Model year guide

2020 Cadillac ct5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Cadillac ct5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 9 on record.

2020 Cadillac ct5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2020 Cadillac ct5 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints39
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined21–26 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2020 Cadillac ct5 recalls 4

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #25V148000 · manufacturer #N242480630 · 06/03/2025

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software NHTSA Campaign #22V903000 · manufacturer #N222386380 · 08/12/2022

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 S…

Fix: 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 custom…

Air Bags:side/window:curtain NHTSA Campaign #21V611000 · manufacturer #N212342780 · 05/08/2021

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes NHTSA Campaign #20V588000 · manufacturer #A202307260 · 24/09/2020

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.

Fix: 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 numbe…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2020 Cadillac ct5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

2020 Cadillac ct5 safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 9.5% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2020 Cadillac CT5 4 DR AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2020 Cadillac ct5 MPG & running costs

Combined21–26 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,525
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S10)
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume99 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,625 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Cadillac ct5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,625
Fuel only$17,625
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
193.7 in
Width
74.0 in
Height
57.1 in
Wheelbase
116.1 in
Curb weight
3,660–4,145 lb
Front track
63.0 in
Rear track
63.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2020 Cadillac ct5 — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Air Bag Malfunction Closed

On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 E…

NHTSA #PE21010 · Air Bags · opened Apr 2021 · closed Aug 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 897

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 897.

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

Bulletin PIT5698F · Sep 2026

This PI advises of a procedure for a Service Door Latch System message with No Related DTCs

Bulletin PIC6555A · Sep 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

Bulletin PIT5099J · Jul 2026

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with a replace or low FOB battery message

Bulletin PIT6511 · Apr 2026

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

Bulletin PIP6104 · Mar 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902V · Mar 2026

This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss

Bulletin PIT6425D · Mar 2026

This Preliminary information communicates the potential for condensation to freeze up inside the Crankcase Pressure Sensor causing dtc P04FB to set.

Bulletin PIP5841H · Feb 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CT5 RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 5

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2020 Cadillac ct5. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Powertrain

Issue: Over time, the transmission control valve could wear and lose pressure. If this happens, the transmission could shift harshly and could cause the wheels to lock up. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Safety Risk: Wheels that lock suddenly could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actio…

Transport Canada #2025118 · Mar 2025

Lights And Instruments

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the lower beam headlamps not to turn on as it becomes dark outside if the multi-function switch is in the "OFF" or "PARKING LAMP" position. This could also cause the daytime running lamps (DRLs) to turn off when the vehicle is moving. As a result, the vehicles may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. S…

Transport Canada #2024060 · Feb 2024

Lights And Instruments

Issue: On certain vehicles, the daytime running lamps (DRLs) may stay on when the headlamps are on. Canadian regulations require the DRLs to turn off when the headlamps are on. Safety Risk: Daytime running lamps that stay on could cause glare for oncoming drivers and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to t…

Transport Canada #2022700 · Dec 2022

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, the roof-rail airbags may not have been installed correctly. As a result, the airbags may not inflate properly in a crash. Safety Risk: A roof-rail airbag that does not inflate properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer t…

Transport Canada #2021488 · Aug 2021

Brakes

Issue: On certain vehicles, a sensor in the electronic brake boost system may have a bad connection. Under certain driving conditions, this could cause a loss of brake assist. If this happens, there would be a sudden increase in brake pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. Safety Risk: Reduced brake performance can cause extended stopping distances and increase the r…

Transport Canada #2020452 · Sep 2020

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Cadillac ct5

The Cadillac CT5 is a mid-size luxury car manufactured and marketed by General Motors under the Cadillac brand since 2019. It is the replacement for the Cadillac CTS.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2020 Cadillac ct5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Luxury · Sport
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl

2020 Cadillac ct5 vehicles on record

Other Cadillac ct5 model years

2020 Cadillac ct5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Cadillac ct5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2020 Cadillac ct5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Cadillac ct5?

Across all 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, engine.

What is the 2020 Cadillac ct5 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2020 Cadillac ct5 an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 5★).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Cadillac ct5 get?

The 2020 Cadillac ct5 has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.