2021 Cadillac CT5 - Electric Vehicle Guide
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 belongs to a Cadillac CT5 lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 5 model years, from 2020 to 2026. It is an all-electric vehicle, so it skips the oil changes, spark plugs and exhaust-system service of a combustion CT5 entirely. It is configured as rear-wheel drive with an automatic (s10). The 2021 sits mid-run, with both earlier (2020) and later (2026) CT5 model years also documented.
The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, separate from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Routine upkeep centers on tire rotation, DOT 4 brake fluid, Dex-Cool battery/cabin coolant, cabin air filters and brake service rather than engine oil. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include lug nut 100 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around electrical system (5), structure (3), power train (2). A representative report reads: "We own a 2021 Cadillac CT5 that we bought used in 2024 from Sewell Cadillac in Houston, Texas. During our first year of ownership, and while still under..." There are 4 safety recalls on record; one covers: ...LC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL....
Estimated annual charging cost runs near $2,650.
Quick Specs
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Est. annual charging | $2,650 |
| Tire size | 225/45R18 |
| Coolant | Dex-Cool |
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 stars |
| Open recalls on record | 4 |
| Technical service bulletins | 200 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.