NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Cadillac CT5 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 33 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 achieves an "Exceptional" Safety Index rating of 94 out of 100 from MotorCaliber. While its crash protection and avoidance technology perform at a high level, four distinct recall campaigns somewhat temper the vehicle's otherwise strong safety profile.
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 AWD received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 13 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 33 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 13 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Cadillac CT5?
The 2020 model year marks the CT5's launch, meaning no prior-year NHTSA Safety Index exists for comparison. What this debut year delivers on its own terms is notable: a 94/100 Exceptional Index built on a perfect 70/70 crash-protection score, reflecting NHTSA's five-star sweep across all tested categories for the AWD sedan. Avoidance technology contributes 8.5 out of 10, aided by standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though lane departure warning is only optional, a gap that holds the tech subscore short of its ceiling. The defect record component scores 15/20, reflecting the drag of four recall campaigns. The side-curtain air bag recall is the most safety-critical, alleging improper installation that could prevent deployment in a side impact. The transmission recall, issued years after the model's release, demonstrates that the defect record for a used CT5 remains active and should not be assumed closed. Taken together, this is a year-one model with elite crash-test results and a recall history that used-market shoppers must treat as unfinished business until each campaign is verified as remedied by VIN.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Cadillac CT5 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 AWD earns a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This top-tier assessment extends to all evaluated categories, with the vehicle achieving 5 out of 5 stars in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. The rollover risk is assessed at 10%, with no dynamic tip recorded during testing. No star rating for this configuration falls below the maximum score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14364
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 have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2020 CT5. Components involved include the automatic transmission, the lighting control module software (addressed via an over-the-air fix), roof rail side-curtain air bags that may not have been properly installed, and service brakes. The curtain air bag campaign warrants priority verification, as undeployed safety systems in a crash carry direct occupant risk.
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?
Owners have filed 33 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 2 crashes and 2 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the power train (13 reports), unknown or other issues (9), electrical system (8), and engine (7). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
33 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Cadillac CT5?
Four recall campaigns are on record for this model year; a used-market shopper should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. The side-curtain airbag and transmission campaigns in particular require confirmation of remedy completion, as recall status varies by individual vehicle.
- The 2020 CT5 is the model's first year of production, so no prior Safety Index benchmark exists. Its 94/100 Exceptional score stands entirely on its own debut-year data.
- A 2021 recall specifically targeting 2020-2022 CT4 and CT5 vehicles alleged that roof rail side-curtain air bags may not have been properly installed, a direct crash-protection concern that should be verified as remedied on any specific used unit.
- A 2025 transmission recall covering certain 2020-2021 CT5 vehicles was issued years after this model year's sale, confirming that the recall record for this year remains active and is not frozen at the original sale date.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on this model year, meaning not every 2020 CT5 on the used market will carry that avoidance feature. Buyers should confirm the as-built options on the specific vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Cadillac CT5 places
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Cadillac CT5 safety questions
Was the 2020 Cadillac CT5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Cadillac CT5, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Cadillac CT5 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Cadillac CT5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Cadillac CT5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 33 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Cadillac CT5. 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 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 14364), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac CT5 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 13 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.