CadillacCT52021Overview/cadillac/ct5/2021/base/

2021 Cadillac CT5

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 CT5.

The 2021 Cadillac CT5, running on a lubrication specification of 5.28 quarts of 0W-20 oil, drew 20 owner complaints—led by electrical system concerns—alongside four recalls on file. That places it well below the 33 complaints recorded for 2020 but still above the mere two complaints that mark 2024 as the CT5's quietest year within the 2020-2026 production run captured here. The 2021 model year effectively functions as a transitional point in the nameplate's reliability arc: still carrying meaningful teething issues from the inaugural year, but already on a clear downward trajectory toward a far more settled ownership experience. For a researcher mapping the CT5's long-term picture, it is the year when the model's reputation began to stabilize.

Model year2026202520242023202220212020

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.28 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque140 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Models not equipped with start/stop: 48 · 700 CCA battery, OE oil filter 12727115. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Models not equipped with start/stop: 48 · 700 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size245/45R18 96VOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8, Optional: 8.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter12727115 alt 12731742
Engine air filter84335354 alt 84498926
Spark plug12650283 alt 55504354
Battery88864542
Front wiper blades84574892 alt 84566977
Serpentine belt12678130 alt 55488926
Thermostat55516370 alt 12678784
Cabin air filter13508023 alt 13356914

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length193.7 in
Overall width74 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase116.1 in
Curb weight3799 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)53/47

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the CT5 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.70 sec — 2021 Premium Luxury Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021Premium Luxury Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-46.70 sec15.00 sec237 hpAWD
2020Sport 350T Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-46.60 sec15.00 sec237 hpRWD
2020Sport 350T Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-47.10 sec15.30 sec237 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.28 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, Dot 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.1 qt
Brake FluidDot 4
Brake Fluid Capacity.909 pt
Engine CoolantDEX-COOL
Engine Coolant Capacity12.96 qt
Engine CoolantDEX-COOL
Engine Coolant Capacity12.82 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.25 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.25 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)6.6 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)31.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)27.0; Sensor with Harness: 11.0 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)6.6 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts140 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug11.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap.028-.031 in
Spark Plug Torque13.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap.035 in
Spark Plug Torque13 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.10 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Capacity2.70 oz
Standard BCI Group NumberModels not equipped with start/stop: 48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance700 cca
Optional BCI Group NumberModels equipped with start/stop: 94R
Optional BCI Cranking Performance730 cca

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)50.0
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)50.0

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque30.0
ABS Sensor Torque6.0
Minimum Pad Thickness0.078 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.063; Rear: .827
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 1.102; Rear: .866
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.001
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 28°37 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 75°18 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 110°18 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M6 Bolts 11-1822 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 70°15 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°22 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-73.7 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant at 150,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 150,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miAccelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect)
Every 15,000 miWindshield Wiper Blade (replace)
Every 22,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 45,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect)
Every 60,000 miSpark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 75,000 miHood Hinge (inspect)
Every 97,500 miTransfer Case Assembly (drain & refill)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 CT5 sits near the middle of a clear downward trend in federal complaints, dropping from 33 in 2020 to 20 in 2021 and continuing to fall to just 8 by 2022. Recall activity remains flat at four from 2020 to 2021 before halving to two in 2022 and reaching a single recall in 2023, indicating improving reliability across the generation. Investigations also stay constant at one through 2021 and disappear thereafter, while Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) decrease steadily from 893 in 2020 to 795 in 2021 and keep falling each year. The top complaint categories for 2021 are electrical system (5), structure (4), power‑train (2) and a miscellaneous group (1); crash‑related complaints number three and there are no fire complaints, and the data does not specify any underlying root causes. Compared with the surrounding years, 2021 marks a turning point where both complaints and recalls begin to decline, suggesting a relatively reliable model year. **Takeaway:** 2021 is a solid year to consider for a used CT5, offering lower issue rates than earlier years while still benefiting from the generation’s improving track record.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
795
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
20
Owner complaints
3 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 20 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System5
Structure4
Power Train2
Wheels,Unknown Or Other,Engine1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Air Bags1
Steering,Exterior Lighting,Visibility/Wiper1
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V611000Air Bags:Side/Window:CurtainReported 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… 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…

21V421000Air Bags:Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/LightReported 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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 795 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
PIT5966F2026-06-23Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still…
PIC6423A2026-05-11Unknown Or OtherPi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection…
PIC6551B2026-05-11Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless…
PIT65112026-04-24Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates an issue with a replace or low FOB battery…
PIT65072026-04-20Unknown Or OtherThis PI communicates information on a SPS programming issue causing Serial Data…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific CT5. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 CT5 take?

5.28 qt of Dexos1 Gen 2 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 CT5 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.