2012 Cadillac CTS Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 14%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Cadillac CTS, 14% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10947692, filed 2017-01, 30,300 miles“There have been a collection of other Vin numbers for this year make and model for the symptoms I have been experiencing since taking ownership in 2019. The vehicle will stall while running and randomly disable ALL WHEEL drive, Traction Control, ABS, and send Check engine light on causing me amdy son on infinite number of times to almost be hit In the middle of amd intersection, after a stop sign at low speeds, upon turning the wheels into or put of driveway, parking spaces and worst off at 60 mph on a freeway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11525157, filed 2023-06“The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the traction control was off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11439097, filed 2021-11, 50,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal were to close together unlike normal pedals. The dealer advised that they could not correct the pedals being close to each other. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5 and the current mileage was 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10550753, filed 2013-11, 10,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the front driver side brake line fractured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician repaired the vehicle by removing and replacing the brake line hose. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,300.”
NHTSA complaint #10638166, filed 2014-09, 13,300 milesRelated recalls
- 11V536000Nov 2, 2011Gm is recalling certain model year 2012 cadillac cts vehicles manufactured from october 21, 2011, through october 26, 2011. These vehicles may have a…Covers: Cadillac CTS 2012
Related service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 3% |
| 2015 | 9 | 18% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% |
| 2012 | 9 | 14% |
| 2011 | 6 | 6% |
| 2010 | 6 | 9% |
| 2009 | 14 | 8% |
| 2008 | 22 | 13% |
| 2007 | 59 | 27% |
| 2006 | 57 | 21% |
| 2005 | 34 | 12% |
| 2004 | 38 | 17% |
| 2003 | 47 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2012 Cadillac CTS
10 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Cadillac CTS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology