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2020 Cadillac CT5 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20263 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller

Complaint Summary

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 has 47 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.3/ 10

Based on 47 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

10 21.3%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 14.9%

ENGINE

7 14.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 12.8%

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 6.4%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 21.3% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 16 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Cadillac CT5

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 has 47 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 21% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2020 Cadillac CT5 are POWER TRAIN (10), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7), ENGINE (7).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 19 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Cadillac CT5?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2021 CT5 complaints2022 CT5 complaints2023 CT5 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 16 of 16 systems

POWER TRAIN

10 Reports21% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

this vehicle has had multiple check engine failures it has been in for service six times in a matter of months. In September I had Service Traction control/StabiliTrack lights come on and the car losses of engine power. I had it serviced again in October for the same issue it was at the dealership for 20 days all they did was clear the code and drove it 38 miles, including the technician driving it home to see if the issue could be duplicated. After the 20th day they advised me to pick up my vehicle and return it when the light were actively on. I expressed to them as well as GM that I felt unsafe driving my vehicle this way as it is a great danger to my safety when the car looses power. I drive up/down a canyon as early as 3am I went from speeds of 80mph drooped down to 20-25mph due to this failure. Today I have another check engine light on the vehicle. I dont feel safe driving this vehicle at all!

12/19/2023

Safety Concerns and Defects: I am reporting several safety-related defects in my 2020 Cadillac CT5, which have posed serious risks to me and my family: ⸻ 1. Transmission Pump Failure: •The transmission pump failed, causing loss of power and jerking while driving at highway speeds. This occurred on[XXX] in Georgia with my two small children in the car, putting us at high risk of a crash. •No warning lights appeared, and the failure was diagnosed by the dealer (Hennessey Cadillac). 2. EVAP System Failure (P0451): •A fuel tank pressure sensor malfunctioned, triggering a check engine light shortly after purchase. This affects emissions and presents a fire risk due to potential fuel vapor leaks. •The issue was confirmed by the dealer. 3. Camshaft Solenoid Failure (P0027): •A camshaft solenoid failure was repaired by the dealer, but was not disclosed to me at purchase. •This could have caused engine stalling or hesitation. ⸻ Has the Issue Been Confirmed? •Yes, all issues have been confirmed by the dealership. The vehicle has been returned for repairs, and I can provide diagnostic and repair records. ⸻ Safety Risk and Urgency: The transmission failure almost caused a serious accident on a highway. These defects present imminent safety risks that need investigation. I believe other owners may face similar issues. ⸻ Request for NHTSA Action: Please investigate these defects in the 2020 Cadillac CT5, particularly the transmission pump failure, EVAP system, and engine stalling risks. Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

4/11/2025

8 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 50 MPH, AND TAKES SWEEPING TURNS / GRADUAL BENDS ON THE HIGHWAY, IT BECOMES APPARENT THAT TURNING RIGHT IS MUCH HARDER THAN TURNING LEFT. THE STEERING WHEEL IS MUCH STIFFER AND FEELS HEAVIER WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS AT SPEED, ALMOST LIKE IT'S PERMANENTLY STUCK IN SPORT MODE WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED RIGHT. IT IS CONSTANTLY FIGHTING TO GET BACK TO CENTER WHEN TAKING THOSE RIGHT TURNS AT SPEED. LEFT TURNS ARE FINE. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE WHEEL SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY JERKED LEFT, TRYING TO GET BACK TO CENTER AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN/GRADUAL BEND ON THE HIGHWAY. I ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN, AND THE OTHER TWO TIMES, ALMOST RAN SIDEWAYS INTO THE CARS TO MY LEFT. THE DEALER "CANNOT DUPLICATE" HAS NOT CHECKED ALIGNMENT, OR TAKEN OTHER STEPS TO INVESTIGATE. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AND HAVE OWNED IT FOR LESS THAN TWO WEEKS.

9/14/2020

PURCHASED MY 2020 CT5 IN APRIL 2020. SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME SERVICE DRIVER ASSIST AND FORWARD COLLISION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE. GM HAS DISPATCHED A SENIOR ADVISOR TO TEST THE VEHICLE AND EVEN LEFT A CODE READER IN THE VEHICLE TO TRACK ITS PERFORMANCE. MESSAGES CAME ON AGAIN. I RECORDED IT AS INSTRUCTED AND THE DEVICE WAS SENT BACK TO THE GM ENGINEERS. IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH TODAY 18 SEPTEMBER AND STILL NO UPDATE AS TO WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS CAR. THEY'VE REPLACED AND REINSTALLED CAMERAS AND DEVICES AND IT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE ISSUE. I GET A CALL TODAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP SAYING THE RECALL CAME OUT. I'M EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED AND I KNOW THEY STILL CAN'T FIX THE ISSUE AFTER MY CAR HAS BEEN THE FIRST CASE AND GUINEA PIG OF RESEARCH. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. IT'S INTERMITTENT AND AT ANY TIME OF DAY

9/18/2020

5 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

7 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

this vehicle has had multiple check engine failures it has been in for service six times in a matter of months. In September I had Service Traction control/StabiliTrack lights come on and the car losses of engine power. I had it serviced again in October for the same issue it was at the dealership for 20 days all they did was clear the code and drove it 38 miles, including the technician driving it home to see if the issue could be duplicated. After the 20th day they advised me to pick up my vehicle and return it when the light were actively on. I expressed to them as well as GM that I felt unsafe driving my vehicle this way as it is a great danger to my safety when the car looses power. I drive up/down a canyon as early as 3am I went from speeds of 80mph drooped down to 20-25mph due to this failure. Today I have another check engine light on the vehicle. I dont feel safe driving this vehicle at all!

12/19/2023

Safety Concerns and Defects: I am reporting several safety-related defects in my 2020 Cadillac CT5, which have posed serious risks to me and my family: ⸻ 1. Transmission Pump Failure: •The transmission pump failed, causing loss of power and jerking while driving at highway speeds. This occurred on[XXX] in Georgia with my two small children in the car, putting us at high risk of a crash. •No warning lights appeared, and the failure was diagnosed by the dealer (Hennessey Cadillac). 2. EVAP System Failure (P0451): •A fuel tank pressure sensor malfunctioned, triggering a check engine light shortly after purchase. This affects emissions and presents a fire risk due to potential fuel vapor leaks. •The issue was confirmed by the dealer. 3. Camshaft Solenoid Failure (P0027): •A camshaft solenoid failure was repaired by the dealer, but was not disclosed to me at purchase. •This could have caused engine stalling or hesitation. ⸻ Has the Issue Been Confirmed? •Yes, all issues have been confirmed by the dealership. The vehicle has been returned for repairs, and I can provide diagnostic and repair records. ⸻ Safety Risk and Urgency: The transmission failure almost caused a serious accident on a highway. These defects present imminent safety risks that need investigation. I believe other owners may face similar issues. ⸻ Request for NHTSA Action: Please investigate these defects in the 2020 Cadillac CT5, particularly the transmission pump failure, EVAP system, and engine stalling risks. Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

4/11/2025

5 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED MY 2020 CT5 IN APRIL 2020. SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME SERVICE DRIVER ASSIST AND FORWARD COLLISION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE. GM HAS DISPATCHED A SENIOR ADVISOR TO TEST THE VEHICLE AND EVEN LEFT A CODE READER IN THE VEHICLE TO TRACK ITS PERFORMANCE. MESSAGES CAME ON AGAIN. I RECORDED IT AS INSTRUCTED AND THE DEVICE WAS SENT BACK TO THE GM ENGINEERS. IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH TODAY 18 SEPTEMBER AND STILL NO UPDATE AS TO WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS CAR. THEY'VE REPLACED AND REINSTALLED CAMERAS AND DEVICES AND IT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE ISSUE. I GET A CALL TODAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP SAYING THE RECALL CAME OUT. I'M EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED AND I KNOW THEY STILL CAN'T FIX THE ISSUE AFTER MY CAR HAS BEEN THE FIRST CASE AND GUINEA PIG OF RESEARCH. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. IT'S INTERMITTENT AND AT ANY TIME OF DAY

9/18/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CADILLAC CT5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER - DUBLIN CADILLAC (4200 JOHN MONEGO CT, DUBLIN, CA 94568: (925) 526-4384) AND MATAGA BUICK GMC CADILLAC (3261 AUTO CENTER CIR, STOCKTON, CA 95212, (209) 951-2600) HOWEVER, THE MECHANICS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20.

12/28/2020

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Outer door handle/opening electronic mechanism on multiple doors Defect will inhibit persons from providing emergency service in case of accident Drivers door handle assy. was replaced under warranty, rear passenger door now has same problem No warnings are displayed

2/24/2025

I am receiving notice on the speed screen telling me the door lock need service. I never had a cadillac to tell me something about door lock need service.I have had others 2000 Deville,2017 Cts and now this 2020 Ct5 which i have had so many problem with.But now i am concern about this door problem that is causing alarm system to go off.

4/28/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STEERING

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 50 MPH, AND TAKES SWEEPING TURNS / GRADUAL BENDS ON THE HIGHWAY, IT BECOMES APPARENT THAT TURNING RIGHT IS MUCH HARDER THAN TURNING LEFT. THE STEERING WHEEL IS MUCH STIFFER AND FEELS HEAVIER WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS AT SPEED, ALMOST LIKE IT'S PERMANENTLY STUCK IN SPORT MODE WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED RIGHT. IT IS CONSTANTLY FIGHTING TO GET BACK TO CENTER WHEN TAKING THOSE RIGHT TURNS AT SPEED. LEFT TURNS ARE FINE. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE WHEEL SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY JERKED LEFT, TRYING TO GET BACK TO CENTER AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN/GRADUAL BEND ON THE HIGHWAY. I ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN, AND THE OTHER TWO TIMES, ALMOST RAN SIDEWAYS INTO THE CARS TO MY LEFT. THE DEALER "CANNOT DUPLICATE" HAS NOT CHECKED ALIGNMENT, OR TAKEN OTHER STEPS TO INVESTIGATE. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AND HAVE OWNED IT FOR LESS THAN TWO WEEKS.

9/14/2020

I have had many issues with Onstar failing. I bought the 2020 Cadillac CT5 AWD 10/2020. It took Onstar over a month to connect to my car to provide AT&T internet plan (via Onstar). On 4/22/21 I was hit in my driver front & wheel, Onstar failed- never contacted us & the airbags did not deploy. I noticed my Onstar light was red. Onstar was repaired during the body shop repair. Soon after I picked up the car (approximately 1 month) the SRS light came on & Onstar turned red again on 7/31/21. Dropped off the car to be repaired 8/13/21. After repair, SRS light came on again on 8/29/21. Then 10/4/21 the entire CUE system malfunctioned, could not use Carplay, Car Internet would not work, & Navigation would not load. 10/30/21 I cranked my car & left keys in car, the doors locked- which it should not have done. My Onstar app could not unlock the car. I called Onstar to unlock the vehicle & was told they were receiving a "busy signal, spinning sign" when trying to reach my car. My car finally shut off after idling for so long, and it unlocked the doors. I dropped off for service again 11/4/21. GM & Onstar both investigated car for the failures following the accident that occurred 4/22/21-both companies said no issue was found. GM downloaded data from wreck data, I received the report and it was missing data.

11/5/2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED MY 2020 CT5 IN APRIL 2020. SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME SERVICE DRIVER ASSIST AND FORWARD COLLISION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE. GM HAS DISPATCHED A SENIOR ADVISOR TO TEST THE VEHICLE AND EVEN LEFT A CODE READER IN THE VEHICLE TO TRACK ITS PERFORMANCE. MESSAGES CAME ON AGAIN. I RECORDED IT AS INSTRUCTED AND THE DEVICE WAS SENT BACK TO THE GM ENGINEERS. IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH TODAY 18 SEPTEMBER AND STILL NO UPDATE AS TO WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS CAR. THEY'VE REPLACED AND REINSTALLED CAMERAS AND DEVICES AND IT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE ISSUE. I GET A CALL TODAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP SAYING THE RECALL CAME OUT. I'M EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED AND I KNOW THEY STILL CAN'T FIX THE ISSUE AFTER MY CAR HAS BEEN THE FIRST CASE AND GUINEA PIG OF RESEARCH. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. IT'S INTERMITTENT AND AT ANY TIME OF DAY

9/18/2020

this vehicle has had multiple check engine failures it has been in for service six times in a matter of months. In September I had Service Traction control/StabiliTrack lights come on and the car losses of engine power. I had it serviced again in October for the same issue it was at the dealership for 20 days all they did was clear the code and drove it 38 miles, including the technician driving it home to see if the issue could be duplicated. After the 20th day they advised me to pick up my vehicle and return it when the light were actively on. I expressed to them as well as GM that I felt unsafe driving my vehicle this way as it is a great danger to my safety when the car looses power. I drive up/down a canyon as early as 3am I went from speeds of 80mph drooped down to 20-25mph due to this failure. Today I have another check engine light on the vehicle. I dont feel safe driving this vehicle at all!

12/19/2023

WHEELS

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Major safety Concern Faulty valve body and transmission dealership failed to disclose. Service manager drove vehicle with bent wheels. That is how the bent wheels were discovered. Not from inspection. Wheels evidently bent under dealership possession. 2020 Cadillac CT5 Vehicle financed at 12K Miles with certified pre owned, bumper to bumper, and powertrain warranties in February 2024 showed poor driving, shifting, acceleration and abnormal behaviors such as slow and delayed shifting/acceleration, loud shifting, jerking, and strange noises from the vehicle and low power. There were very suspicious mechanical issues wrong with the car in which the dealership told me that there isn’t anything wrong with the car, with the understanding that if anything was ever wrong with the vehicle it has been fixed. I was ensured and promised that the car does not have anything wrong with it and that it goes through inspection and diagnostics, that the vehicle cannot be sold without being tested, fixed of any problems and brought to standard. I brought this to the attention of the salesman, owner, financial advisor, service advisor, service manager. I requested a full buyback and replacement of my 2020 CT5. My dealership let me know that they still want me to pay for the valve body, battery, ambient air temperature sensor and rear parking brake motor. I had to call Cadillac corporate/General Motors to have the valve body covered & rear bumper covered/replaced. I was brought into the dealership office and was told that the buyback and replacement was denied by General Motors even though my car was showing symptoms of a defective valve body ever since I financed the car. These things were being ignored by the dealership service department. Laggy and rough acceleration as well as shifting. Strange vibrations and noises coming from the car. Slow moving and the shifting was very jerky and abnormal. The shifting was also very loud and took long times to shift 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 gears.

8/17/2025

Two separate issues: One is being sold a vehicle with a Certified vehicle at 12K miles with a defective, faulty transmission which is a manufacturer defect from General Motors. 10-speed automatic transmission 10L90 model. Misrepresentation of a product. False advertisement of a product. Failure to disclose. Gross negligence. Unethical & Illegal business practices. Dealer & manufacturer fraud. Second issue: When Valve body was replaced on the vehicle, the service manager of the dealership test drove the vehicle with me in the passenger seat on the highway. The vehicle was still not shifting or accelerating correctly even after the valve body replacement. The vehicle began to shake, jerk and rumble on the test drive. The vehicle drove worse. The service manager and I took the vehicle back to the dealership and he found that two of the wheels, on the passenger side, are now bent. That is how the bent wheels were discovered. Not from inspection. Previous multipoint inspection and diagnosis shows the wheels were not bent before I brought the car into the dealership for mechanical work. I can attest to the fact that my wheels were not bent before service and this obvious shaking of the car was not previously existent. The dealership denies liability for this issue and is now refusing to replace the wheels after I have offered to pay. Dealership service manager told me it was safe to drive the vehicle with two bent wheels and I strongly disagree with that statement and so has my insurance company. It is very questionable as to why the service manager would make such a statement. The dealership told me to call other GM dealerships to have the wheels replaced. They refused to do the work as well. I am seeking the proper resolution in this situation.

8/17/2025

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE DISPLAYED SERVICE DRIVER ASSIST WARNING WHICH TRIGGERED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED N202294740 TO UPDATE SOFTWARE. SOFTWARE UPDATED AND ON WAY HOME SERVICE DRIVER ASSIST WARNING CAME BACK ON. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

6/23/2020

SUSPENSION

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 50 MPH, AND TAKES SWEEPING TURNS / GRADUAL BENDS ON THE HIGHWAY, IT BECOMES APPARENT THAT TURNING RIGHT IS MUCH HARDER THAN TURNING LEFT. THE STEERING WHEEL IS MUCH STIFFER AND FEELS HEAVIER WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS AT SPEED, ALMOST LIKE IT'S PERMANENTLY STUCK IN SPORT MODE WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED RIGHT. IT IS CONSTANTLY FIGHTING TO GET BACK TO CENTER WHEN TAKING THOSE RIGHT TURNS AT SPEED. LEFT TURNS ARE FINE. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE WHEEL SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY JERKED LEFT, TRYING TO GET BACK TO CENTER AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN/GRADUAL BEND ON THE HIGHWAY. I ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN, AND THE OTHER TWO TIMES, ALMOST RAN SIDEWAYS INTO THE CARS TO MY LEFT. THE DEALER "CANNOT DUPLICATE" HAS NOT CHECKED ALIGNMENT, OR TAKEN OTHER STEPS TO INVESTIGATE. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AND HAVE OWNED IT FOR LESS THAN TWO WEEKS.

9/14/2020

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

There are multiple issues with the electrical / electronics The dealer has never found any data in the systems that shows issues. Driver speedometer screen disappears and will be gone for hours or a trip. Restarting car does not fix. Center console screen that shows camera information disappears and you have no camera. Can be one or multiple trips and restarting car does not fix Dealer says the previous two issues are known but no fix or recall has have been implemented as far as we are are aware. This has been a year approx. Drivers assist package threw the car into a curb creating minor damage to divers side wheels. Cadillac found no issues in recent service. When backing car up it has engaged the parking brake When driving the car it has shifted itself into neutral. The last 3 items the dealer spent weeks going thru the car with Cadillac and found nothing. No parts have ever been replaced in multiple visits The last 3 are huge safety issues

8/11/2021

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

There are multiple issues with the electrical / electronics The dealer has never found any data in the systems that shows issues. Driver speedometer screen disappears and will be gone for hours or a trip. Restarting car does not fix. Center console screen that shows camera information disappears and you have no camera. Can be one or multiple trips and restarting car does not fix Dealer says the previous two issues are known but no fix or recall has have been implemented as far as we are are aware. This has been a year approx. Drivers assist package threw the car into a curb creating minor damage to divers side wheels. Cadillac found no issues in recent service. When backing car up it has engaged the parking brake When driving the car it has shifted itself into neutral. The last 3 items the dealer spent weeks going thru the car with Cadillac and found nothing. No parts have ever been replaced in multiple visits The last 3 are huge safety issues

8/11/2021

AIR BAGS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I have had many issues with Onstar failing. I bought the 2020 Cadillac CT5 AWD 10/2020. It took Onstar over a month to connect to my car to provide AT&T internet plan (via Onstar). On 4/22/21 I was hit in my driver front & wheel, Onstar failed- never contacted us & the airbags did not deploy. I noticed my Onstar light was red. Onstar was repaired during the body shop repair. Soon after I picked up the car (approximately 1 month) the SRS light came on & Onstar turned red again on 7/31/21. Dropped off the car to be repaired 8/13/21. After repair, SRS light came on again on 8/29/21. Then 10/4/21 the entire CUE system malfunctioned, could not use Carplay, Car Internet would not work, & Navigation would not load. 10/30/21 I cranked my car & left keys in car, the doors locked- which it should not have done. My Onstar app could not unlock the car. I called Onstar to unlock the vehicle & was told they were receiving a "busy signal, spinning sign" when trying to reach my car. My car finally shut off after idling for so long, and it unlocked the doors. I dropped off for service again 11/4/21. GM & Onstar both investigated car for the failures following the accident that occurred 4/22/21-both companies said no issue was found. GM downloaded data from wreck data, I received the report and it was missing data.

11/5/2021

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Safety Concerns and Defects: I am reporting several safety-related defects in my 2020 Cadillac CT5, which have posed serious risks to me and my family: ⸻ 1. Transmission Pump Failure: •The transmission pump failed, causing loss of power and jerking while driving at highway speeds. This occurred on[XXX] in Georgia with my two small children in the car, putting us at high risk of a crash. •No warning lights appeared, and the failure was diagnosed by the dealer (Hennessey Cadillac). 2. EVAP System Failure (P0451): •A fuel tank pressure sensor malfunctioned, triggering a check engine light shortly after purchase. This affects emissions and presents a fire risk due to potential fuel vapor leaks. •The issue was confirmed by the dealer. 3. Camshaft Solenoid Failure (P0027): •A camshaft solenoid failure was repaired by the dealer, but was not disclosed to me at purchase. •This could have caused engine stalling or hesitation. ⸻ Has the Issue Been Confirmed? •Yes, all issues have been confirmed by the dealership. The vehicle has been returned for repairs, and I can provide diagnostic and repair records. ⸻ Safety Risk and Urgency: The transmission failure almost caused a serious accident on a highway. These defects present imminent safety risks that need investigation. I believe other owners may face similar issues. ⸻ Request for NHTSA Action: Please investigate these defects in the 2020 Cadillac CT5, particularly the transmission pump failure, EVAP system, and engine stalling risks. Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

4/11/2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac CT5. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had noticed an oil leak and that the battery charge was abnormally low. The contact received an alert from OnStar pertaining to the critically low battery. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal squishing sound coming from the dashboard, and the contact believed that the sound was coming from an animal that had intruded into the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a tire center where all four TPMS sensors were replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

12/16/2025

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac CT5. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had noticed an oil leak and that the battery charge was abnormally low. The contact received an alert from OnStar pertaining to the critically low battery. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal squishing sound coming from the dashboard, and the contact believed that the sound was coming from an animal that had intruded into the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a tire center where all four TPMS sensors were replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

12/16/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Cadillac CT5?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Cadillac CT5 is POWER TRAIN, with 10 owner reports. That is about 21% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE.

Are complaints about the 2020 Cadillac CT5 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 19 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Cadillac CT5?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2020 Cadillac CT5 severe?

19 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Cadillac CT5: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
47
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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