2012 Cadillac CTS Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (6.0 quarts)
The 2012 Cadillac CTS takes 5W-30 motor oil — 6.0 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 6.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L — Base, 4D Sedan, 3.0L Eng VIN 5, RWD, Standard Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.0L — Base, 4D Wagon, 3.0L Eng VIN 5, RWD | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.0L — Base, 4D Sedan, 3.0L Eng VIN 5, AWD | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.0L — Base, 4D Wagon, 3.0L Eng VIN 5, AWD | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.0L — Base, 4D Sedan, 3.0L Eng VIN 5, RWD, Automatic Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — Base, 4D Wagon, 3.6L Eng VIN 3, AWD | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — Base, 4D Sedan, 3.6L Eng VIN 3, RWD, Automatic Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — Base, 4D Sedan, 3.6L Eng VIN 3, AWD | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — Base, 4D Sedan, 3.6L Eng VIN 3, RWD, Standard Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — Base, 4D Wagon, 3.6L Eng VIN 3, RWD | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| Base, 2D Coupe, AWD | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| Base, 2D Coupe, RWD | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| V, 2D Coupe, Automatic Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| V, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| V, 4D Sedan, Automatic Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| V, 4D Sedan, Standard Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| V, 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| V, 4D Wagon, Standard Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
📦 DIY Oil Change Kit Builder
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 2012 Cadillac CTS
Everything you need delivered in one order. Pre-matched to your factory spec (5W-30, 6.0 quarts).
Preferred Oil Brand:
Mobil 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic OilExact Spec
5-Quart Jug + 1-Quart Bottle (6.0 quarts needed)
$37.96Item Link ↗
2012 Cadillac CTS Premium Synthetic Oil FilterExact Fit
OEM-fitment high-efficiency synthetic filter media (3.0L)
$11.99Item Link ↗
Oil Drain Plug Crush Washer Gaskets (5-Pack)Recommended
Direct-fit replacement seal — prevents oil leaks after tightening
$6.99Item Link ↗
15-Quart Low-Profile Drain Pan with Pour SpoutTool
Catch-all basin with anti-splash lip & secure transport cap
$18.99Item Link ↗
RhinoRamps 12,000 lb Drive-Up Vehicle RampsTool
Safe driveway clearance for quick vehicle underbody access
$49.99Item Link ↗
Heavy-Duty Black Nitrile Gloves (Box of 100)PPE
6-mil commercial-grade chemical & oil resistant mechanics gloves
$14.99Item Link ↗
Multi-Angle Spill-Proof Oil Funnel SetTool
Wide-mouth funnel with flexible neck to eliminate engine bay spills
$8.99Item Link ↗
Scott Blue Shop Towels (6-Pack)Supplies
Ultra-absorbent lint-free automotive towels for clean-up
$12.99Item Link ↗
Selected Items: 3 items
$56.94 est. total
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are real-time retail estimates.
Buy the right oil & filter for your CTS
🛒 Buy 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil (6.0 quarts needed) on Amazon💡 Capacity Note: Your 2012 Cadillac CTS holds 6.0 quarts with filter. Since standard jugs are 5 quarts, be sure to pick up extra 1-quart bottles or a 2-pack to reach the full mark on the dipstick.
Popular Full Synthetic Brands (5W-30):
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More factory specs & repair guides for your CTS
🛞 2012 Cadillac CTS Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Cadillac CTS Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Cadillac CTS Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Cadillac CTS Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
11.3 quarts (10.69 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean drinkable water. All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level. Recheck the fluid level after filling.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Cadillac CTS take?
The 2012 Cadillac CTS takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Cadillac CTS?
The 2012 Cadillac CTS oil capacity is 6.0 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Cadillac CTS?
Most 2012 Cadillac CTS owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Cadillac recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Cadillac CTS?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Cadillac CTS. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.
Other Cadillac CTS years
2019 CTS2018 CTS2017 CTS2016 CTS2015 CTS2014 CTS2013 CTS2011 CTS2010 CTS2009 CTS2008 CTS2007 CTS2006 CTS2005 CTS2004 CTS2003 CTS