NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Safety Ratings
The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V scores 97 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 19 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V stands out with zero recalls on file, a notable achievement for its model year. This contributes to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 97/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The vehicle achieved a perfect crash-protection subscore, supported by strong crash-test results in the categories NHTSA evaluated. These factors combine to present a compelling safety profile for the 2021 CT5-V in the used vehicle market.
The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V 4 DR RWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 97/100 and 5-out-of-5 stars in both NHTSA side and rollover crash testing, with zero recall campaigns on file per NHTSA records.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V ranks 5 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 97 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 19 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 5 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V?
The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V posts a Safety Index of 97/100, a three-point gain over the 2020 model year's 94/100, with both years sitting in the Exceptional band. The improvement is anchored by a perfect crash-protection subscore of 70 out of 70, a strong avoidance-tech score of 8.5 out of 10 reflecting standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, and a defect record subscore of 18 out of 20 driven by the clean recall slate. The absence of any recall campaign is a meaningful distinction for a vehicle now circulating in the used market, where older campaigns sometimes go unresolved. NHTSA did not conduct overall or frontal crash testing on this variant, which means a full picture of frontal protection cannot be drawn from federal data alone. The two rated dimensions, side and rollover, both returned 5-star results, and the 10 percent rollover risk figure is among the lower values in the segment. The 19 filed complaints, led by electrical system allegations, are worth monitoring but do not affect the Index because they remain unverified. Taken together, the 2021 CT5-V represents the strongest safety-data year on record for this nameplate in the NHTSA dataset.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both the side protection and rollover resistance evaluations from NHTSA. Its rollover risk was measured at 10 percent, with no dynamic tip recorded. However, NHTSA did not assign ratings for overall or frontal crash protection, leaving those key safety dimensions unrated for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15516
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V have any recalls?
NHTSA shows zero recall campaigns on file for the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check against the NHTSA database, as campaigns can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V?
Nineteen unverified consumer allegations have been filed with NHTSA for this model year. The top reported components are the Electrical System with 7 alleged issues, Structure with 3, and Power Train, Air Bags, and Forward Collision Avoidance each with 2. These are unverified allegations, not established facts.
19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V?
Before purchasing a used 2021 Cadillac CT5-V, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been added since this data was compiled. Verify that any future recall remedy has been completed at a franchised dealer before taking delivery.
- The 2021 CT5-V improved three index points over the 2020 model year, moving from 94/100 to 97/100, both within the Exceptional band, with the gain supported by a perfect 70/70 crash-protection subscore.
- NHTSA did not assign overall or frontal star ratings to this specific model year and body configuration, meaning frontal crash performance cannot be evaluated from federal test data.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 CT5-V, a clean defect record that contributed an 18/20 subscore to the Safety Index and distinguishes this year from peers with active campaigns.
- Nineteen unverified NHTSA complaints cite the Electrical System as the most frequently alleged problem category with 7 reports, followed by Structure with 3, making these the components a prospective buyer should ask about during a pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V places
The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Cadillac CT5-V safety questions
Was the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 97 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 2021 Cadillac CT5-V crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Cadillac CT5-V have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 19 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2021 Subaru Legacy | 97/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15516), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac CT5-V 2021.
- 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 5 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.