Research · Midsize Cars

2021 Cadillac CT5-VRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V. Most complaints involve electrical system (13) and structure (7). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
30
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

30 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2021 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system13
  2. Structure7
  3. Power train4
  4. Air bags2
  5. Forward collision avoidance2
  6. Wheels1
  7. Engine1
  8. Fuel/propulsion system1
  9. Steering1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each CT5-V model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20202
202130
202211
20232
20241
20253
20266
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

13 reports1 crash
“This vehicle is equipped with electronic door handles that are failing widely and prematurely. Essentially the button that actuates the cylinder to allow the door to open fails. This poses a safety risk as you're unable to open the door from the exterior in the event of an emergency. Imagine if you were in a collision that resulted in a fire and you needed to be able to retrieve a young child from the vehicle but the door won't open. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Manufacturer doesn't care to address the concern with a recall, but rather offers to repair at an astronomical price tag. The problem appears suddenly with no warning.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Electrical system, StructureODI 11771042

Structure

7 reports
“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. This creates a serious safety concern because occupants may be unable to enter or exit the vehicle normally, and emergency responders may be unable to access occupants through the affected doors. This appears to be a systemic defect affecting multiple CT5 vehicles, rather than an isolated component failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026Electrical system, StructureODI 11761126

Power train

4 reports
“I am filing a formal safety complaint against General Motors (GM) regarding an unresolved transmission safety hazard on my 2021 Cadillac CT5 550T. This vehicle is included under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V148000 for an internal transmission control valve failure that can cause sudden, dangerous wheel lock-up while driving. My vehicle is currently experiencing an active, catastrophic failure of the transmission valve body. The vehicle has completely lost its reverse gear, shifts harshly, and exhibits Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0776 (Pressure Control Solenoid B Performance/Stuck Off) and P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction). These active fault codes and physical mechanical symptoms explicitly confirm a dangerous loss of hydraulic pressure directly resulting from the exact internal valve wear described in the federal recall. General Motors has issued Special Coverage Bulletin N242480631 to extend the warranty coverage on the physical transmission control valve body assembly to 15 years or 150,000 miles to address this exact defect. However, Cadillac Customer Assistance and the local dealership are refusing to pay for the required replacement component.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Power trainODI 11766791
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S10)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CT5 V
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
182721$3,800423
CT5 V AWD
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182621$3,800419
  • CT5 V
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    18 city · 27 hwy · $3,800/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • CT5 V AWD
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    18 city · 26 hwy · $3,800/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 15516Vehicle 15514
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 CT5-V questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.

What are the most common 2021 Cadillac CT5-V problems?

Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (13), structure (7), power train (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026