2012 Cadillac CTS Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 9%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,918miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Cadillac CTS, 9% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,918 miles.
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.
“The car ignition switch would sometimes automatic cut off by itself. I have notified this Cadillac dealer about this car several times, even with the engine sounds like it is about to blow up, I don't think they believed me because I was upset about a car that the entire car had ben painted inside and out, motor and all, but I quests when something happens , then they will believe me.”
NHTSA complaint #10617421, filed 2014-07, 17,200 miles“The car began cutting off unexpectedly when stopping. The mechanic told us the timing chain was faulty. The car barely has 65,000 miles on it and has primarily been driven to work only, averaging 20 miles a day! We contacted the company but they have not recalled the timing chain on this particular car. It has on older models so I wanted to report to have the newer models further researched as well. This is a huge safety concern as intersections can be dangerous for an unpredictable car.”
NHTSA complaint #11301395, filed 2020-01, 65,000 miles“My car was brought in for vibration at alderman Cadillac in meriden I took it in and come to find out, it was the power steering and a motor mount. The dealer asked me if I wanted to take the car after it was fixed although he told me that it wouldn't be safe to drive. I received the vehicle 3 days later and the problem was still there. My steering wheel was also loose and the alignment was off. I took it back to the dealer withing 20 hours to tell them that it was not fixed and that the car all of a sudden drives totally different and not in a good way. …”
NHTSA complaint #11361939, filed 2020-09, 75,000 miles“I took my car through a car wash and afterwards, the traction control system indicated a failure on the dash warning light. At the same time the engine lost significant power, and I'm told by the dealer that this is due to inhibiting half of the injectors if the tc system fails. The tc system healed itself after the car dried out for a day and this is not the focus of my complaint. Anyone can drive a car safely without a traction control system in operation, however, a non-responsive engine due to the programmed shutdown of half of the injectors is extremely dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #10458437, filed 2012-05, 6,050 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 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.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 20% |
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2011 | 13 | 13% |
| 2010 | 10 | 15% |
| 2009 | 49 | 29% |
| 2008 | 22 | 13% |
| 2007 | 22 | 10% |
| 2006 | 28 | 10% |
| 2005 | 24 | 9% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 29 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2012 Cadillac CTS
10 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsAir bags
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 28, 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