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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system13
- Structure7
- Power train4
- Air bags2
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Wheels1
- Engine1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Steering1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“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.”
Structure
“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.”
Power train
“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.…”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT5 V Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| CT5 V AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 419 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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).