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2023 Cadillac CT5 Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller

Overall Score

7.3/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Transmission issues, including valve body failures, are the most significant concern for owners.
  • The vehicle received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
  • Expect combined fuel economy around 22 MPG.
  • A recall related to exterior lighting control module software requires a software update.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 offers a blend of luxury and performance, but used car shoppers should be aware of its reliability record. While it boasts a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, the powertrain, particularly the transmission, is a significant concern, with numerous complaints and a high TSB count suggesting underlying issues. Potential buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection of these critical systems.

Critical Failure Risk

The most frequent complaint category involves the powertrain, specifically transmission issues. These include independent acceleration, shifting problems, and valve body failures, sometimes rendering the vehicle inoperable. Failures have been reported at relatively low mileages, under 50,000 miles.

Early detection can help you avoid a $2,500-$5,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls5
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

12
Power Train5
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
22
MPG
City
19
MPG
Highway
27
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

7.7/ 10

Practicality

4.1/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing luxury styling and a comfortable ride over long-term mechanical certainty.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers seeking a dependable, low-maintenance vehicle.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2023 Cadillac CT5 Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2023 Cadillac CT5.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Premium
Seating Capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Sedan
EPA Combined MPG
22

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Most Common Issues

1. Powertrain

Most reported

Usage: 5 reports

2. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Usage: 1 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering)

Est. shop cost: $150 - $250

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
5 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2023 Cadillac CT5 reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2023 Cadillac CT5 is 7.7/10. Reliability score is 7.7/10. NHTSA recalls: 5. Owner complaints: 12.

How practical is the 2023 Cadillac CT5 for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 4.1/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 22 MPG. Seating capacity is 5.

What is the overall score for the 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2023 Cadillac CT5 is 7.3/10. Overall score is 7.3/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 9.1/10. Practicality 4.1/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering) at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Transmission (typical at 40,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $2,500 • Max: $5,000+).

What engine is in the 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.0.

What transmission does the 2023 Cadillac CT5 use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Cadillac CT5, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is Rear-Wheel Drive.

Does the 2023 CT5 require Premium gas?▾

Manufacturer fuel recommendation: Premium.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

EPA combined estimate is 22 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

15 standard and 1 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Cadillac CT5, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Cadillac CT5, body style is sedan.

What drivetrain does the 2023 Cadillac CT5 use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Cadillac CT5, drivetrain is Rear-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 5/5.

What are the most common power train problems on the 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

Top complaint category: power train (5 reports, 41.7% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

This model year has 5 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2023 Cadillac CT5?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2023 Audi A4 and 2023 Genesis G70.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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