This page covers 4 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Cadillac CT5.
21–26 mpg combined
9–11.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the 10-speed automatic transmission, which can suffer internal damage and cause the wheels to lock up without warning while driving.
Two recalls concern the airbag system. The side-curtain airbags along the roofline may have been installed incorrectly, meaning they can deploy out of position or fail to cover the side window area properly in a crash, reducing occupant protection. Separately, a software issue in the communications gateway module causes it to misread signals from the airbag sensing module, which can prevent the airbag warning light from reliably alerting the driver when the airbag system has a fault. In that situation, the driver has no dashboard indication that something is wrong with the airbags. There is also a lighting issue: the daytime running lights may stay on even after the headlights are switched on, which creates a glare for oncoming drivers and reduces visibility on the road.
At a glance
What can fail
The 10-speed transmission may suffer internal damage that causes the wheels to lock up, preventing normal braking and steering.
What the fix does
Dealers will install updated transmission control module monitoring software at no cost to detect and prevent transmission damage.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running lights stay on when the headlights are turned on, instead of turning off as required.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the body control module software, or the update will be sent remotely to your vehicle, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof rail side-curtain air bags may not have been installed correctly, which could cause improper deployment during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both roof rail air bags and reinstall them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communications gateway module doesn't properly handle lost connection with the sensing diagnostic module, causing the air bag warning light to turn on and off unpredictably.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communications gateway module software for free, or the update will be sent to your vehicle wirelessly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
