2021 Cadillac CT5 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
23 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
41,850 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 23 complaints (34.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 13.0% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 8.7% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 8.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Structure:Body | 6 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
Electrical System: 8; Structure:Body: 6; Power Train: 3; Air Bags: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Engine: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 10 |
2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 3; 2025: 8; 2026: 10
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11636164 · 2025-01-15 (January 15, 2025)
Service transmission message showed up on dash. Dealer stated after performance test found P17A5 code for shift control. The dealer stated that the gear shift assembly needed to be replaced and if not, that the car could get stuck in gear which I feel is a safety risk. My vehicle only has 37,111 miles on it and I am pretty much the only driver.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11636164 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11681668 · 2025-08-19 (August 19, 2025)
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac CT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 42 MPH – 66 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and shuddered while shifting gears. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,600.
Owner-reported narrative. 48,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11681668 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11430956 · 2021-08-29 (August 29, 2021)
There was no indication that the Automatic Braking System, Air Bags and Seatbelts were not working properly. In August 12, 2021, I was in an auto accident where I rear-ended another dodge car. The air bags did not deploy and Onstar was not notified. I believe I hit the steering wheel. I went to the emergency room and have seem my primary doctor once. I have a follow-up appointment this week for pain in the middle of my breast bone. My issuance company will inspect the car, after GM completes their inspection on Monday, August 27, 2021. …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11430956 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11605992 · 2024-08-01 (August 1, 2024)
When approaching a stopping vehicle the brake pedal became extremely hard to press and I could not brake enough to stop and had a collision. Come to find out that the ABS computer and the main ECU weren't communicating correctly which turned off the assisted braking, assisted steering and the AWD.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11605992 at NHTSA ↗