Cadillac CT5 years to avoid

How We Rated the Best and Worst Cadillac CT5 Years

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is the worst year to buy, rated so by CarComplaints on repair cost and the low mileage at which problems appear, while NHTSA’s raw complaint volume is also highest for 2020 at 43 complaints, making it the worst year on both measures.

Data for this guide comes from NHTSA complaints and recalls, CarComplaints PainRank (which weights repair cost and mileage at failure, not just complaint volume), J.D. Power scores, and owner reports from the Cadillac V-Series Forums. Although the 2021 Cadillac CT5 has the most overall complaints on CarComplaints, CarComplaints rates the 2020 model year as worse because of higher repair cost and problems occurring at lower mileage. On the NHTSA side, the years with the most recall activity are 2021 (4 recall campaigns) and 2020 (4 recall campaigns), and the years with the most NHTSA complaint volume are 2020 (43 complaints), 2021 (20 complaints), and 2023 (12 complaints). All sourced data is verified against primary records per our editorial guidelines and research verification standards.

Every Cadillac CT5 Model Year Ranked

The 2020 model year stands out as the one to avoid, while the 2023, 2024, and 2025 CT5s represent the safest picks for used buyers today.

Most Common Cadillac CT5 Problems

The single biggest recurring failure across the CT5’s production run is 10-speed automatic transmission damage, concentrated in the 2020-2021 model years, followed by steering assist faults, airbag deployment concerns, a brake-boost sensor issue, and electrical gremlins. Across all model years, the most commonly reported problem areas for the Cadillac CT5 in NHTSA complaint data are powertrain, electrical system, and engine.

1. 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Damage (Wheel Lock-Up)

A fluid leak can cause internal damage to the 10-speed automatic transmission, which could cause the wheels to momentarily lock, increasing the likelihood of a crash. A transmission control valve is to blame for the defect, and the valve is liable to excess wear over time, resulting in a fluid leak, a drop in pressure, and subsequently harsh shifting, or even rare cases where the front wheels lock up.

The affected vehicles are the 2020-2021 Cadillac CT4 and CT5. NHTSA recall 25V-148 covers this defect. Dealers install new transmission control module software that monitors valve performance and detects excess wear approximately 10,000 miles before a wheel lock-up condition could occur; once detected, the transmission is limited to fifth gear, preventing the possibility of a wheel lock-up condition that occurs in a downshift from eighth gear. The fix is free of charge.

Crucially, GM also issued a separate warranty extension. A GM Special Coverage Bulletin extends coverage for the defective transmission control valve to the 2020-2021 Cadillac CT5, and GM Special Coverage Bulletin number N242480631 gives these vehicles 15 years or 150,000 miles of coverage for the free repair. If you are shopping a 2020 or 2021 CT5, confirm the recall software has been installed and ask the dealer to verify warranty extension eligibility under N242480631. Of the 90,081 cars potentially affected, approximately 1% are estimated to actually have the defect. Dark or burnt-smelling transmission fluid pooling under a parked car is an early warning sign of internal wear - inspect the fluid before buying any 2020-2021 example.

2. Steering Assist Failure / “Service Driver Assist” Warning

The most-reported problem on the 2020 Cadillac CT5 is the steering assist check engine light. Owners report a “Service Driver Assist” or “Steering Assist Reduced” message appearing on the dash, often accompanied by the check engine light illuminating mid-drive. Some owners have had their vehicle at the dealership five or more times for the same service driver assist and forward collision system unavailable warning, with GM dispatching senior advisors to track the problem.

A Technical Service Bulletin communicates that an issue may occur causing “Service Driver Assist,” “Steering Assist Reduced” messages, or MIL illuminated with codes P25A2, U0265, and U0566, with the front view camera frequently cited as the root component. A separate preliminary bulletin notes a parts restriction in place for the power steering gear on the 2020 Cadillac CT5. This problem is concentrated in 2020 cars, with some carryover in 2021. A whining noise when accelerating on a CT5 can sometimes be an early sign of power-steering gear stress before the dash warning appears.

3. Roof Rail Side-Curtain Airbag Deployment Fault

The roof rail side-curtain airbags on 2020-2022 Cadillac CT5 vehicles may not have been installed correctly, which could result in improper airbag deployment during a crash, and dealers will inspect both left and right-side roof rail airbags and reinstall them as necessary, free of charge. GM’s recall number for this campaign is N212342780.

This recall affects all 2020-2022 CT5 trim levels, including CT5-V. The 2021 and 2020 model years each carried 4 recall campaigns, making them the most recall-laden years in the CT5’s production run. Before buying any 2020, 2021, or 2022 CT5, run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup to confirm this airbag campaign has been remedied.

4. Brake Boost Sensor Contamination

GM recalled certain 2020 Cadillac CT4, CT5, and XT4 vehicles because sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system. If communication is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist can cut out, increasing stopping distances without warning.

This recall is specific to 2020 model-year cars. GM notified owners and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module. The fix is free of charge at any GM dealer. A soft brake pedal that requires more travel than usual before the car decelerates is the symptom to check for during a test drive of any 2020 CT5.

5. Electrical System and Infotainment Faults

The most frequently reported problem areas for the 2020-2025 CT5 overall are electrical system, transmission, and safety systems. Owner complaints on CarComplaints and in NHTSA filings describe the driver speedometer screen disappearing mid-trip, the backup camera feed dropping, OnStar failing to connect, and SRS warning lights illuminating at very low mileage.

The 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 11 problems reported by CT5 owners on CarComplaints, with the worst complaints being electrical problems. Electrical faults are spread across all early model years rather than isolated to one, but 2020 and 2021 cars show them most often in the data. These issues rarely require a major repair, but repeated dealer visits to reset software can be frustrating. Always test every screen, camera feed, and driver-assist feature during a pre-purchase test drive.

Which Cadillac CT5 Years Should You Avoid?

The Cadillac CT5 years to avoid are 2020 and 2021. CarComplaints rates the 2020 model year as worst based on higher repair cost and problems at lower mileage, even though the 2021 has the most raw complaints on CarComplaints. On NHTSA’s raw complaint volume, 2020 is also the highest at 43 complaints, making it the worst year by both measures.

Worst Cadillac CT5 years: 2020, 2021

1st-Generation Cadillac CT5 (2020-2021)

As is often the case, early model years can be more prone to problems, and there are four recalls for 2020-2021 models related to transmission, braking, and airbag defects. The 2020 CT5 arrived as a first-year model and packed in new powertrain hardware, an updated ADAS suite, and a 10-speed transmission that later proved prone to control-valve wear.

The 2021 model year matches the 2020 with four NHTSA recall campaigns, and adds the highest raw complaint count on CarComplaints, with electrical problems leading the category. The 10-speed transmission recall (25V-148) and the warranty extension under N242480631 apply to both years, so confirm those are addressed on any 2020 or 2021 car you test.

What Are the Best Cadillac CT5 Years to Buy?

The best Cadillac CT5 years to buy are 2023, 2024, and 2025, all of which show dramatically lower complaint rates and few or no open recalls.

Most reliable Cadillac CT5 years: 2023, 2024, 2025

2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received a high 84/100 score from J.D. Power and received only two complaints throughout its entire model year regarding quality control issues per the NHTSA - an exceedingly low number compared to rivals - making it the CT5’s best year to buy. Zero open recalls and a J.D. Power score well above average make this the cleanest pick on the used market if your budget allows.

2025 Cadillac CT5

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. The 2025 Cadillac CT5 has a 4-year / 50,000-mile basic warranty and no recalls. The 2025 is the first year of the facelift generation, so it benefits from both resolved early-production issues and updated content. It carries the highest NHTSA safety score of any CT5 year in the data, making it the top pick for buyers who prioritize safety above all.

2023 Cadillac CT5

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Cadillac CT5. Its one recall - the DRL deactivation software update - is resolved by an over-the-air update at no cost. For buyers who want a mid-generation CT5 at a lower price point than a 2024 or 2025, the 2023 is a solid option, with confirmation that the DRL recall has been handled.

Cadillac CT5 Submodel Years to Avoid

The CT5 family includes the CT5-V (using the 3.0L twin-turbo V6) and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing, each with its own production span and fault profile. Both are assessed here on their own record, not the standard CT5’s numbers.

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Years to Avoid

The CT5-V Blackwing pairs a supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 producing 668 horsepower with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. It entered production for the 2022 model year and has continued through 2026.

The 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8 in CT5-V Blackwing models has experienced premature engine failures including bottom-end bearing failures, lifter collapse, and metal shavings found in oil, with failures reported as early as 5,000-15,000 miles. This is the Blackwing’s own distinct risk, separate from the 10-speed transmission valve issue that affects the standard CT5’s 2020-2021 years. Finding metal shavings in the oil on a Blackwing at any mileage is a red flag that warrants immediate dealer inspection.

After widespread engine failures and an NHTSA investigation, GM recalled all 2021-2024 vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8, and the recall addresses potential connecting rod bearing failure that can cause engine seizure, stalling, or fire risk. The CT5-V Blackwing production years of 2022 onward fall within this 6.2L V8 recall window. Before buying any used Blackwing, run the VIN to confirm the 6.2L V8 recall has been completed.

No CT5-V Blackwing model year has yet accumulated enough complaint data on CarComplaints to flag a single calendar year as categorically worse than another, given its low sales volume relative to the base CT5. That said, the LT4 engine issue is well-documented through owner reports and the NHTSA investigation. The pre-purchase check that matters most: ask for oil service records, cut open the last oil filter, and inspect for metal particles.

• Verify the 6.2L V8 recall has been performed at a dealer (check via the NHTSA VIN tool)
• Review all oil change records and ask specifically about any bearing-related dealer visits
• On manual-transmission Blackwings, test cold 1st-to-2nd gear engagement for notchiness (a known characteristic, not a defect, but worth verifying)
• Confirm the airbag curtain recall (N212342780) is closed, as the 2022 Blackwing falls within the 2020-2022 affected population

Cadillac CT5 Pre-Purchase Checklist

Before finalizing any used CT5 purchase, run through these model-specific checks.

• Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov: Use the NHTSA recall lookup tool to confirm every open campaign - especially the 10-speed transmission recall (25V-148) and the airbag curtain recall (N212342780) - has been completed. Recall status is VIN-specific and can vary between identical cars.
• On 2020-2021 cars, verify the transmission warranty extension: Ask the dealer to confirm the vehicle is enrolled in or has been serviced under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N242480631, which extends 10-speed transmission valve coverage to 15 years or 150,000 miles.
• Test the steering assist on 2020-2021 cars: Drive at highway speeds and check for any “Service Driver Assist” or “Steering Assist Reduced” dash message. If it appears even briefly, treat it as a known recurring fault (see TSB referencing codes P25A2, U0265, U0566) requiring further diagnosis before purchase.
• Inspect the brake boost module on 2020 cars: Ask for documentation that the brake boost sensor contamination recall was completed. A soft brake pedal during the test drive warrants immediate inspection.
• Check all screens, cameras, and driver-assist features: Electrical and infotainment faults are a top complaint category across all early CT5 years. Test OnStar connectivity, the backup camera, and speedometer display during the test drive.
• On CT5-V Blackwing models, inspect the oil filter: The LT4’s bearing failure risk means you should pull the last oil filter and look for metal particles. Ask for a complete oil change history.
• Ask for full dealer service records: Confirm the airbag curtain recall and DRL recall (for 2020-2023 cars) have been remedied per dealer paperwork, not just the seller’s word.

Better Alternatives to Consider

If the CT5 years in your budget land on the avoid list, these same-segment alternatives are worth placing side-by-side:

• Cadillac ATS - the smaller Cadillac sport sedan that preceded the CT5, with a longer production run and a well-documented year-by-year reliability record for used buyers
• Cadillac CTS - the CT5’s direct predecessor, with a third generation (2014-2019) that has settled into a cleaner reliability record than the CT5’s first two years
• BMW X3 - a competing German luxury offering with strong residuals; the best and worst BMW X3 years follow a similar early-vs-later pattern, so model-year selection matters here too
• Genesis G70 - a rear-wheel-drive luxury sport sedan in the same class and price range, with fewer first-year production recalls than the CT5 2020 launch