2021 Cadillac Ct5 Safety Report
2021 Cadillac CT5: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Recurring Door Handle, Transmission, and Airbag Deployment Concerns Amidst Four Safety Recalls.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Cadillac Ct5
Reliability Score
The 2021 Cadillac Ct5 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2021 Cadillac Ct5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Cadillac Ct5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Door Handle Failure Exterior door handles fail to open the door due to faulty sensors or misalignment, leading to difficulty or inability to enter the vehicle. Multiple complaints indicate this issue affects all four doors and often requires full handle replacement. |
Medium | Common | unknown miles |
| Transmission Issues (Shuddering/Service Message) Vehicle experiences abnormal shaking, shuddering, or grinding noises, particularly during gear shifts, with 'service transmission' messages appearing. This aligns with a recall for the 10-speed transmission potentially leading to wheel lock-up. |
High | Occasional | 37000-unknown miles |
| Airbag Non-Deployment Despite significant front-end damage in a crash, airbags failed to deploy. This is a critical safety concern, especially given two recalls related to airbag systems. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Automatic Braking System Malfunction Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to press, leading to insufficient braking and collision, due to communication issues between the ABS computer and ECU, disabling assisted braking and steering. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Cadillac Ct5:
Multiple complaints related to electrical system, including faulty door handle sensors and general electrical malfunctions.
Issues related to vehicle structure, including door handle failures and a shattered sunroof.
Complaints about transmission shuddering, grinding noises, and 'service transmission' messages, aligning with a recall.
Reports of airbags failing to deploy in a crash, despite two recalls related to airbag systems.
One complaint detailing a complete failure of the automatic braking system leading to a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Cadillac Ct5
Is the 2021 Cadillac CT5 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Cadillac CT5 received excellent 5-star overall safety ratings in crash tests. However, it has 17 complaints, 3 crashes, and 2 injuries reported, along with 4 safety recalls addressing critical components like the transmission and airbags. While crash test performance is strong, recurring issues with door handles, transmission, and concerning reports of airbag non-deployment in actual crashes suggest potential real-world safety vulnerabilities.
What are common problems with the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Cadillac CT5 include exterior door handle failures (affecting ingress/egress), transmission problems such as shuddering and 'service transmission' messages, and concerning reports of airbags failing to deploy in crashes. The ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STRUCTURE components each account for 17.6% of complaints, with POWER TRAIN at 11.8%.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
Yes, the 2021 Cadillac CT5 has 4 safety recalls. These include recalls for the 10-speed transmission (potential for wheel lock-up), exterior lighting (DRL glare), improperly installed roof rail side-curtain airbags, and a faulty airbag malfunction indicator light.
How does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 received top marks in NHTSA crash tests, earning a perfect 5-star overall safety rating. It achieved 5 stars in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests.
Should I be concerned about the transmission in the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
Yes, there is a recall for the 10-speed transmission in certain 2021 CT5 models, which could lead to the transmission becoming damaged and potentially causing wheel lock-up. Additionally, NHTSA complaints include reports of the vehicle shuddering, making grinding noises, and displaying 'service transmission' messages, indicating potential real-world issues with this component.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring door handle failures, transmission issues, and critical airbag-related recalls. Thoroughly check for recall completion and inspect door handle functionality before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Cadillac Ct5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Cadillac Ct5. The data includes 17 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Cadillac Ct5 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.