2020 Cadillac CT5
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 38 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
While slowing down vehicle felt as if it was put into park momentarily, which cause car to slide on ice. After reading the recall, I am certain that the transmission failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260112
Lockhart Cadillac Service Department committed warranty fraud by charging me on multiple occasions for repairs that should have been covered under GM/Cadillac 2025 Transmission Recall & Special Extended Warranties.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260716
this vehicle has had multiple check engine failures it has been in for service six times in a matter of months. In September I had Service Traction control/StabiliTrack lights come on and the car losses of engine power.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231219
Also filed under ENGINE
21% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I have had many issues with Onstar failing. I bought the 2020 Cadillac CT5 AWD 10/2020. It took Onstar over a month to connect to my car to provide AT&T internet plan (via Onstar).
NHTSA ODI report, 20211105
Also filed under AIR BAGS and STEERING
18% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and dashboard.
Show complaint excerpts
Electronic door hand on the drivers side completely stopped working, with little warning. This includes the proximity unlock feature and unlocking the car with the fob.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260726
5% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020.
Campaign 20V588000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Malfunction
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 during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both left and right-side roof rail air bags and reinstall the air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 30, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006.
Campaign 21V611000 — check if this car was fixed
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, and Yukon XL vehicles.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023.
Campaign 22V903000 — check if this car was fixed
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 cause the wheels to lock-up.
Remedy: Dealers will install transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2025.
Campaign 25V148000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Cadillac CT5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V588000 (service brakes) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V611000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V903000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V148000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2020 Cadillac CT5 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Cadillac CT5?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Cadillac CT5 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.