NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Cadillac CT5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 19 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every category of NHTSA's crash tests establishes the 2021 Cadillac CT5's fundamental safety. That strong performance, coupled with standard forward collision warning, contributes to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing this model in the Exceptional band. However, its safety profile is not unblemished. Four separate recall campaigns have been issued for the 2021 CT5, and its avoidance-technology suite, while present, is not as comprehensive as some competitors.
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 AWD sedan received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Cadillac CT5 ranks 21 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 | 19 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 21 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
The 2021 CT5 achieved a Safety Index of 94/100, maintaining the score of its 2020 predecessor. This reflects a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70, the highest possible contribution to the index, earned through a five-star NCAP sweep across all four categories. The car's avoidance technology, however, scored 8.5 out of 10, primarily due to lane departure warning remaining an optional feature. A defect record sub-score of 15 out of 20 reflects four active recall campaigns for this model year. The most significant of these is the curtain airbag installation recall issued in August of the car's first full year on the road, which concerns a passive restraint that may not deploy as designed. While two other recalls are eligible for over-the-air updates, their resolution still requires owner action. The 2021 CT5 demonstrates exceptional crash-test performance, but its recall record necessitates verification before any used-market acquisition.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Cadillac CT5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 AWD sedan achieved a full 5 out of 5 stars in every NHTSA crash-test category: overall, frontal, side, and rollover, a clean sweep that stands out for the model year. The rollover risk was assessed at 10 percent, with the vehicle earning a "No Tip" designation in the dynamic test. All categories were rated, with no results indicating a weakness.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2021 CT5. The most safety-critical involves roof rail side-curtain air bags that may not have been properly installed, a physical repair campaign. A separate recall addresses a possible SRS malfunction warning lamp issue, remedied via an over-the-air software fix. A third OTA campaign targets the lighting control module software, and a fourth covers automatic transmission concerns shared with several other GM models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this vehicle.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
Nineteen owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 CT5, including reported allegations tied to three crashes and two injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts. The Electrical System leads with seven alleged reports, followed by Structure with three, and Air Bags, Power Train, and Forward Collision Avoidance each drawing two alleged reports.
19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
Four recalls have been issued for the 2021 CT5, a notable figure for a single model year. Shoppers considering a used example should prioritize confirming the completion of all four recall campaigns, particularly the curtain airbag recall, which necessitates a physical repair by a dealership. Verification via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool is essential before purchase.
- The 2021 CT5 is one of only a small group of vehicles to earn five stars in all four NHTSA NCAP categories, including a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, a complete sweep that directly drives the maximum 70/70 crash-protection sub-score.
- A 2021 recall specifically targeting curtain air bags on 2020 to 2022 CT4 and CT5 vehicles flagged the possibility that roof rail side-curtain air bags were not properly installed, meaning this passive safety system may not perform as intended in a crash without the physical repair being completed.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2021 CT5, which is the key reason the avoidance-tech sub-score reaches only 8.5 out of 10 and prevents the Safety Index from climbing above its current 94/100 Exceptional rating.
- The defect record sub-score of 15 out of 20 reflects four active recall campaigns, two of which were remedied via over-the-air software updates and two of which required or require physical intervention, making VIN-level recall verification especially important for used-market buyers of this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Cadillac CT5 places
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Cadillac CT5 safety questions
Was the 2021 Cadillac CT5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Cadillac CT5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Cadillac CT5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Cadillac CT5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 19 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (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 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15336), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac CT5 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 21 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.