What is the 2020-2022 Cadillac CT5 Roof-Rail Side-Curtain Airbags May Be Installed Incorrectly (Recall 21V611)?

On certain 2020-2022 Cadillac CT5 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 2020-2021 Cadillac CT5 10-Speed Transmission Damage Can Cause Wheel Lock-Up (Recall 25V148)?

Certain 2020-2021 Cadillac CT5 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 2020-2023 Cadillac CT5 Daytime Running Lights May Stay On with Headlights (Recall 22V903)?

On certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT5 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 2021 Cadillac CT5 Airbag Warning Lamp May Not Illuminate Consistently (Recall 21V421)?

On certain 2021 Cadillac CT5 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 2020-2024 Cadillac CT5 2.0T LSY Engine Timing Cover Oil Leak?

The 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder (LSY) in the CT5 can develop oil leaks from the timing cover gasket. The gasket develops cracks after heat cycling, causing oil to seep from the front of the engine. In some cases, this leads to noticeable oil consumption between changes. GM re… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 Cadillac CT5 Premature 12V Battery Drain / Parasitic Draw (Memory Seat Module)?

Owners report the 12V battery going dead when the car sits, with factory batteries dying in as little as two years. Beyond normal high parasitic draw of modern electronics, a recurring GM culprit is the driver-seat control module / Memory Seat Module (MSM), which can develop a se… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2022 Cadillac CT5 10L80 10-Speed Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Shudder at Light Throttle?

The CT5 pairs both its 2.0L turbo and 3.0L twin-turbo engines with a GM 10-speed automatic (10L80/10L90), which can develop a torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder felt as a vibration or 'rumble-strip' shake, typically at light throttle and steady cruise (roughly 25-55 mph) when… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2023 Cadillac CT5 Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC / Driver Information Center) Intermittent Blank Screen After Remote Start?

Owners report the digital Instrument Panel Cluster / Driver Information Center (the gauge/speedometer display) going completely blank for the remainder of an ignition cycle, most commonly on cycles that follow a remote start. GM addressed this in Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-… Repairs typically run $75-$300. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 Cadillac CT5 2.0L Turbo (LSY) Excessive Oil Consumption and PCV System Failure?

Owners of four-cylinder CT5 550T (and CT4-shared LSY platform) models report higher-than-expected oil consumption, often exceeding GM's 'acceptable' threshold of one quart per ~2,000 miles. The valve-cover-integrated PCV system is a frequent contributor, and on worse cases worn p… Repairs typically run $150-$4,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 Cadillac CT5 Driver Seat Massage and Lumbar/Bolster Module Failure?

A widely reported CT5 interior failure: the driver-seat massage and adjustable lumbar/bolster functions stop working. Dealers diagnose this as a failed seat 'module' — an all-in-one air-pump, valve and electronics unit feeding the seat air bladders. Owners report the failure from… Repairs typically run $350-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2024 Cadillac CT5 Sunroof / Headliner Rattle and Creak?

Owners of sunroof-equipped CT5 models report creaking and rattling from the roof/sunroof and headliner area, especially over bumps and at speed. GM has a related sunroof-creak service bulletin (TSB 19-NA-096) that calls for dropping the headliner and torquing the sunroof module b… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.

What is the 2020-2024 Cadillac CT5 Gloss Black Exterior Trim (B-Pillar / Window Surround) Peeling and Delamination?

A common cosmetic defect on 2020-2024 CT5 models: the gloss-black exterior B-pillar appliqués and window-surround trim bubble, haze, and delaminate, with the clear top layer lifting and flaking to expose a dull layer beneath. Owners describe small bubbles or a milky look first, p… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.

What is the 2020-2024 Cadillac CT5 High-Speed Wind Noise / Whistle from Windshield A-Pillar Weatherstrip?

CT5 owners report a persistent whistle or high-pitched 'tone' (described as ringing in the ears) at highway speeds, typically 65 mph and up, plus buzzing from the door/window/headliner area at 50+ mph. Sources isolated by owners and dealers include the windshield weatherstrip lif… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.

What is the 2020-2025 Cadillac CT5 Performance and Carbon-Ceramic Brake Squeal and Grinding Noise?

CT5 and CT5-V owners (and especially CT5-V Blackwing buyers with the optional Brembo carbon-ceramic package) report loud brake squeal, and at low speed a grindy or metal-on-metal sound, sometimes as early as ~5,000 miles. The copper-free friction-material formulation now mandated… Repairs typically run $250-$3,000. Severity: low.

What is the 2020-2025 Cadillac CT5 10-Speed Transmission Adaptive Learning and Shift Quality?

The CT5 uses GM's 10-speed automatic (10L80) that can exhibit harsh shifts, delayed engagement, and shift hunting, particularly when the adaptive learning resets. The 10-speed has very complex shift logic and can take 500+ miles to fully adapt to a driver's pattern after a batter… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.

Cadillac · Known Issues

2021 Cadillac CT5 Problems: 18 Known Issues

2021 model year · 405+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

According to Au7o's analysis of 405+ owner reports, the 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 18 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are GM 6.2L V8 Engine Recall for Connecting Rod Bearing Failure ($0-$0 repair), LT4 Supercharged V8 Premature Engine Failure ($0-$15,000 repair), 10L80 Harsh Shifts and Check Engine Light with DTC P2812 or P2814 (Line Pressure Solenoid) ($0-$3,500 repair), Roof-Rail Side-Curtain Airbags May Be Installed Incorrectly (Recall 21V611), 10-Speed Transmission Damage Can Cause Wheel Lock-Up (Recall 25V148), Daytime Running Lights May Stay On with Headlights (Recall 22V903) and Airbag Warning Lamp May Not Illuminate Consistently (Recall 21V421). The most commonly reported issue is GM 6.2L V8 Engine Recall for Connecting Rod Bearing Failure with 320 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $75 to $15,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac CT5 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 405+ owner reports, the 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 18 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: GM 6.2L V8 Engine Recall for Connecting Rod Bearing Failure, LT4 Supercharged V8 Premature Engine Failure, 10L80 Harsh Shifts and Check Engine Light with DTC P2812 or P2814 (Line Pressure Solenoid). Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Cadillac CT5 reliable?

The 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 18 known issues documented across 405+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: GM 6.2L V8 Engine Recall for Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and LT4 Supercharged V8 Premature Engine Failure and 10L80 Harsh Shifts and Check Engine Light with DTC P2812 or P2814 (Line Pressure Solenoid) and Roof-Rail Side-Curtain Airbags May Be Installed Incorrectly (Recall 21V611) and 10-Speed Transmission Damage Can Cause Wheel Lock-Up (Recall 25V148) and Daytime Running Lights May Stay On with Headlights (Recall 22V903) and Airbag Warning Lamp May Not Illuminate Consistently (Recall 21V421). 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 CT5 problems?

Repair costs for known Cadillac CT5 issues range from $0 to $15,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, GM 6.2L V8 Engine Recall for Connecting Rod Bearing Failure, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2021-2024 Cadillac CT5 GM 6.2L V8 Engine Recall for Connecting Rod Bearing Failure?

After widespread engine failures and an NHTSA investigation, GM recalled all 2021-2024 vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine including the CT5-V. The recall addresses potential connecting rod bearing failure that can cause engine seizure, stalling, or fire risk. The recall co… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

All 18 Known Issues

Other Cadillac Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac CT5 problems?

Is the Cadillac CT5 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac CT5 problems?

What is the 2021-2024 Cadillac CT5 GM 6.2L V8 Engine Recall for Connecting Rod Bearing Failure?

What is the 2020-2024 Cadillac CT5 LT4 Supercharged V8 Premature Engine Failure?

2021-2024 Cadillac CT5: GM 6.2L V8 Engine Recall for Connecting Rod Bearing Failure#

2020-2024 Cadillac CT5: LT4 Supercharged V8 Premature Engine Failure#

2020-2024 Cadillac CT5: 2.0T LSY Engine Timing Cover Oil Leak#

2020-2025 Cadillac CT5: 2.0L Turbo (LSY) Excessive Oil Consumption and PCV System Failure#

2020-2021 Cadillac CT5: 10L80 Harsh Shifts and Check Engine Light with DTC P2812 or P2814 (Line Pressure Solenoid)#

2020-2021 Cadillac CT5: 10-Speed Transmission Damage Can Cause Wheel Lock-Up (Recall 25V148)#

2020-2022 Cadillac CT5: 10L80 10-Speed Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Shudder at Light Throttle#

2020-2025 Cadillac CT5: 10-Speed Transmission Adaptive Learning and Shift Quality#

2020-2022 Cadillac CT5: Roof-Rail Side-Curtain Airbags May Be Installed Incorrectly (Recall 21V611)#

2021 Cadillac CT5: Airbag Warning Lamp May Not Illuminate Consistently (Recall 21V421)#

2020-2023 Cadillac CT5: Daytime Running Lights May Stay On with Headlights (Recall 22V903)#

2020-2024 Cadillac CT5: Gloss Black Exterior Trim (B-Pillar / Window Surround) Peeling and Delamination#

2020-2025 Cadillac CT5: Premature 12V Battery Drain / Parasitic Draw (Memory Seat Module)#

2020-2023 Cadillac CT5: Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC / Driver Information Center) Intermittent Blank Screen After Remote Start#

2020-2024 Cadillac CT5: Sunroof / Headliner Rattle and Creak#

2020-2024 Cadillac CT5: High-Speed Wind Noise / Whistle from Windshield A-Pillar Weatherstrip#

2020-2025 Cadillac CT5: Driver Seat Massage and Lumbar/Bolster Module Failure#

2020-2025 Cadillac CT5: Performance and Carbon-Ceramic Brake Squeal and Grinding Noise#

What is the 2020-2021 Cadillac CT5 10L80 Harsh Shifts and Check Engine Light with DTC P2812 or P2814 (Line Pressure Solenoid)?