2021 Cadillac CT4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Cadillac CT4: 4 recalls, 7 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Electrical Vehicle recall #21V421000 · 2021 · 285,622 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The air bag malfunction indicator light May fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V611000 · 2021 · 34,157 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Air bags that do not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #22V903000 · 2022 · 740,108 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Drls that do not deactivate as intended May result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #25V148000 · 2025 · 90,081 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission May become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
Why it matters: Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (2): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Tires (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 has 7 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 7 CT4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 5). Complaints peaked in 2024 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old. Neighboring years: 2020 (8 complaints, 4 recalls), 2022 (6 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | Premium |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Cadillac CT4.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Cadillac CT4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Cadillac CT4. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Cadillac CT4 problems?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (3), fuel & propulsion (2), tires (1).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Cadillac CT4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Cadillac CT4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.