The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing uses the track-proven LF4 3.6L twin-turbo V6 with a Tremec TR-6060 manual or 10-speed auto. While built for performance, early units showed oil consumption issues and heat-related transmission failures under hard use.
Excessive Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 15,000-40,000 mi
Symptoms: burning 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, blue smoke on startup or under boost, low oil warning on track days, fouled spark plugs
Fix: Piston ring replacement requires full engine teardown. Some cases need full piston replacement if ring lands are damaged. 18-24 hours labor for disassembly, honing, new rings, and reassembly. Occasionally requires short block if cylinder scoring present.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure (Auto)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 20,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission slipping under hard acceleration, overtemp warnings after spirited driving, pink milky fluid in trans pan, erratic shifting when hot
Fix: The 10L80 transmission's auxiliary cooler can crack internally or externally leak under track thermal cycling. Requires cooler replacement, fluid flush, and sometimes filter. 4-6 hours labor including diagnosis and bleeding.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 25,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk on hard shifts or launch, vibration at idle in gear, excessive driveline lash, visible torn rubber or fluid leak from mount
Fix: The TR-6060 manual's rear mount can't handle repeated hard launches. Hydraulic mount tears internally. Replacement with OEM or upgraded polyurethane mount takes 2-3 hours with subframe access.
Estimated cost: $450-800
Crankshaft Bearing Wear (High-RPM Use)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: deep knock on cold start that fades, oil pressure drop at idle when hot, metallic rattle at 5,000+ RPM, metal shavings in oil filter
Fix: Extended track sessions or missed oil changes cause main or rod bearing failure in the LF4. Requires full teardown, crank inspection/machining, bearing replacement. If crank damaged, replacement needed. 20-28 hours labor. Often discovered during oil consumption diagnosis.
Estimated cost: $5,500-12,000
Fuel Filter Clogging (E85 Use)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: hesitation under boost above 4,500 RPM, limp mode on highway pulls, P0087 fuel pressure low code, rough idle after fuel-ups
Fix: Running E85 (flex-fuel capable) can accelerate filter clogging from ethanol cleaning deposits. In-tank filter replacement requires tank drop. 2.5-3.5 hours labor. Preventive replacement every 30k miles recommended for E85 users.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Head Gasket Failure (Overboosted Tunes)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 10,000-40,000 mi
Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leaks, overheating under boost, rough idle with misfire codes, oil in coolant or vice versa
Fix: Aftermarket tunes pushing beyond factory 18 psi can blow head gaskets on the LF4. Requires head removal, resurfacing, new gaskets, ARP studs recommended. 16-20 hours labor for both banks. Often find warped heads needing machine work.
Estimated cost: $4,000-7,500
Owner tips
Change oil every 4,000 miles if tracking or using extended high RPM; LF4 runs hot and consumption issues start with degraded oil
Upgrade transmission cooler before any track use—factory cooling is marginal on both manual and auto
Check oil level before every spirited drive—early piston ring issues show up as sudden consumption
Avoid aftermarket tunes without supporting mods (intercooler, oil cooler)—head gaskets are the weak link
Inspect transmission mount annually if you do hard launches—it's a $300 part that prevents $8k transmission damage
Buy one if you're prepared for high-performance maintenance costs and keep it stock or lightly modified—tuned hard-use examples are ticking time bombs for engine internals.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Fitment notes: High-performance AGM battery required; located in trunk
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Every control module on the 2022-2026 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Engine compartment, driver side, mounted to brake modulator assembly near master cylinder
🔧 GM Techline Connect + MDI2
⚠️ Integrated with Brembo brake system on Blackwing. Requires brake bleed, VIN programming, and Performance Traction Management (PTM) calibration. Brake fluid service adds 0.5 hr.
Body Control Module (BCM)2.0 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +1.5 hr▸ programming details
⚠️ Controls all body functions, lighting, keyless entry. Requires VIN programming, security gateway unlock, and configuration of all option content. Key fob relearn required.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Control Module (HVAC)1.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel, center stack area, integrated with climate control head unit
📍 Instrument panel, behind gauge cluster lens, driver side
🔧 GM Techline Connect + MDI2
⚠️ 12-inch digital reconfigurable cluster. Requires VIN programming, mileage transfer, and security gateway unlock. Mileage must match vehicle records.
Door Control Module (DCM)1.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Inside each door, behind door panel near latch assembly
🔧 GM Techline Connect or Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Controls power windows, locks, mirrors. Four modules (one per door). Window auto-up/down relearn required after replacement.
📍 Integrated into ECM or separate module in engine compartment
🔧 GM Techline Connect + MDI2
⚠️ V-Series launch control and performance features. May be integrated into ECM; requires VIN programming and performance calibration if separate.
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under driver and passenger front seats, mounted to seat frame
🔧 GM Techline Connect or Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Power seats with memory and heating/ventilation. Typically auto-configures; memory relearn may be required. Two modules (driver/passenger).
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 22V903000
2022-12-08
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN · 21V611000
2021-08-05
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.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.