2021 Cadillac CT5 Owner Complaints
Complaint Summary
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 20 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve electrical system and air bags.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 20 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 15%
AIR BAGS
2 10%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
2 10%
POWER TRAIN
2 10%
STRUCTURE:BODY
2 10%
Quick Insights
The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 15% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 14 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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What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Cadillac CT5
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 20 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 15% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2021 Cadillac CT5 are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3), AIR BAGS (2), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (2).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 8 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 2021 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.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 14 of 14 systems
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 Reports15% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
When approaching a stopping vehicle the brake pedal became extremely hard to press and I could not brake enough to stop and had a collision. Come to find out that the ABS computer and the main ECU weren't communicating correctly which turned off the assisted braking, assisted steering and the AWD.
8/1/2024
Driver Side door handle stops working. Because the door handle operates with a sensor and not a standard pull door handle something is being affected and it will not open door. Causing safety issue and not being able to enter car normally.
12/28/2024
AIR BAGS
2 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
There was no indication that the Automatic Braking System, Air Bags and Seatbelts were not working properly. In August 12, 2021, I was in an auto accident where I rear-ended another dodge car. The air bags did not deploy and Onstar was not notified. I believe I hit the steering wheel. I went to the emergency room and have seem my primary doctor once. I have a follow-up appointment this week for pain in the middle of my breast bone. My issuance company will inspect the car, after GM completes their inspection on Monday, August 27, 2021. USAA Claim # 9-6884308504 GM (ESIS) Claim # 965694 Police Report #
8/29/2021
My 2025 Cadillac CT5 was stationary at a red light behind a red truck when a black truck traveling in the opposite direction struck the truck head-on. The red truck was pushed backward into the front of my CT5 with enough force to cause major front-end damage. Despite this, no airbags deployed. I believe the airbag system failed to detect or respond to a valid crash condition and there is a larger safety concern that needs to be reviewed. Police report completed. Insurance has not inspected vehicles yet but it is available to be inspected.
7/26/2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
2 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
There was no indication that the Automatic Braking System, Air Bags and Seatbelts were not working properly. In August 12, 2021, I was in an auto accident where I rear-ended another dodge car. The air bags did not deploy and Onstar was not notified. I believe I hit the steering wheel. I went to the emergency room and have seem my primary doctor once. I have a follow-up appointment this week for pain in the middle of my breast bone. My issuance company will inspect the car, after GM completes their inspection on Monday, August 27, 2021. USAA Claim # 9-6884308504 GM (ESIS) Claim # 965694 Police Report #
8/29/2021
When approaching a stopping vehicle the brake pedal became extremely hard to press and I could not brake enough to stop and had a collision. Come to find out that the ABS computer and the main ECU weren't communicating correctly which turned off the assisted braking, assisted steering and the AWD.
8/1/2024
POWER TRAIN
2 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Service transmission message showed up on dash. Dealer stated after performance test found P17A5 code for shift control. The dealer stated that the gear shift assembly needed to be replaced and if not, that the car could get stuck in gear which I feel is a safety risk. My vehicle only has 37,111 miles on it and I am pretty much the only driver.
1/15/2025
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac CT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 42 MPH â 66 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and shuddered while shifting gears. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,600.
8/19/2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
2 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Currently my passenger door and my rear driver side door do not open from the outside. I already had to have my driver side door handle replaced for the same issue, now three out of four of my handles have failed. If an accident were to occur no one would be able to access the passenger or the rear driver passenger from the outside because the doors do not open. Since I can not open the door from the outside I had to remove the child lock from the rear door so my child can exit the vehicle.
2/11/2025
Beginning of 2025 my drivers side door handle would not open from the outside of the car only the inside . I took it to a certified Cadillac dealer which they had to replace the door handle . Now July 10, 2025 my front passenger side is doing the same thing and I will not have to take my car in to see if they can fix it or it this too will need to be replaced. This causes a hazard of emergency no one would be able to open the door from outside of the vehicle .
8/10/2025
SEAT BELTS
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
There was no indication that the Automatic Braking System, Air Bags and Seatbelts were not working properly. In August 12, 2021, I was in an auto accident where I rear-ended another dodge car. The air bags did not deploy and Onstar was not notified. I believe I hit the steering wheel. I went to the emergency room and have seem my primary doctor once. I have a follow-up appointment this week for pain in the middle of my breast bone. My issuance company will inspect the car, after GM completes their inspection on Monday, August 27, 2021. USAA Claim # 9-6884308504 GM (ESIS) Claim # 965694 Police Report #
8/29/2021
TIRES
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
BOTH PASSENGER SIDE TIRES SPLIT AT THE SEAM PUTTING ME AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AT RISK. TIRES NEED TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY CONFIRMED BY DEALERSHIP - BOMMARITO CADILLAC ST. PETERS MISSOURI BOMMARITO CADIALLAC ST. PETERS MISSOURI ALSO INFORMED ME GM HAS INSTRUCTED TO NO LONGER SELL THESE TIRES TO CADILLAC CUSTOMERS. TIRES ARE CURRENTLY STILL ON THE CAR LOCATED AT BOMMARITO CADILLAC. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY ANY OTHER AUTHORITY OTHER THAN THE DEALERSHIP. TIRES ARE MICHELIN 245/40ZR19
6/27/2022
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac CT5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 72 MPH, there was a loud noise inside the cabin. The contact became aware that the sunroof had shattered without impact. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,100.
7/26/2024
SERVICE BRAKES
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
When approaching a stopping vehicle the brake pedal became extremely hard to press and I could not brake enough to stop and had a collision. Come to find out that the ABS computer and the main ECU weren't communicating correctly which turned off the assisted braking, assisted steering and the AWD.
8/1/2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Driver Side door handle stops working. Because the door handle operates with a sensor and not a standard pull door handle something is being affected and it will not open door. Causing safety issue and not being able to enter car normally.
12/28/2024
STEERING
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
aste): The vehicle has a serious pulling issue while driving, which was not corrected with alignment and poses a safety risk. Additionally, the windshield was scratched by faulty wiper blades that impaired visibility â the dealer later reimbursed me. Lastly, the driver-side running light was not functioning, which creates a hazard and may violate federal lighting safety standards.
7/7/2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
aste): The vehicle has a serious pulling issue while driving, which was not corrected with alignment and poses a safety risk. Additionally, the windshield was scratched by faulty wiper blades that impaired visibility â the dealer later reimbursed me. Lastly, the driver-side running light was not functioning, which creates a hazard and may violate federal lighting safety standards.
7/7/2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
aste): The vehicle has a serious pulling issue while driving, which was not corrected with alignment and poses a safety risk. Additionally, the windshield was scratched by faulty wiper blades that impaired visibility â the dealer later reimbursed me. Lastly, the driver-side running light was not functioning, which creates a hazard and may violate federal lighting safety standards.
7/7/2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Car interior smelled like gas when the car is started. but seemed to clear while driving. Found that the Fuel hose between the pipe and the fuel intake was leaking when the car initially started. You could smell the odor when the hood was raised. This is the Pipe and Hose that you need the Fuel clamp removal tool for that is located in the rear center of the engine just in front of the firewall. The leak was about 3 inches from then end where it connected to the engine. Currently I have a temporary repair on it (Fuel coupling) where the hole was. Note, This car is out of warranty. It has been to the dealership (Step One Cadillac in Ft. Walton Beach, FL) for other recalls, but the dealership did not mention any issues.
8/12/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
Are complaints about the 2021 Cadillac CT5 a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
Are complaints about the 2021 Cadillac CT5 severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Cadillac CT5: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 20
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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