Is the 2021 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 2021 Cadillac CT5?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2021 Cadillac CT5

○ Not enough data

2021 Cadillac CT5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:28.699Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 30
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2021: 30 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2020	39
2021	30
2022	11
2023	13
2024	3
2025	10
2026	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

43% · 13 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

When approaching a stopping vehicle the brake pedal became extremely hard to press and I could not brake enough to stop and had a collision.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-01

Also filed under Forward collision avoidance and service brakes

Structure

23% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Show complaint excerpts

All four exterior door handles on my 2021 Cadillac CT5 have experienced the same intermittent failure. The handles initially work intermittently and then become unable to release the door. This has occurred on all four doors.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-31

The door opening mechanism has failed on the drivers outside door handle. It locks and unlocks fine but it will not open.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-08

Power train

13% · 4 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The pump gear on the transmission went out during normal driving with only having 30,000 miles on it. I am told my numerous people that the Gm 10 speeds always have issues with them.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-28

Forward collision avoidance

7% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

There was no indication that the Automatic Braking System, Air Bags and Seatbelts were not working properly. In August 12, 2021, I was in an auto accident where I rear-ended another dodge car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-08-29

Also filed under Air bags and seat belts

Air bags

7% · 2 reports

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2021-04-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2023-08-24 Air Bag Malfunction
R

2021-07-01Air bags, electrical system21V421000 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.

Remedy: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-08-30Air bags21V611000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-01-23Exterior lighting22V903000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2025-04-07Power train25V148000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Cadillac CT5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 7 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V421000 · Air bags, electrical system
Recall 21V611000 · Air bags
Recall 22V903000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 25V148000 · Power train

FAQ

Is the 2021 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 2021 Cadillac CT5?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.