2021 Cadillac Ct5

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
2L 3L
Engine
2L I4 Turbo
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-30 Full Synthetic (5 qts)
Transmission
Automatic (S10)
Wheel Torque
140
ft-lbs

The 2021 Cadillac Ct5 maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Cadillac Ct5.

For oil changes, the 2021 Cadillac Ct5 takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Cadillac Ct5, torque the lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2021 Cadillac Ct5 have reported 5 common issues including "10-Speed Transmission Control Valve Wear and Wheel Lockup", "Daytime Running Lights Fail to Deactivate" and "Roof Rail Side-Curtain Air Bag Installation Error". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 4 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Cadillac Ct5. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2021 Cadillac Ct5 uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 140 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2021 Cadillac Ct5 Specifications
Motor Oil5W-30 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5 qt
Lug Nut Torque140 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantDex-Cool (OAT)
Transmission FluidDexron VI
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
Dexron VI
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Dex-Cool (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 Cadillac Ct5. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
7,500 mi / 12 mo
Dexos1 Gen2 0W-20 synthetic (2.0L turbo) or 5W-30 (3.0L twin-turbo), 5.3 qt (2.0L)
Tire Rotation
7,500 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
22,500 mi / 24 mo
Located behind glove box
Engine Air Filter
45,000 mi / 48 mo
Inspect at 22,500 mi
Brake Fluid
45,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid
45,000 mi
10-speed automatic; Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP
Coolant
150,000 mi
Dex-Cool OAT; then every 30,000 mi
Spark Plugs
97,500 mi
Iridium-tipped
Serpentine Belt
90,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 Cadillac Ct5.

Common problems reported by 2021 Cadillac Ct5 owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

10-Speed Transmission Control Valve Wear and Wheel Lockup

The 10-speed automatic transmission control valve is susceptible to excess wear, resulting in harsh shifting and, in rare cases, momentary front wheel lockup. This recall affects 2020-2021 CT5 models (some early 2022 production may also be affected). The worn valve causes a gradual loss of internal pressure leading to erratic shift behavior.

Solution

NHTSA recall for TCM software update. Dealers install new software that monitors valve performance and detects wear approximately 10,000 miles before lockup could occur. The transmission is then limited to 5th gear to prevent the lockup condition. Transmission valve body replacement for vehicles with detected wear.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall) - $3,000 (valve body replacement)
2

Daytime Running Lights Fail to Deactivate

The DRLs may not deactivate when the headlights are turned on, affecting 2020-2023 CT5 models. This violates FMVSS requirements and creates glare for oncoming drivers, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a head-on or lane-departure crash, especially on dark two-lane roads.

Solution

NHTSA recall for BCM software update. Dealers update the body control module, or the fix may be applied via OTA update. Free of charge.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
3

Roof Rail Side-Curtain Air Bag Installation Error

The roof rail side-curtain air bags may not have been installed correctly at the factory on certain 2020-2022 CT4 and CT5 vehicles. Incorrectly installed air bags may not deploy properly in a side impact or rollover crash, significantly reducing occupant protection.

Solution

NHTSA recall. Dealers inspect both left and right roof rail air bags and reinstall them correctly as necessary. The repair is performed free of charge.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
4

Infotainment System Lag and Freezing

The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system can experience significant lag, freezing, and unresponsive touchscreen behavior. Owners report the navigation system crashing, Bluetooth phone connections dropping, and the system requiring a hard reboot by holding the power button. The wireless phone charger may also overheat and stop working.

Solution

Infotainment system software update to the latest version. Hard reset of the CUE system. In persistent cases, replacement of the infotainment module. Wireless charger module replacement if it overheats or fails to charge.

Est. Cost: $0 (software update) - $1,500 (module replacement)
5

Turbo Engine Oil Consumption (2.0T Models)

CT5 models equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine can experience oil consumption between changes. The turbocharger seals and PCV system are potential sources of oil loss. Low oil conditions can damage the turbocharger bearings and engine internals if not caught early.

Solution

Monitor oil level regularly. Inspect turbocharger inlet and drain for oil seepage. Replace PCV valve if excessive crankcase pressure is detected. GM may authorize piston ring or turbo seal replacement under warranty if oil consumption exceeds acceptable thresholds.

Est. Cost: $0 (warranty) - $3,000 (turbo or piston ring repair)

4 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Cadillac Ct5. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign: 25V148000 Date: 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.

Consequence

Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

2

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 22V903000 Date: 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 Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.

3

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Campaign: 21V611000 Date: 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.

Consequence

Air bags that do not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

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.

4

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

Campaign: 21V421000 Date: 10/06/2021

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 communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.

Consequence

The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

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Ct5 — Other Model Years
202620252024202320222020
See Also
2021 Cadillac Ct5 Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2021 Cadillac Ct5All Vehicles Using 5W-30 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2021 Cadillac Ct5Wiper Replacement: 2021 Cadillac Ct5