Cadillac CT4 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used Cadillac CT4 options? We analyzed 7 model years (2020β2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Cadillac CT4 you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac CT4 has 26 owner complaints and 11 safety recalls across model years 2020β2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2021 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- CT4
- Model years analyzed
- 2020β2026 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 26
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2021 (6 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (4 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Good
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 β 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 β 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
GoodThe CADILLAC CT4 has 26 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.
- 26 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: Jun 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.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2020β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
Most-reported problem areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 26 NHTSA complaints.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
26 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.
Sept 4 2024 my husband was involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a gravel hauler that hit him twice once in the rear then in drivers side that cause my husband to spin out of control hitting another vehicle none of the airbags deployed My husband should have been killed or severely injured by the grace of God he was not
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac CT4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the power steering and power brakes failed to operate as needed. The check engine and the crash warning lights were illuminated. The contact coasted to the side of the road while depressing the brake pedal with an excessive amount of force. The vehicle was stopped by bumping on a nearby curb. Once the vehicle was stopped, the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to regain power steering and power brakes functionality. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was showing 24 failed Communication codes; however, the exact cause of failure was unknown. The battery was replaced by the dealer after the first failure however, after the failure recurred no additional repairs had been performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure a complaint was filed. The contact was referred to the dealer for further assistance. The failure mileage was 9,000.
The problem first arose in June 2023. 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 VIN [XXX] . 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)
While driving in normal street conditions, the dashboard lit up and all the lights came on. Traction control, stability control, check engine light, tire pressure, brake, ABS all lit up. The digital dash showed two errors: 1. Forward Collision System Unavailable and 2. Steering assist is reduced, drive with care. I noticed that steering became much more difficult and braking was extremely difficult. When coasting to a park, my car would not engage the e-brake unless I shut the car down at first and then re-started it. This is the second time this has happened to me, the first time was 4 months ago and the Cadillac dealership already tried to fix the problem by replacing a brake control module. Clearly they did not fix it and now I do not feel safe in the vehicle. The problem is not easily reproducible as it comes on randomly while driving (I was literally cruising in 5th gear). My car is a manual transmission if that makes a difference, so the e-brake is pretty vital. Uploaded are pictures from 4 months ago when the problem first happened and I was stopped at my house. The last picture was from yesterday while I was driving and the issue re-occurred. I have dropped off my car today at the dealership for them to look at again.
A few days ago while driving (45mph), my 22' 4BW dash lit up like hell and I lost power steering, brakes, went into limp mode. Restarted the vehicle, all was well. I did almost take out the Mini Cooper in front of me, with a 'Baby on Board' sticker. Don't even want to think about that. I have a service appointment scheduled for next week and I'm not driving the vehicle until then. Please review the following thread on the Blackwing forums where over 7 different people experience the same issue within 7 days of each other. https://www.cadillacvnet.com/forums/threads/ct4bws-turning-off-safety-risk.3928/#post-75520 Dealers are not taking responsibility for this issue and we are afraid to drive our cars.
While driving at higher speeds the multiple CT4 vehicles that I have driven share steering issues. While driving straight, there are no issues. If following gentle bends in the highway to the RIGHT, randomly the vehicles will increase the force required to maintain the current ground track. This causes the vehicle to slightly pull away from the desired track to the left. It does NOT occur when steering to the left, only to the right. It feels as if the steering enters a different type of steering mode and eases the required steering wheel pressure when the vehicle returns to straight driving. The fact that this steering is sour is randomly timed, only occurs in one direction leads me to believe that it irks an engineering problem. I have found this issue to present itself on the CT4 and CT5. I have personally driven the vehicles as well as confirmed the issue with sources online. I do not feel that this issues constitutes a safe steering feedback.
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.
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.
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
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 gmβs 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 Iβm 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 donβt 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.
Showing 20 of 26 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
Understanding this data
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 β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Cadillac CT4 has 26 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 26 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Good) 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 β 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 β 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 β 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.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Cadillac CT4 reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac CT4 reliable?
Good. The Cadillac CT4 has 26 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 (6 complaints), 2022 (6 complaints), 2024 (5 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 (8 complaints); STEERING (6 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints).
Does the Cadillac CT4 have recalls?
Yes β 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.