Cadillac CT4 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Cadillac CT4 options? We analyzed 7 model years (2020–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac CT4 has 31 owner complaints and 11 safety recalls across model years 2020–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2021 drew the most complaints; 2023 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- CT4
- Model years analyzed
- 2020–2026 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 31
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2021 (7 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2023 (3 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Cadillac CT4: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe CADILLAC CT4 has 31 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. 2 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 31 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 11 federal recall campaigns
- 2 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
11 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
SERVICE BRAKES
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2020–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 31 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
31 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I had two incidents with the Cadillac CT-4 in February and then again in April of 2026 of driving on I-75 at a highway speed of about 70 MPH when the vehicle suddenly downshifted and the engine revving at at very high RPM. The vehicle slowed down suddenly and it felt for a moment that I could not control the speed. The check engine light was on and the diagnostic indicated a transmission/engineer problem and to take in to service within a day. Both incidents in February and April felt the same. Both times I pulled over to the shoulder to shut the engine. I waited and in February it restarted without the engineer revving high. In April, it still revved high. When I took it to Ed Morse Cadillac in [XXX] in February 28, they indicated that it was a water pump failure and they replaced the water pump. I expressed that it was odd that a water pump could affect the vehicle engineer/transmission like it did when engine overheating is usually a warning of a water pump problem. The Odometer was at 73000 just over the 70000 warranty and Cadillac HQ agreed to pay for the repair. However, I continued to have the transmission problem or check engine light problem. I took it back several more times for the check engine light and even paid for a diagnostic. Ultimately, I had the same sudden downshift high engine rev on May 6th and brought it to the Brandon Cadillac again. This time they gave me a loaner and kept the car for a week and told me it was the transmission and that the core component would need to be replaced. The bill was for $4,449.83 for the repair on May 20, 2026. This time Cadillac HQ would not cover the repair even though there were other Cadiilacs with similar transmission issues. The Caddillac HQ Case Number is #XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The electronic brake control module, break retainer, brake master cylinder and brake valve all failed. I was driving to lunch and coming down a hill when multiple warning lights turned on as I pressed the brakes. I had almost no braking power as I approached a stop sign that lets you enter a highway almost causing me to drive through the stop sign and into cross traffic. I had enough bearings to down shift it and slow it down enough to stop. If I have went through the stop sign, it could have been a fatal accident. The vehicle is at a GM dealership currently with all active codes and faulty equipment. I contacted GM and tried to get some help with this issue and they refuse to help since it is not on the recall list. There is a recall on these exact same parts on the exact same vehicle, GM said its VIN specific. The problem is still current. This vehicle is a major safety risk that obviously should have been included in the recall. There was no warning or no symptoms of this issue until the failure in the moment.
The vehicle shudders and loses power when accelerating fast. My wife almost got hit when she pulled out in traffic the car stalled out. It is due to the cylinder deactivation (afm).
Right rear brake light is out. There is a lot of moisture in the tail light causing the lights to corrode and go out
The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac CT4. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, on several occasions, the vehicle failed to accelerate, hesitated, and then stalled. The vehicle was towed on three occasions to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. There were no DTC codes retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CT4. The contact stated that the "Service Safety Restraint System" message was displayed on the instrument panel while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not yet being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
While driving at highway speeds on the freeway in my 2021 Cadillac CT4-V, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of propulsion. Without warning, the transmission dropped out of gear as if it were in neutral. I completely lost the ability to accelerate, creating an immediate, life-threatening hazard as I was left stranded and blocking high-speed freeway traffic. Only after the mechanical failure occurred did the check engine light illuminate. The vehicle was towed to Cadillac Dealership. The service department confirmed that the vehicle suffered from the known defective transmission control valve covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N242480631 and tied to NHTSA Campaign 25V148. The dealership ordered the replacement valve body but aborted the repair after confirming that the control valve's failure caused massive internal fluid leaks and total mechanical destruction of the transmission assembly. The manufacturer is currently denying coverage for the complete transmission replacement, despite the fact that the total failure was consequential damage directly caused by the federally recalled, component defect.
Check engine light for P1467 on a 2021 CT4 V. This is for a "purge pump underspeed" issue. The issue is known on CT4 Cadillacs and has an active recall out: N242441120 Evaporative Emissions Purge Pump. This recall is only for the 2.0, LSY engines, but the much more uncommon 2.7, L3B engine in my car uses the same part # for the purge pump. It feels as though they are intentionally ignoring an equal emissions issue, but just on a smaller scale with the limited number of these engines they sold. What actions can I take?
There is a known issue with hesitation and hard shifting on my vehicle. According to the gm bulletin that was released I believe in may of 25 my year, make and model has a known issue where the transmission control valve may stick or wear causing jerking and shifting issues and could cause a possible crash. According to the bulletin by gm the fix is to replace the valve cover on the transmission. My vehicle is currently at the Cadillac repair center for this shifting issue and it has been diagnosed to need a valve cover replacement to solve the problem. My point is I have the exact problem listed in the recall and the exact repair listed on gm’s bulletin is the solution. Now I have to pay for the repair because my vin is not specifically listed yet but my year, make and model and problem and the solution is all listed . I know I’m apart of this recall please help me
valve body failed and was supposedly repaired. I had the car 1 day and valve body failed again. My car has been in the shop since November 4, 2024 with no estimated time of repair because no parts are available. I was told they would replace the transmission. That has not happened yet. No parts available. My car has been disable for 6 months.
Engine and transmission for the second time in 90 days apart. Supposedly be a new part. I don’t think so.
While driving the power steering was lost. The the auto hold function lit up. The collision warning light lit up. The stabilitrak system lit up. The air bag safety system lit up. Steering became very hard and made for y safe driving. Later that day 01-22-24, all warning light went out and power steering was normal.
235 40 80 run flat Both front and rear passenger tires no damage to rim less that 10k miles
The problem first arose in June 2023 with a different car, 2022 CT4V VIN [XXX] . I was driving and suddenly, all the dashboard lights went on and the brakes stopped working. There was no pressure on the pedal. I was able to roll to a stop without incident. I turned the car off and back on again and the brakes worked but the check engine light was still on. I was able to limp the mile back to my house. After almost 6 weeks at the dealer, I was told they replaced a brake module and the car was fine. On [XXX], it happened again. It was towed to the dealer and I refused to drive it again. The car had about 2400 miles on it. They took it back, although claiming nothing was wrong, and I bought the CT4V Blackwing 2023. On [XXX], it happened in the new car (500 miles on it). The dashboard lit up, the brakes wouldn't work, although this time instead of no pressure on the pedal, it was hard as a rock. After turning it on and off again, the brakes worked but the speed was restricted and other things in the car did not seem to be working correctly. The check engine light was also on. The dealership towed it. They told me they could not recreate the problem. Weeks later, I was told that an engineer from GM was looking at it. I received a call from some customer support department person who eventually told me that there was nothing wrong with the car, that the brake failure was a result of the Allstate Milewise device that was plugged in and they would not do anything for me. My husband has a Milewise in his Chevy truck with no issues. I found a forum online discussing this problem which has apparently happened to numerous people in CT4V and Blackwings. I also spoke to Allstate which does not have any reported problems with the device. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle shut off while driving on the feeder of the highway. Vehicle was no longer responsive and had to be towed to Central Cadillac of Houston; where later it was determined that the vehicle needed a new engine. The Vehicle is a 2023 with less than 5,000 miles on it. Currently General Motors/Cadillac is not acknowledging that a buy back is needed for the vehicle, even though it meets requirements for the Texas Lemon Law.
Early morning starts, backing out of my garages which has a slight angle to is and then putting the car in drive and accelerating at a low speed when car reaches 10 miles per hour the engine races and the transmission hesitates. This only happens on the at the start of the day. Doesn't happen again until the next day. It does this 90% of the time. Additionally, throughout the day if you let up on the gas and coast then accelerate it take a few second for the transmission to reengage.
It is hard to get in and out of the drivers seat of the Cadillac CT4 without hitting the rear hinge post of the back door. The steering wheel doesn't adjust up enough to clear enough space to get in without hitting your head on the top edge of the drivers side door frame. It shouldn't take contorting your body to get in and out of a car. If there was an emergency (ie: car caught fire) to exit the car, you wouldn't be able to in a hurry. I've tried my best to describe this nightmare.
The car bring 2 cruise control the doesn't work no safety
The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac CT4. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, there was an abnormal engine oil burning odor around the exterior of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a camshaft carrier reseal leak. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,305.
I took my car to Fields Cadillac Jacksonville for routine oil change and to rotate/balance tires. I was inform via video message that I had an oil leak coming from the camshaft carrier reseal and requires immediate attention.
Showing 20 of 31 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Cadillac CT4
These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Cadillac CT4, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Cadillac CT4 has 31 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Cadillac CT4 has 11 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 2 of the Cadillac CT4's 31 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Cadillac CT4 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Cadillac CT4 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Cadillac CT4 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Cadillac CT4 by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Cadillac CT4.
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Cadillac CT4 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac CT4 reliable?
Average. The Cadillac CT4 has 31 NHTSA owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Cadillac CT4 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2021 (7 complaints), 2024 (7 complaints), 2020 (6 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Cadillac CT4 problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (9 complaints); POWER TRAIN (6 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints).
Does the Cadillac CT4 have recalls?
Yes — 11 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Cadillac CT4. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.