MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Cadillac Ct5

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Cadillac Ct5

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

4Recalls
33Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE CADILLAC CT5

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.

VERDICT

The 2020 Cadillac Ct5 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14364

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech8.5/10
Defect record15/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

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

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

2reported crash
0reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 13Unknown Or Other 9Electrical System 8Engine 7Structure 4Wheels 2

Other Ct5 years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14364), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Cadillac Ct5 2020. Class rank 13 of 105 in Sedan 2020. Methodology · Disclosure