repaired · 2026 Q3
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
2020 Cadillac CT5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 40 owner complaints about the 2020 Cadillac CT5, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-148 the manufacturer reports only 71% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Ee2mba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Cadillac CT5 has problems
40 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
16Power train1 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
8Engine
5Structure
2Wheels
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Steering
2Vehicle speed control
1Service brakes
66 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 16 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Engine | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2020 Cadillac CT5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Lighting control module: software
Risk. DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Air bags
Risk. Air bags that do not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Service brakes
Risk. If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other CT5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CT5 median. How we score
'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2020 Cadillac CT5 safety ratings
2020 Cadillac CT5 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Cadillac CT5, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag MalfunctionNo recall
In owners' words
What CT5 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The 10 speed transmission started get struck in gears while on the highway. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or…
I am filing an urgent consumer safety complaint against Bert Ogden Cadillac in [XXX] for a severe federal safety recall violation. My 2020 Cadillac CT5 is experiencing catastrophic transmission failure, including severe slipping and violent pulling during acceleration. This creates an immediate…
Lockhart Cadillac Service Department committed warranty fraud by charging me on multiple occasions for repairs that should have been covered under GM/Cadillac 2025 Transmission Recall & Special Extended Warranties. The transmission has continued to deteriorate. I took the vehicle in on July 1, 2026…
Own a 2020 CT5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.