The 2012 Cadillac CTS is a wagon that came with a choice of 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl engines. At 14 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Midsize Cars, Small Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl (supercharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 12–18 city / 18–27 highway / 14–21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,200–$5,850 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 423–635 grams per mile |
| Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle) | 4,074 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,203–5,556 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 13 configurations: CTS, CTS AWD, CTS Wagon, CTS Wagon AWD |
| Age | 14 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2012 Cadillac CTS. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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…
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.
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…
Risk: This could result in a loss of ability to brake and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2012 Cadillac CTS with NHTSA. 6 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 8 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Cadillac CTS, by version tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr, AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 10.3% |
| Sw, AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 10.3% |
| 4 Dr, RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 10.3% |
| Sw, RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 10.3% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
Manufacturers have filed 1,555 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2012 Cadillac CTS. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2012 CTSs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Cadillac CTS; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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