2021 Cadillac CT5: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker CT5 years.
58 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 CT5?The 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 58 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.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Cadillac CT5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other CT5 years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the CT5?
Across the 7 CT5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 30 (2023) to 58 (2021). With 58 complaints, the 2021 CT5 sits above the model's median of 30.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 CT5
air bags:side/window:curtain
Campaign 21V611000General 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 during a crash.
air bags:srs malfunction warning lamp/light
Campaign 21V421000General 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 incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
exterior lighting:lighting control module:software
Campaign 22V903000General 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, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 25V148000General 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 cause the wheels to lock-up.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is generally positive, with strong praise directed at the driving dynamics, chassis, and performance variants.
- Recurrent10-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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CT5. See the full CT5 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used CT5 listings typically run $28,402–$37,995.
Other CT5 model years
Compare every CT5 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CT5 against its rivals
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