Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin File / 2021-CADILLAC-CT5
2021 · cadillac

cadillac CT5 problems

0 safety recalls. 18 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.6 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
6 reports · avg $850
severe
body
3 reports · avg $1,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 CT5 · electrical
Driver Side door handle stops working. Because the door handle operates with a sensor and not a standard pull door handle something is being affected and it will not open door. Causing safety issue and not being able to enter car normally.
12/28/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11632837.0
2021 CT5 · airbags Crash
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. The air bags did not deploy and Onstar was not notified. I believe I hit the…
08/29/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11430956.0
2021 CT5 · powertrain
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac CT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 42 MPH – 66 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and shuddered while shifting gears. The cause of the…
08/19/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11681668.0
2021 CT5 · other
Car interior smelled like gas when the car is started. but seemed to clear while driving. Found that the Fuel hose between the pipe and the fuel intake was leaking when the car initially started. You could smell the odor when the hood was raised. This is the Pipe and Hose…
08/12/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11680204.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2021 Cadillac CT5 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Cadillac CT5 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2021 Cadillac CT5?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 6 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Cadillac CT5 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Cadillac CT5?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 18 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 18 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with cadillac. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
Get a free warranty quote →