2012 Cadillac CTS — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Cadillac CTS is a saloon/sedan offered with 3 engines (3L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) / 21 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 17–25 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Cadillac CTS workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Cadillac CTS: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 25 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3L 6-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl · 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 97 cu ft (2,747 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 25 combined / 22 urban / 31 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 21 combined / 18 city / 26 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 263 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 7 configurations for the 2012 Cadillac CTS across 3 engines (3L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged). Combined fuel economy ranges from 14 to 21 mpg (US), or 17 to 25 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/26) | 263 | $3,200 |
| 3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/27) | 263 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/26) | 263 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/27) | 263 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/26) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 14 (12/18) | 394 | $5,850 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 16 (14/19) | 345 | $5,150 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Cadillac CTS
Running Costs: 2012 Cadillac CTS
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Cadillac CTS at 25 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,455 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Cadillac CTS Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Cadillac CTS (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Electrical system — campaign 14V394000, reported 2 July 2014. 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.
- Service brakes — campaign 11V536000, reported 2 November 2011. Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ABILITY TO BRAKE AND a vehicle CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Cadillac CTS. The most-reported areas are Exterior lighting (10), Electrical system (10), Suspension (7). Complaints include 6 reported crashes, 8 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 40 complaints across the 10 Cadillac CTS model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Cadillac CTS
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 10 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign · 7 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Lighting (10 owner complaints) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Suspension (7 owner complaints) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Cadillac models in our database average about 27 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Cadillac CTS's 25 mpg is 2 mpg below that make average. Its 263 g/km CO₂ figure is 15 g/km higher than the 248 g/km Cadillac average.
Of the 10 Cadillac CTS model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 8th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (25 mpg UK combined, against a high of 30 mpg). See every Cadillac CTS year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Cadillac CTS
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2012 Cadillac CTS: 3L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3L 6-cyl with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
The most efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, or 21 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 17 to 25 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Cadillac CTS cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Cadillac CTS (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
Among the 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Exterior lighting (10 complaints), Electrical system (10 complaints), Suspension (7 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Cadillac CTS have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.