VehicleVerdict

2026 Cadillac CT5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2026 Cadillac CT5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2026 compare to other CT5 years?

CT5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted55 complaints2020: 55 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 9 complaints2023: 14 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 10 complaints2026: 8 complaints
CT5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CT5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Cadillac CT5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance338%
Speed Control225%
Engine113%
Other113%
Transmission113%

Does the 2026 Cadillac CT5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V114000OtherFebruary 26, 2026 · 5,861 units

Defect

General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”

Consequence

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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“While driving vehicle at approximately 50 mph in normal driving conditions, the vehicle’s automatic emergency braking/forward collision system activated an alert when a vehicle ahead of me slowed and turned out of my lane. After the lane was fully clear and there was no obstacle in front of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 19, 2026

“Catastrophic engine failure within 700 miles Requires full engine replacement Problems began around 150 miles on odometer Message: Reduced accelerated speed Check engine light Service transmission system Service variable valve timing system”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 8, 2026

“While driving vehicle at approximately 50 mph in normal driving conditions, the vehicle’s automatic emergency braking/forward collision system activated an alert when a vehicle ahead of me slowed and turned out of my lane. After the lane was fully clear and there was no obstacle in front of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 19, 2026

“Catastrophic engine failure within 700 miles Requires full engine replacement Problems began around 150 miles on odometer Message: Reduced accelerated speed Check engine light Service transmission system Service variable valve timing system”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 8, 2026

“Catastrophic engine failure within 700 miles Requires full engine replacement Problems began around 150 miles on odometer Message: Reduced accelerated speed Check engine light Service transmission system Service variable valve timing system”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 8, 2026

2026 Cadillac CT5 — common questions

Is the 2026 Cadillac CT5 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2026 Cadillac CT5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2026 Cadillac CT5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2026 Cadillac CT5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2026 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.