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Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2026 Cadillac CT5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 6 owner complaints for the 2026 Cadillac CT5. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (4) and service brakes (2). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

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Combined MPG
21–26mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Feb 2026
Owner complaints
6
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$3,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Equipment: owners

Free remedy

General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”

EquipmentReported Feb 26, 2026NHTSA 26V114000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2025 – Oct 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance4
  2. Service brakes2
  3. Vehicle speed control2
  4. Electrical system1
  5. Power train1
  6. Engine1
  7. Other / unknown1

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
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Forward collision avoidance

4 reports1 crash
“CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM FAILURE & CONCEALED SOFTWARE REPAIR: Within 14 days of vehicle delivery, a 2026 Cadillac CT5 experienced a complete failure of its heavily advertised Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) driver-assistance technology. While reversing at a safe, low speed toward a full-sized stationary vehicle, the system failed to detect the obstacle, issued zero visual/audible warnings, and failed to apply automatic braking, resulting in an unmitigated collision ($2,800 physical damage). SUBSEQUENT OEM CONCEALMENT & SOFTWARE FLASH: The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership (Wallace Cadillac). While in dealer custody, onboard vehicle logs confirm that GM Update 661.10 was flashed to the vehicle's modules on June 8th. GM Corporate and the dealership subsequently claimed no repairs or updates were performed, stating the system tested "fully functional" on June 13th (after the undisclosed software patch was applied). GM Executive Management (Case #103080717 / PAC Case #101155599) has repeatedly refused to provide written diagnostic findings or supply the owner with the Event Data Recorder (EDR) telemetry logs as requested under the Driver Privacy Act of…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11764078

Service brakes

2 reports2 crashes
“Component/system involved: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system and EPB control switch on my Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. The vehicle and component are currently available for inspection. What happened / safety risk: The vehicle experienced an unattended roll-away and struck a tree, causing significant vehicle damage. No one was injured, but the vehicle’s uncontrolled movement created a risk of serious injury or property damage. Reproducibility: After the incident, I discovered that I can reproduce a behavior in which the electronic parking brake is released and, if I actuate the EPB switch again shortly afterward to reapply the parking brake, the vehicle sometimes does not respond to that second input. The parking brake remains released and the expected parking-brake indication does not appear. If I wait longer and actuate the switch again, the parking brake applies normally. I have video showing this behavior. The issue has not yet been evaluated or confirmed by a Cadillac dealer. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected in connection with the collision/insurance claim, but the EPB behavior has not yet been evaluated by Cadillac/GM or an independent service…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 4, 2026Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11768848

Vehicle speed control

2 reports
“Catastrophic engine failure within 700 miles Requires full engine replacement Problems began around 150 miles on odometer Message: Reduced accelerated speed Check engine light Service transmission system Service variable valve timing system”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 17, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11718643
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 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 9, 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
223126$3,000346
CT5 AWD
Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
213024$3,200370
CT5
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
192822$3,500399
CT5 AWD
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182721$3,700418
  • CT5
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 31 hwy · $3,000/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • CT5 AWD
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    21 city · 30 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • CT5
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 28 hwy · $3,500/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • CT5 AWD
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    18 city · 27 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 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 N/A AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Overall
5 / 5
CADILLAC CT5 4 DR N/A RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Overall
5 / 5
CADILLAC CT5 WITH V6 4 DR N/A AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Overall
5 / 5
CADILLAC CT5 WITH V6 4 DR N/A RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 21812Vehicle 21811Vehicle 21814
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

2026 CT5 questions

How many recalls does the 2026 Cadillac CT5 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 9, 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 2026 Cadillac CT5 problems?

Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (4), service brakes (2), vehicle speed control (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2026 Cadillac CT5 get?

The EPA rates the 2026 Cadillac CT5 at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2026 Cadillac CT5?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Cadillac CT5 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026