2012 Cadillac CTS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 6%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,309miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Cadillac CTS, 6% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,309 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.
“While driving heard clanking under the car for about 2 blocks then stoped. Took it to the dealer and found out 2 bolts had backed out of the drive shaft and one had sheared. Had the exact same problem with a 2011 CTS. I had purchased a warranty when I bought the car in 2018, car was repaired. I did notify Cadillac. Right front headlight has moisture. Understand Cadillac used inferior seals previously. Will need to replace. Light cost approximately $250.00.”
NHTSA complaint #11228889, filed 2019-07, 65,300 miles“While driving the vehicle I have experienced issues with the automatic transmission issue when the vehicle shifts gears. The car will vibrate when attempting to shift gears and cause me to occasionally have to slow down or speed up in order for the transmission to shift into the next gear. The issue is reflecting in the RPM gauge, which when this problem occurs the rpms appear to bounce up and down until the gears fully engage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10787838, filed 2015-11, 43,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 3 | 38% |
| 2017 | 9 | 33% |
| 2016 | 9 | 29% |
| 2015 | 20 | 41% |
| 2014 | 84 | 58% |
| 2013 | 13 | 18% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 22 | 22% |
| 2010 | 9 | 13% |
| 2009 | 28 | 17% |
| 2008 | 21 | 12% |
| 2007 | 33 | 15% |
| 2006 | 45 | 17% |
| 2005 | 82 | 30% |
| 2004 | 52 | 23% |
| 2003 | 25 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2012 Cadillac CTS
10 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSteering
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