2012 Cadillac Cts

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
6.2L V8
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-30 Full Synthetic (8 qts)
Transmission
Automatic (S6)
Wheel Torque
140
ft-lbs

The 2012 Cadillac Cts maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Cadillac Cts.

For oil changes, the 2012 Cadillac Cts takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 8 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Cadillac Cts, torque the lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

There are 2 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2012 Cadillac Cts. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2012 Cadillac Cts uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (8 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 140 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2012 Cadillac Cts Specifications
Motor Oil5W-30 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity8 qt
Lug Nut Torque140 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantDex-Cool (OAT)
Transmission FluidDexron VI
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
Dexron VI
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Dex-Cool (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2012 Cadillac Cts.

No known problems reported for this vehicle yet.

2 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2012 Cadillac Cts. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign: 14V394000 Date: 02/07/2014

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 recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

2

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Campaign: 11V536000 Date: 02/11/2011

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 COULD LOOSEN AND ALLOW THE PUSHROD TO SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ABILITY TO BRAKE AND a vehicle CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

CADILLAC DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER VACUUM BRAKE BOOST PUSHROD RETENTION NUT, AND IF NECESSARY, TORQUE THE NUT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.

Have the VIN?

Decode your VIN for even more detailed specs including trim-level data.

Decode a VIN
Cts — Other Model Years
2019201820172016201520142013201120102009
See Also
2012 Cadillac Cts Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2012 Cadillac CtsAll Vehicles Using 5W-30 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2012 Cadillac CtsWiper Replacement: 2012 Cadillac Cts