Cadillac CT5 Best and Worst Years (2020–2025)
Avoid the 2020 and 2025 Cadillac CT5, which top the complaint index at 80 and 100 out of 100. The 2022 model is the best year, with a complaint index of 0 and just 11 complaints, while 2021 warrants caution.
- Model years
- 6
- 2020–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 100
- Recall campaigns
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 10
- Fires reported
- 0
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
CT5 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Cadillac CT5 problems and recalls by year
CT5 years to avoid: what went wrong
2025 Cadillac CT5 Index 100 · 8 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2025 CT5 carries the worst complaint index of any year, 100, despite having no recalls filed yet. Engine problems are the top concern, 38% of complaints, including a report of cylinder pull just days after purchase. Owners also flagged issues with collision avoidance and camera systems, brakes (including an automatic emergency stop that failed to engage before hitting an obstacle), and electrical components like a vibrating rearview mirror. No median mileage data is available for this year's complaints, suggesting these problems can appear very early in ownership.
2020 Cadillac CT5 Index 80 · 39 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2020 CT5 has the highest complaint volume of any year, 39 complaints, and a complaint index of 80. Transmission & Powertrain issues dominate, making up 38% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 12,000 miles; owners describe the transmission behaving as if momentarily shifted into park while slowing down. Electrical System problems surfaced extremely early, at a median of 300 miles, including reports of OnStar failing to connect or notify emergency services during a crash. GM issued four recall campaigns for this year covering the 10-speed transmission control module, body control module software, and improperly installed side-curtain airbags.
Most common Cadillac CT5 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System25 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (24%)
- Structure & Body18 (18%)
- Other17 (17%)
- Engine13 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (11%)
- Airbags7 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (6%)
- Steering5 (5%)
- Brakes4 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Cadillac CT5 years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2020 and 2025 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 80 and 100 respectively, the two highest among all CT5 model years.
- What is the best year for the Cadillac CT5?
- 2022 is the best year, with a complaint index of 0, only 11 complaints, and no crashes or fires reported.
- Is the 2020 Cadillac CT5 reliable?
- The 2020 CT5 ranks poorly compared to other CT5 years based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, with 39 complaints, four recall campaigns, and a top issue of transmission problems appearing at a median of 12,000 miles.
- Does the Cadillac CT5 have transmission problems?
- Transmission & Powertrain is the top problem area for the 2020 model year, accounting for 38% of that year's complaints, and it's also the second most common issue across all CT5 years at 24% of total complaints.
- Are there recalls on the Cadillac CT5?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns across the 2020-2025 CT5, including transmission control module software, body control module software, and side-curtain airbag installation issues.