DecodedCars2012 Cadillac CTS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2 Dr Coupe AWD 3.6 4, 2 Dr Coupe RWD 3.6, 4dr Sedan AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4, 4dr Sedan RWD 3.0/3.6
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 188.6–191.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,860–4,222 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 12% below the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Cadillac CTS is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,132 lb (2 Dr Coupe AWD 3.6 4).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 12% worse than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 CTS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 CTS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Dr Coupe AWD 3.6 4 | 188.6 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 113.4 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 4,132 lb | 54/46 |
| 2 Dr Coupe RWD 3.6 | 188.6 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 113.4 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,909 lb | 53/47 |
| 4dr Sedan AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4 | 191.7 in | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 113.4 in | 61 / 62.2 in | 4,118 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD 3.0/3.6 | 191.7 in | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 113.4 in | 61 / 62.2 in | 3,860 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr Sportwagon AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4 | 191.3 in | 72.4 in | 59.1 in | 113.4 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,222 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sportwagon RWD 3.0/3.6 | 191.3 in | 72.4 in | 59.1 in | 113.4 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,030 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS Wagon | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS Wagon AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS Wagon AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -21% | $3,550 | 468 |
| CTS | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -33% | $5,150 | 555 |
| CTS Wagon | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -35% | $5,150 | 555 |
| CTS | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -41% | $5,850 | 635 |
| CTS Wagon | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -43% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Cadillac CTS (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V394000 · 554,328 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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 14172.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Nov 2, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V536000 · 674 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ABILITY TO BRAKE AND a vehicle CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- 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.
Not every 2012 Cadillac CTS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Cadillac CTS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 8 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Suspension — 6 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 5 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Cadillac CTS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CTS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2018 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 8 |
| 2017 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2016 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 31 |
| 2015 CTS | 24 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 49 |
| 2014 CTS | 23 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 138 |
| 2013 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 48 |
| 2011 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 60 |
| 2010 CTS | 22 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 38 |
| 2009 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 4 | 104 |
| 2008 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 2 | 87 |
| 2007 CTS | 19 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 96 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →