2020 Cadillac CT5 Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 12,000miles, 11 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Cadillac CT5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 2020 Cadillac CT5. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 15 complaints (38% of the total), followed by other or unknown (11) and electrical system (8). 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 73% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 12,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 898 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 89 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 127 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown11 28%
- Electrical system8 21%
- Engine7 18%
- Body and structure5 13%
- Steering2 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.1%
- Wheels2 5.1%
- Air bags1 2.6%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Fuel system (1), Lane departure (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “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. The transmission has continued to deteriorate. I took the vehicle in on July 1, 2026 for recall service and was told it needed a valve body replacement. However, they are demanding again that I pay for it and refusing to submit it as a recall repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11750953, filed 2026-07Other or unknown: “Purchased my 2020 CT5 in april 2020. Since then the vehicle has been at the dealership 5 times for the same service driver assist and forward collision system unavailable. Gm has dispatched a senior advisor to test the vehicle and even left a code reader in the vehicle to track its performance. Messages came on again. I recorded it as instructed and the device was sent back to the GM engineers. It has been over a month today 18 september and still no update as to what's wrong with this car. They've replaced and reinstalled cameras and devices and it still didn't fix the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11359880, filed 2020-09, 300 milesElectrical system: “The electronic exterior door handle on my CT5 has failed and raises a concern of what if there was an accident and nobody was able to open the door if I was unconscious. I believe that having a key access is not enough and there should be a mechanical exterior door handle instead of an electronic handle that fails and is costly to repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11712001, filed 2026-01Engine: “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. I had it serviced again in October for the same issue it was at the dealership for 20 days all they did was clear the code and drove it 38 miles, including the technician driving it home to see if the issue could be duplicated. After the 20th day they advised me to pick up my vehicle and return it when the light were actively on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11560832, filed 2023-12Mileage when problems were reported
73% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 440 and 65,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Cadillac CT5. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT5 · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.5% risk |
| CT5 · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.5% risk |
| CT5-V · sedan AWD | not rated | — | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.5% risk |
| CT5-V · sedan RWD | not rated | — | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 Cadillac CT5 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT5 RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 23 | 32 | 26 | $3,150 |
| CT5 RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| CT5 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 25 | $3,300 |
| CT5 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| CT5 V RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| CT5 V AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,100 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 25V148000Mar 6, 2025Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Cadillac CT5 2020–2021, Chevrolet Camaro 2020–2022, Cadillac CT6 2019–2020 +1 more
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.
- 22V903000Dec 8, 2022Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › SoftwareCovers: Cadillac CT5 2020–2023, CT4 2020–2023, Buick Envision 2021–2023 +8 more
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. The daytime…
- 21V611000Aug 5, 2021Air bags › Side/window › CurtainCovers: Cadillac CT5 2020–2022, CT4 2020–2022
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.
- 20V588000Sep 24, 2020Service brakesCovers: Cadillac CT5 2020, Buick Encore GX 2020–2021, Chevrolet Corvette 2020 +3 more
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. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an…
Recall details for the 2020 Cadillac CT5 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 898 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037319Sep 8, 2026Other or unknown. This PI advises of a procedure for a Service Door Latch System message with No Related DTCs
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11031948Apr 25, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue with a replace or low FOB battery message
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11029950Mar 2, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
- 11028658Feb 4, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the potential for condensation to freeze up inside the Crankcase Pressure Sensor causing dtc P04FB to set.
Other model years of the Cadillac CT5
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 1,200 | 1 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 10 | — | 0 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 13 | 19,480 | 1 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 11 | 3,500 | 2 | 5 | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 30 | 41,850 | 4 | 5 | 22 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
| 2020 | 39 | 12,000 | 4 | 5 | 21 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Cadillac CT5 have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 2020 Cadillac CT5 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Cadillac CT5 is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 15 complaints (38% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 11.
Has the 2020 Cadillac CT5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 Cadillac CT5 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Cadillac CT5 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Cadillac CT5 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Cadillac CT5 (CT5, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Cadillac CT5 reported?
Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 12,000 miles and the middle half falls between 440 and 65,000 miles; 73% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.