NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Cadillac Ct5
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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 2021 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.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
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
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15336
Index breakdown
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
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT21V421000
Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this
Reported 2021-06-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.