VehicleVerdict

2020 Cadillac CT5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 55 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.5 times the median CT5 year — the 2020 model ranks #1 of 7 CT5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (13), electrical system (9), and other (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

55

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other CT5 years?

CT5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted55 complaints2020: 55 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 9 complaints2023: 14 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 10 complaints2026: 8 complaints
CT5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CT5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Cadillac CT5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1324%
Electrical System916%
Other916%
Engine815%
Body & Structure47%
Driver Assistance24%
Speed Control24%
Steering24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Latches & Locks12%
Airbags12%
Suspension12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 2020 Cadillac CT5 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V148000TransmissionMarch 6, 2025 · 90,081 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

22V903000LightingDecember 8, 2022 · 740,108 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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 recall number 22V-827.

21V611000AirbagsAugust 5, 2021 · 34,157 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

20V588000BrakesSeptember 24, 2020 · 3,677 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.

Consequence

If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“While slowing down vehicle felt as if it was put into park momentarily, which cause car to slide on ice. After reading the recall, I am certain that the transmission failed. Car was towed to Ray Skillman cheverolet on south post road in Indianapolis, to which they already ran the vin and agreed to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 12, 2025 · crash

“In reverse infotainment display instead of showing backup cameras, shows a blue screen with a camera error msg. Has occurred since vehicle was new. As it becomes more frequent, we've taken it to the dealer and they serviced it (keeping the car for 2 weeks each time). Upon return it does it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 28, 2023

“I have had many issues with Onstar failing. I bought the 2020 Cadillac CT5 AWD 10/2020. It took Onstar over a month to connect to my car to provide AT&T internet plan (via Onstar). On 4/22/21 I was hit in my driver front & wheel, Onstar failed- never contacted us & the airbags did not deploy. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 22, 2021 · crash

“I've owned 2 ct5 each one had their turbos go out at 55k miles each and valves bodies that need replacing around 70k for each vehicle ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 20, 2025

“I am receiving notice on the speed screen telling me the door lock need service. I never had a cadillac to tell me something about door lock need service.I have had others 2000 Deville,2017 Cts and now this 2020 Ct5 which i have had so many problem with.But now i am concern about this door problem…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 2, 2025

2020 Cadillac CT5 — common questions

Is the 2020 Cadillac CT5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 55 complaints put the 2020 model at #1 of 7 CT5 years. It is one of the CT5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 CT5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), other (9 complaints).

Does the 2020 Cadillac CT5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Cadillac CT5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 Cadillac CT5 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Cadillac CT5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CT5 years to avoid are 2020. The cleanest record among CT5 years belongs to 2024.

How safe is the 2020 Cadillac CT5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.