The 2022 CT4 is still relatively new, but the 2.7L turbo engine has earned a troubling reputation for catastrophic failures even at low mileage, while the 2.0L turbo is proving far more reliable. Transmission cooling and mount issues appear across both engines.
2.7L Turbo Catastrophic Engine Failure (LSY)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 15,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: sudden loss of power, severe knocking or rattling, metal shavings in oil, check engine light with misfire codes, oil consumption between changes
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Rod bearings fail prematurely, leading to spun bearings and crankshaft damage. GM has issued TSBs but no comprehensive fix. Expect 25-35 hours labor for short block replacement, more for complete rebuild. Many shops won't touch rebuilds on these—recommend factory short block.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Lines Leaking
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid spots under vehicle, burnt transmission fluid smell, low fluid warnings, hard shifting when fluid gets low
Fix: Cooler lines corrode or develop cracks at crimp points. Replace both lines as a set—don't chase individual leaks. 2-3 hours labor including fluid refill and system purge.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking when shifting from park to drive, excessive vibration at idle, drivetrain shudder on acceleration, visible mount separation or fluid leaking from hydraulic mount
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount wears prematurely, especially with aggressive driving. Straightforward replacement, 1.5-2 hours labor. Always inspect engine mounts at same time—they often fail together.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Fuel Filter Clogging (Premature)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: hesitation under acceleration, intermittent rough idle, hard starting when hot, limp mode with fuel pressure codes
Fix: In-tank fuel filter clogs earlier than expected, likely due to fuel quality issues or tank debris. Requires dropping the tank and fuel pump module replacement—filter is not serviceable separately. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Side Curtain Airbag Software Calibration Issue
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: airbag warning light, passenger detection system fault, side airbag deployment message on dash
Fix: Recalled issue (NHTSA 22V-672) affecting side curtain airbag deployment logic. Dealer-only software flash, 0.5 hours. Must be addressed—impacts crash safety. Check if your VIN was remedied.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
Exterior Lighting Control Module Faults
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: headlights flickering or not turning on, DRL malfunction, auto high-beam not working, lighting system error messages
Fix: Software bug in lighting control module (NHTSA 22V-547 recall). Dealer flash fixes most cases, 0.5 hours. Rare instances require module replacement if hardware failed—3 hours with programming.
Estimated cost: $0-1,200
Owner tips
If shopping for a used CT4, avoid the 2.7L engine entirely—the 2.0L turbo has proven far more reliable with minimal reported failures
Change transmission fluid at 50,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—this transmission runs hot and fluid degrades faster than GM admits
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually for corrosion, especially in salt states—catching leaks early prevents transmission damage
Keep detailed oil consumption records on 2.7L engines if you already own one—GM sometimes covers failures under warranty extension if pattern is documented
Buy the 2.0L turbo with confidence, but absolutely avoid the 2.7L—it's a ticking time bomb that can grenade your wallet before 60k miles.
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.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required; located in trunk on right side
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Every control module on the 2020-2026 Cadillac CT4 — 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.
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPSCM)2.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into steering column assembly or steering gear
🔧 GM Techline Connect + MDI2
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration required; may require column removal depending on configuration
Body Control Module (BCM)1.8 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +1.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel, driver side kick panel area
🔧 GM Techline Connect + MDI2
⚠️ Controls all body functions; replacement requires extensive configuration of options and accessories
⚠️ Memory seat positions lost; customer must reprogram preferences
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.
Performance
Horsepower
237hp
Torque
258lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.2sec
Quarter mile
14.6sec
Top speed
143mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
23mpg
Highway
34mpg
Combined
27mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Curb weight
3,617lb
EPA class
Compact Cars
Wiper blades
Modern Cadillac sedan with asymmetrical blade configuration. Uses push-button style quick-release attachment typical of GM vehicles from this era.
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 2.0L Turbo I4 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.