MODEL
Cadillac CT5 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Cadillac CT5 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Cadillac CT5 we cover (2020 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2024 at 88. 12 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Cadillac CT5 is a rear-wheel-drive-based luxury sport sedan competing in one of the most demanding segments in the American market, going up against the BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70. Aimed at buyers who want domestic prestige with a driver-focused character, the CT5 has been Cadillac's flagship mid-size sedan since its 2020 debut, offering a range of turbocharged powertrains and a distinctly American take on the sport-luxury formula.
The 2025 Cadillac CT5 achieved an exceptional federal safety performance. It earned a perfect NHTSA Safety Index score of 100 out of 100, alongside 5-star ratings in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. This represents the strongest possible federal safety performance for a sedan. However, the Cadillac CT5's overall safety record across its 2020 to 2025 model years presents a more complex picture. Eleven recalls have been issued across these six model years, indicating a pattern of necessary corrective actions. Prospective buyers, especially of earlier model years, should verify that all open recalls have been resolved using NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Owner complaints total 80 across the six-year production window. Among these, 9 alleged crash-related incidents, 7 reported injuries, and 1 reported death are documented. While these allegations are unverified and do not establish causation, the presence of a death allegation is a notable point for consumers. The complaint volume overall is moderate for the period. The CT5's crash-test results, particularly for the 2025 model, are outstanding. However, the recall history and owner complaint data add significant context, preventing a simple assessment of its safety profile.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the CT5 as a compelling and somewhat underappreciated entry in the luxury sport sedan segment, praising its driving dynamics and interior quality while noting that Cadillac's brand cachet still trails its European rivals in perception. Most consider it a legitimate performance and value alternative worth serious consideration.
- The 2025 CT5 achieves a perfect NHTSA Safety Index score of 100 out of 100 with 5-star ratings across all crash-test categories, making it one of the strongest-performing luxury sedans in federal testing.
- Eleven recalls have been issued across the 2020 to 2025 model years - a meaningful number for a six-year span. Any used CT5 shopper should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all campaigns have been completed.
- The owner complaint database includes one alleged death and seven alleged injuries among 80 total complaints. These are unverified allegations, but shoppers should review the specific complaint categories relevant to the model year they are considering.
- Safety performance appears to have strengthened as the model matured, with the 2025 year earning the top Exceptional band. Buyers prioritizing the best safety scores may want to focus on the most recent model years in the lineup.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Cadillac CT5 with 4 recalls.