Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2023 Cadillac CT5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 13 owner complaints for the 2023 Cadillac CT5. Most complaints involve power train (5) and tires (2). The EPA rates it 21–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–27mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Dec 2022
Owner complaints
13
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Exterior lighting: software

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

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 running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Exterior lightingReported Dec 8, 2022NHTSA 22V903000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

13 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2022 – Sep 2026
  1. Power train5
  2. Tires2
  3. Fuel/propulsion system1
  4. Structure1
  5. Air bags1
  6. Lane departure1
  7. Forward collision avoidance1
  8. Steering1
  9. Suspension1

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
202040
202130
202211
202313
20243
202510
20266
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

5 reports
“The valve body in the ten speed transmission failed while driving. The transmission did a rough shift and a message popped up on the display saying that power has been reduced along with the check engine light illuminating. The transmission reduced usable gears to prevent damage. I was a hazard on the road way due to not being able to get up to the posted speed limit. The car is at Harvey Cadillac (the dealership I purchased the car from) and I have been told GM is going to replace the transmission under warranty.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2025Power trainODI 11684787

Tires

2 reports1 crash
“Incident Overview: A Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ tire (DOT 5323) experienced a catastrophic internal structural failure during normal driving on a wet roadway. The tire had approximately 50% tread remaining and was 1–1.5 years old. Failure Description: Inspection indicates internal belt/carcass separation originating within the tire structure, leading to rapid pressure loss and rupture. No road hazard or external impact was present. Crash Sequence: The failure caused immediate loss of control, vehicle yaw, roadway departure, and multiple impacts (frontal and lateral). The driver airbag deployed, confirming measurable crash force. Injuries: - Aggravation of pre-existing back condition (surgery required) - Hip labral tear and bone spur (surgery required) - Neck and shoulder pain Conclusion: The initiating event was a premature internal structural tire failure, not driver negligence or external hazard.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 14, 2026TiresCrash reportedODI 11731179

Fuel/propulsion system

1 report
“While driving my 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in an active traffic lane, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion. I was unable to maintain movement with traffic, and the vehicle became disabled in the roadway. The failure occurred without sufficient warning for me to safely remove the vehicle from active traffic. This created a serious safety hazard because the sudden loss of propulsion exposed me and other motorists to the risk of a rear-end or other collision. This incident is particularly concerning because the vehicle has experienced multiple catastrophic engine failures. The vehicle has experienced four engine failures and is currently at an authorized Cadillac dealership undergoing installation of a fifth engine. The vehicle previously spent approximately 157 days at an authorized Cadillac dealership during an extended repair period. Despite extensive repairs and engine replacement, the vehicle subsequently experienced additional engine failure. As of September 3, 2026, the vehicle remains at Suburban Cadillac of Plymouth and has not been returned to me. The current repair involves installation of another replacement engine. My…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11761978
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 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 Nov 10, 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
Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
233327$2,850333
CT5 AWD
Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
223025$3,100358
CT5
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
192722$3,500405
CT5 AWD
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182621$3,700419
  • CT5
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 33 hwy · $2,850/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • CT5 AWD
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 30 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • CT5
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 27 hwy · $3,500/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • CT5 AWD
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    18 city · 26 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Cadillac CT5 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
0.0%
Overall
5 / 5
Cadillac CT5 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
0.0%
Overall
— / 5
Cadillac CT5 with V6 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
Not rated
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
0.0%
Overall
— / 5
Cadillac CT5 with V6 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash
Not rated
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
0.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 17207Vehicle 17206Vehicle 17228
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

2023 CT5 questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Cadillac CT5 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2023 Cadillac CT5 problems?

Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (5), tires (2), fuel/propulsion system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Cadillac CT5 get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Cadillac CT5 at 21–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Cadillac CT5?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Cadillac CT5 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026