
| 2013 | CTS Wagon | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
14–21 |
| 2013 | CTS Wagon AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
21 |
| 2012 | CTS | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
14–21 |
| 2012 | CTS AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21 |
| 2012 | CTS Wagon | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
14–21 |
| 2012 | CTS Wagon AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21 |
| 2011 | CTS | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
14–21 |
| 2011 | CTS AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
21 |
| 2011 | CTS Wagon | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg |
14–21 |
| 2011 | CTS Wagon AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
21 |
| 2010 | CTS | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
19–22 |
| 2010 | CTS AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
21 |
| 2010 | CTS Wagon | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–22 |
| 2010 | CTS Wagon AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
21 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.