2021 Cadillac CT5: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 38 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and structure. Owners most often flag 10-speed automatic transmission valve body failures — 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. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

38
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
6
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Cadillac CT5 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
14
structure
6
power train
4
air bags
4
forward collision avoidance
4

Recalls affecting the 2021 CT5

air bags:side/window:curtain

Campaign 21V611000

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 vehicles. The roof rail side-curtain air bags may not have been installed correctly, which could result in an improper air bag deployment duri…

air bags:srs malfunction warning lamp/light

Campaign 21V421000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrect…

exterior lighting:lighting control module:software

Campaign 22V903000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon,…

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 25V148000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and c…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is generally positive, with strong praise directed at the driving dynamics, chassis, and performance variants. The CT5 is frequently described as offering a superior driving experience compared to German competitors, with better steering feel, chassi

  • 10-speed automatic transmission valve body failures — 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. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission gear selection/shuddering — Isolated report of a 2025 model shuddering due to the transmission selecting too high a gear at low speeds, causing low-RPM lugging. Frequency: isolated.
  • General build quality and interior noises — Mentions of various squeaks, rattles, and "quirky noises" from the interior, including a noisy steering column. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Perceived interior material quality — 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. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the CT5.

Typical used price

Used CT5 listings typically run $30,646–$50,435 across 2020 to 2026 model years.

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