NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Cadillac CT5-V Safety Ratings
The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 4 recalls, and 33 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V achieved a perfect crash-protection score of 70 out of 70, a notable result. This contributed to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing the vehicle in the Exceptional band. However, NHTSA has not issued an overall safety rating for the CT5-V, nor has it published a frontal impact rating. Four recalls have been issued for this model year.
The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V received a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-impact rating, according to NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V ranks 14 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 33 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 14 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V?
A flawless 70 out of 70 for crash protection forms the bedrock of the 2020 CT5-V's 94/100 Exceptional Safety Index. This debut model year earns 5 out of 5 stars in both the side impact and rollover categories, with a low 10 percent rollover risk. Its standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control contribute to an 8.5 out of 10 for avoidance technology; the absence of standard lane departure warning prevents a higher score here. The defect record registers 15 out of 20, the primary factor in the Safety Index not reaching its theoretical maximum. Four recalls were issued for this model year, addressing the transmission, curtain air bags, brakes, and lighting software. The curtain air bag recall, concerning potential improper installation, stands as a significant safety concern for a launch-year vehicle. Additionally, 33 unverified owner complaints detail issues predominantly with power-train and electrical system components, aligning with the observed recall patterns.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's side impact and rollover evaluations. Its rollover risk was assessed at a notably low 10 percent, with the dynamic tip test resulting in "No Tip." No overall or frontal crash ratings were published for this model year, leaving those dimensions unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15517
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V have any recalls?
Yes, the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V carries four recall campaigns. Components involved are the automatic transmission, the lighting control module software (remedied via an over-the-air fix), the roof rail side-curtain air bags, and the service brakes. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION25V148000
Risk: Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242480630.
Reported 2025-03-06
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
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN21V611000
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both left and right-side roof rail air bags and reinstall the air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 30, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212342780.
Reported 2021-08-05
SERVICE BRAKES20V588000
Risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.
Reported 2020-09-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V?
Owners have filed 33 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the power train (13 reports), an unknown or other category (9), the electrical system (8), and the engine (7). Two alleged crashes and two alleged injuries are included in those figures.
33 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V?
Any shopper considering this 6-year-old CT5-V should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. The curtain air bag and brake recalls in particular warrant confirmation that repairs were completed by a prior owner, as remedy status varies by individual vehicle.
- The 2020 CT5-V is the model's first year of production, so there is no prior Safety Index to benchmark against, making the 94/100 Exceptional debut score the sole historical reference point.
- NHTSA awarded perfect 5-star results in both the side and rollover tests for this specific model year, with a rollover risk of only 10 percent and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Four recall campaigns were issued against this model year, covering the automatic transmission, roof rail curtain air bags, service brakes, and lighting control module software, the last of which was addressed via an over-the-air fix.
- The defect record sub-score of 15 out of 20 is the primary drag on an otherwise near-perfect Safety Index, reflecting the recall volume accumulated since this vehicle's launch year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V places
The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Cadillac CT5-V safety questions
Was the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2020 Cadillac CT5-V crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 33 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CT5-V years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15517), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac CT5-V 2020.
- 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 14 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.