Avoid: No year grades F. Weakest: 2021
Best: 2022
4 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 6 model years, the Cadillac CT5 has 195 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. 2021 drew the most complaints (58), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (30).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Cadillac CT5 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $28,402–$37,995.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2021 (58 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (30).
Sentiment is generally positive, with strong praise directed at the driving dynamics, chassis, and performance variants.
Can cause complete transmission failure in early model years (2020-2022); software update in later models aims to detect failure early and induce limp mode to prevent catastrophic damage.
Mentions of various squeaks, rattles, and "quirky noises" from the interior, including a noisy steering column.
Criticism that interior materials, while functional and intuitive, are not as luxurious or refined as key German or Korean (Genesis) competitors. This is a point of debate among owners.
Isolated report of a 2025 model shuddering due to the transmission selecting too high a gear at low speeds, causing low-RPM lugging.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CT5. Individual model years are broken down above.
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