MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Safety Ratings

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 1 recall, and 11 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

1Recalls
11Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing attains an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 90 out of 100. This places it among the top performers, primarily on the strength of its crash protection. While its single resolved recall speaks to effective issue management, the low score in avoidance technology is a significant area for improvement. This model demonstrates a robust safety profile for its segment.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing received a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 and a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing ranks 46 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index90 / 100 (Exceptional)
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 5 stars
Rollover risk0%
Recalls on file1
Owner complaints11 (unverified allegations)
Class rank46 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing?

The 2023 CT5-V Blackwing achieves an overall Safety Index of 90 out of 100, which, despite a 10-point decrease from the 2022 model, positions it within the Exceptional safety band. This reduction is not attributable to a decline in crash protection, as the vehicle maintains a perfect 70 out of 70 for crash-protection sub-score. Both the side impact and rollover crash tests yielded 5-star ratings from NHTSA. The 10-point index drop stems from a defect record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20 and, more significantly, an avoidance-tech sub-score of only 2 out of 10. The low avoidance-tech sub-score is notable, given that forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are offered as both standard and optional equipment; this suggests the scoring reflects the systems' packaging or calibration against the full benchmark rather than their absence. The vehicle's defect record for the 2023 model year is modest, with a single recall issued for an over-the-air software update to the lighting control module. While 11 owner complaints, primarily concerning the Power Train, bear watching, they do not detract from the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing's top-tier safety standing based on the published data.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing perform in crash tests?

A perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both the side-impact and rollover tests marks a strong safety performance for the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing. The rollover assessment further specified a 0 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result. It should be noted that NHTSA has not assigned an overall or frontal star rating to this model, and the absence of these ratings does not imply a positive or negative safety assessment.

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 0%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17212

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record17.5/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: Standard & OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing have any recalls?

The 2023 CT5-V Blackwing carries one recall campaign, covering the exterior lighting control module software. General Motors issued this recall across a broad range of 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 vehicles, among others, and the remedy was delivered as an over-the-air software fix. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted for this campaign. Shoppers should confirm via VIN that the fix was applied.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V903000

Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous

Reported 2022-12-08

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing?

Owners have filed 11 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing. Alleged problem areas include Power Train (5 reports), Tires (2), Structure (1), Air Bags (1), Lane Departure (1), and Forward Collision Avoidance (1). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects. Three complaints allege crashes and two allege injuries.

11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
0reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 5Tires 2Structure 1Air Bags 1Lane Departure 1Forward Collision Avoidance 1

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing?

A single recall has been issued for the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing, addressing a software issue within the lighting control module. This remedy was delivered over-the-air, meaning its application is contingent on the prior owner's connectivity. Prospective buyers should confirm the successful completion of this fix by checking the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup. It is also advisable to verify that no further recall campaigns have been initiated since the vehicle's original sale.

  • The 2023 CT5-V Blackwing Safety Index dropped 10 points from the 2022 model year's perfect 100/100, driven by the avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 and a defect record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20, not by any crash-test failure.
  • NHTSA awarded the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing 5 out of 5 stars in both the side-impact and rollover tests, with a 0 percent rollover risk and a no-tip dynamic result, but no overall or frontal star rating was assigned.
  • The sole 2023 recall targets the lighting control module software and was remedied via an over-the-air update, making it easy to miss on used vehicles if the prior owner never connected the car to receive the fix.
  • Of the 11 unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, 5 allege Power Train issues and 2 allege Tire problems, with the most recent complaint filed well after the initial sale period, a pattern worth tracking as the vehicle ages in the used market.

RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing places

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing safety questions

Was the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other CT5-V Blackwing years

Rivals in Sedan (2023)

Safest Sedan rivals, 2023 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback100/100not rated0
2023 Audi S4100/100not rated0
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class100/1005 of 50
2023 Nissan Maxima100/1005 of 50
2023 Polestar 2100/1005 of 50
2023 Tesla Model S Later Release100/100not rated0
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17212), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing 2023.
  • SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 46 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.