2021 Cadillac CT4 Problems: 7 Known Issues
2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Cadillac CT4 has 7 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are 10-Speed Transmission Damage Can Cause Wheel Lock-Up (Recall 25V148), Airbag Warning Lamp May Not Illuminate Consistently (Recall 21V421), Roof-Rail Side-Curtain Airbags May Be Installed Incorrectly (Recall 21V611) and Daytime Running Lights May Stay On with Headlights (Recall 22V903). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $400 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 7 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 vehicles. The roof rail side-curtain air bags may not have been installed correctly, which could result in an improper air bag deployment during a crash.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Cadillac CT4 problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Cadillac CT4 has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 10-Speed Transmission Damage Can Cause Wheel Lock-Up (Recall 25V148), Airbag Warning Lamp May Not Illuminate Consistently (Recall 21V421), Roof-Rail Side-Curtain Airbags May Be Installed Incorrectly (Recall 21V611). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Cadillac CT4 reliable?
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 10-Speed Transmission Damage Can Cause Wheel Lock-Up (Recall 25V148) and Airbag Warning Lamp May Not Illuminate Consistently (Recall 21V421) and Roof-Rail Side-Curtain Airbags May Be Installed Incorrectly (Recall 21V611) and Daytime Running Lights May Stay On with Headlights (Recall 22V903). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac CT4 problems?
Repair costs for known Cadillac CT4 issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2020-2021 Cadillac CT4 10-Speed Transmission Damage Can Cause Wheel Lock-Up (Recall 25V148)?
Certain 2020-2021 Cadillac CT4 vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission can develop internal transmission damage that may cause the wheels to lock while driving. Severity: high.
What is the 2021 Cadillac CT4 Airbag Warning Lamp May Not Illuminate Consistently (Recall 21V421)?
On certain 2021 Cadillac CT4 vehicles, the communications gateway module can process loss of communication with the sensing and diagnostic module incorrectly, causing inconsistent illumination of the airbag malfunction indicator. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2022 Cadillac CT4 Roof-Rail Side-Curtain Airbags May Be Installed Incorrectly (Recall 21V611)?
On certain 2020-2022 Cadillac CT4 vehicles, the roof-rail side-curtain airbags may not have been installed correctly and may deploy improperly in a crash. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 Daytime Running Lights May Stay On with Headlights (Recall 22V903)?
On certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 vehicles, the daytime running lights may not deactivate when the headlights are on, creating excess glare and failing FMVSS 108. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2024 Cadillac CT4 Front Strut Popping and Thump Noise Over Small Bumps?
CT4 owners across trims report a distinct pop, thump or creak from one or both front corners when crossing driveway dips, manhole covers, speed bumps, or during sharp low-speed steering maneuvers. The Alpha 2 front suspension uses a double-pivot strut arrangement, and the noise h… Repairs typically run $400-$1,300. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2025 Cadillac CT4 LSY 2.0T Cam Carrier Cover Sealant Defect Causes Engine Oil Leaks?
On the 2.0L turbo LSY four-cylinder used in the CT4 base/Luxury/Premium Luxury/Sport, oil weeps from what appears to be several places at once — the camshaft carrier cover, the engine front cover, the timing chain upper cover, and the lower oil pan. GM's own bulletin traces most… Repairs typically run $450-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2025 Cadillac CT4 Crankcase Pressure Sensor Ices Over in Cold Weather Setting P04FB?
The LSY 2.0L turbo routes crankcase vapors through a PCV/crankcase pressure sensor mounted in the valve cover area. In cold climates and on short-trip driving, water vapor condenses in the sensor port and hose and then freezes, blocking the reference passage. The ECM sees an impl… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.