2012 Cadillac CTS: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Suspension · KS

Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that’s going to end up killing someone when it completely separates

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · MO

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. These cracks will cause the lower control arm to break free of the mounts and causing the front suspension to shift to the left or right and causing a crash. All it will take to break them off is a large enough bump and this WILL kill or injure someone.

Filed Nov 2, 2022 · Suspension · CA

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. I fear that this was an engineering flaw that needs to be taken care of or examined before some one can get seriously hurt or lose there life by having the sub frame fail causing the control arm of the front wheel to fall off I have multiple pictures of separate vehicles that have the same crack and even one that fully broke apart at the same location. Please take a look at this as this I fear could break at any time and I fear many Cadillacs are driving around with this same engineering flaw

Filed Nov 30, 2019 · Wheels · 90,000 miles · GA

On 3/23/2019 bought bridgestone tire package for 2012 cadillac cts performance. My vehicle requires 2 sizes of tires, 265/45/18 & 235/50/18. The tires are almost bald are 265/45/18 potenza. On 11/29/2019 tire check light comes on to check tire pressure to right rear tire. Since weather is cold, I expect the tire light to come on and off when air has been put in. I went to discount tire to put air, and the tech indicated the back 2 tires has a thread depth of 2 and unsafe. I immediately went to firestone complete auto care who I got the tires from and installation. They put the tire up on a scope and both 2 tires in back were almost bald in the middle. The thread on the outer tires seemed fine, but the middle section of the tire was almost completely bald. The tire technician took my car for test drive to see if there were ball joints, suspension or other issues that may be causing the wear on the tire and the tech found none. I go faithfully every 3,000 miles for oil change and tire rotation at the dealership so if there are issues, I would have known about them and correct them immediately. There were no issues found and the only explanation that firestone can give me is that these tires are not made for your car since it was a performance car.

Filed Apr 21, 2016 · Brakes, Suspension · FL · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* 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. The failure mileage was unavailalbe.