Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Cadillac CT5
Our scoring places the 2021 Cadillac CT5 at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.3/10, while Reliability at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.2/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $34,297–$41,224, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Cadillac CT5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.4/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Cadillac CT5 is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $34,297 starting price is about 24% above the segment's median of $27,664.
$0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which CT5 Year Should You Buy?
Across the CT5 model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Cadillac CT5 (4 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Side/window / Curtain 05/08/2021 · 21V611000
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.
Air bags / Srs malfunction warning lamp/light 10/06/2021 · 21V421000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of…
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…
Power train / Automatic transmission 06/03/2025 · 25V148000
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.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Cadillac CT5 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Cadillac CT5
Is the 2021 Cadillac CT5 reliable?
We rate the 2021 Cadillac CT5's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Cadillac CT5 worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #585 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 55% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 cost?
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 starts at $34,297 and ranges up to $41,224 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which CT5 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 7 CT5 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.7/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Cadillac CT5 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Exterior lighting, Power train (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Cadillac CT5
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
More Cadillac Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Cadillac models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year