2012 Cadillac CTS Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 11%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Cadillac CTS, 11% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“As I approached a street from a store parking lot, I stepped on the brake but the car did not slow. As I saw I was not going to stop, I tried to steer the car to the right to try to avoid crossing into traffic. The steering wheel would not turn. I was going very slowly and saw the face of the driver of the car that hit me. That car hit my car twice. Once in the front left corner and then in left rear corner, as my car spun 90 degrees to the right from the first impact. Someone asked me if my car had turned off. I said I didn't know because the engine is so quiet. …”
NHTSA complaint #10639093, filed 2014-09, 27,000 miles“The Sub frame has a crack where it connects with the control arm I posted a picture in the forum group for Cadillac owners of the same vehicle and over 20 owners I’ve counted have the same crack in the same location it has unfortunately failed for some members already. …”
NHTSA complaint #11491862, filed 2022-11“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 complaint #10860647, filed 2016-04, 70,000 miles“A combination of the lower control arm alignment adjustment bolt, it is just a slot and standard bolt. The alignment becomes loose over time and begins to work side to side in the slot, so retightening the bolt is the only solution to keep it from moving. The main issue is the subframe being made from aluminum and the machined slots for the lower arms, the ears for the lower arms are not machined or reenforced correctly which lead to severe fatigue cracks in the machined radius of the subframe. …”
NHTSA complaint #11615171, filed 2024-09“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10860646, filed 2016-04Related service bulletins
- 11009461Sep 26, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Characteristics of Wide Low Aspect Ratio Tires, Vehicle Pulls Left or Right, Wanders, Follows Depressions in Road Surface, Tramlining.
- 11007936Aug 22, 2024This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935Aug 22, 2024This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10245545Nov 17, 2023This service bulletin provides information on Characteristics of Wide Low Aspect Ratio Tires, Vehicle Pulls Left or Right, Wanders, Follows Depressions in Road Surface, Tramlining.
- 10247352Nov 14, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer?s…
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2014 | 17 | 12% |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% |
| 2012 | 7 | 11% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 11 | 7% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% |
| 2003 | 11 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2012 Cadillac CTS
10 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsOther or unknown
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 29, 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