2021 Cadillac CT5
Only 23 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.
CRASHShow 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, 20240801
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and SERVICE BRAKES
6 of 23 total reports mention: structure, 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, 20260831
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, 20260808
3 of 23 total reports mention: power train.
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, 20260828
2 of 23 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20210829
Also filed under AIR BAGS and SEAT BELTS
2 of 23 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Air Bag Malfunction
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.
Campaign 21V421000 — check if this car was fixed
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
2021 Cadillac CT5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V421000 (air bags, electrical system) 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 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 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 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.