NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Cadillac CT5 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 scores 99 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 achieves a full 5-star sweep in all federal crash-test categories. This comprehensive performance from NHTSA, coupled with a single recall on record, contributes to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 99/100, placing this model in the Exceptional band for safety.
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 99/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 ranks 8 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 99 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 8 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Cadillac CT5?
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 registers a Safety Index of 99/100, a minor decline from the 2025 model's perfect score. This single-point reduction is attributed to a defect record sub-score of 19/20, reflecting the presence of one active recall campaign for this model year. In core crash protection, the CT5 maintains its strong showing, achieving the maximum 70/70. This is underpinned by 5 out of 5 stars in all four NHTSA crash-test categories. The avoidance technology sub-score also remains perfect at 10/10, consistent with standard features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The lone recall for the 2026 CT5 is a documentation-related campaign, affecting owner and service manuals. This recall is shared across multiple General Motors platforms and does not include any park-outside or do-not-drive directives. Federal records show three consumer complaints for this model year, with the most recent filed in May 2026. These complaints most frequently cite issues with Forward Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Speed Control. These remain unverified allegations, and no confirmed injuries or fatalities are associated with them. The 2026 Cadillac CT5's overall safety assessment indicates a slight but measurable shift from the prior model year, driven by a shared, non-critical recall rather than any decline in its strong crash-test performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Cadillac CT5 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every crash-test category, according to ratings published by NHTSA. This includes the overall, frontal, and side impact assessments. Its rollover risk is rated at 10 percent, with the dynamic tip test yielding a No Tip result. No categories remain unrated, and all tested areas received the highest possible safety mark.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21812
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Cadillac CT5 have any recalls?
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 carries one recall campaign. It involves equipment classified under owners, service, and other manuals, issued as part of a broader General Motors action also covering the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, and GMC Canyon. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Cadillac CT5?
Three unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 CT5. The top components named are Forward Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Speed Control, each cited twice, followed by Power Train, Engine, and an unknown category once each. None of these are established facts.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Cadillac CT5?
For the current model year, buyers should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. An open owner-manual recall remedy may not have been completed, and recall status can vary by individual unit.
- The 2026 CT5 Safety Index dropped one point to 99/100 from the 2025 model's perfect 100/100, with the defect record sub-score of 19/20 as the sole source of that decline.
- One recall is active for this model year, categorized under equipment and owner or service manuals, issued as part of a multi-platform General Motors campaign with no park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the available data.
- All four NHTSA crash-test categories, overall, frontal, side, and rollover, returned five stars, with a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic tip test.
- Three unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with Forward Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Speed Control each appearing twice among the top reported components, and zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Cadillac CT5 places
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Cadillac CT5 safety questions
Was the 2026 Cadillac CT5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Cadillac CT5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 99 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 2026 Cadillac CT5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Cadillac CT5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Cadillac CT5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Cadillac CT5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Cadillac CT5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CT5 years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21812), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac CT5 2026.
- 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 8 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.