The 2023 CT5 is very new to assess long-term patterns, but early data and platform history (Alpha architecture shared with ATS/CTS) show concerning engine longevity issues on the 2.0T LSY, plus typical GM electrical gremlins. The 3.0TT LGY is more robust but expensive when trouble hits.
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse), Metallic knocking or rattling from engine bay, Check engine light with misfire codes, Sudden loss of power, engine seizure in worst cases
Fix: Complete short block replacement or engine rebuild required. Factory TSB covers some cases under warranty extension, but out-of-pocket requires 18-25 labor hours plus core charges. Piston ring wear and connecting rod bearing failure are the culprits—design flaw related to oil control and cylinder wall coating.
Estimated cost: $8,500-14,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle (red/brown fluid), Low transmission fluid warnings on DIC, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Harsh or delayed shifts if fluid level drops significantly
Fix: GM 10-speed automatic has quick-connect fittings on cooler lines that crack or o-rings that fail. Replacement involves new lines and sometimes the cooler itself if contaminated. 2.5-4 hours labor depending on V6 or I4 (V6 has worse access).
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Exterior Lighting Control Module Software Glitch (NHTSA Recall)
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Headlights, taillights, or turn signals intermittently non-functional, Dash warning for exterior lighting failure, Lights may work on restart then fail again, Automatic high beams don't disengage
Fix: Covered under recall—dealer reflash of BCM/lighting module software takes 0.5-1 hour. No parts cost if recall applied, but if outside recall window or module hardware failed, replacement BCM runs 3-4 hours programming/labor.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $800-1,400 (out-of-pocket BCM replacement)
Transmission Mount Failure (Rear Mount)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Vibration through chassis at idle or under acceleration, Excessive drivetrain movement felt during throttle tip-in
Fix: Rubber isolator in rear transmission mount deteriorates—common on Alpha platform RWD/AWD cars. Replacement is straightforward, 1.5-2.5 hours depending on AWD or RWD configuration (AWD requires driveshaft removal).
Estimated cost: $350-650
CUE Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive or black, System randomly reboots during drive, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto disconnects repeatedly, Climate controls inaccessible when frozen
Fix: Software bug or failing eMMC memory chip in head unit. Dealer software update fixes some cases (1 hour), but persistent failures need head unit replacement (2 hours labor including re-coding). GM has extended warranty on some VINs.
Estimated cost: $150 (software update) or $1,800-2,500 (head unit replacement)
Fuel Filter Clogging (High-Pressure Pump Circuit)
Rare · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended crank time, Limp mode activation under hard acceleration, P0087 code (fuel rail pressure too low), Rough idle or stalling when hot
Fix: Direct-injection system vulnerable to contaminated fuel—in-tank filter can clog, starving high-pressure pump. Requires tank drop, pump module replacement, and fuel system cleaning. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Owner tips
Check oil level every 1,000 miles on the 2.0T—excessive consumption is your early warning for catastrophic failure.
Use TOP TIER fuel religiously to protect direct-injection system; cheap gas accelerates carbon buildup and fuel system issues.
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually if in rust belt—salt accelerates fitting corrosion.
Keep infotainment software updated at dealer; many electrical gremlins resolve with latest calibration.
Hard pass on used 2.0T models unless full engine replacement documented; 3.0TT is solid but pricey to fix—buy CPO with warranty or walk away.
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 for start-stop system; located in trunk
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2020-2026 Cadillac CT5 — 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.
⚠️ Memory seat calibration; aftermarket tools generally capable
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.
Performance
Horsepower
335hp
Torque
405lb-ft
0–60 mph
4.6sec
Quarter mile
13.1sec
Top speed
155mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
19mpg
Highway
27mpg
Combined
22mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Curb weight
3,910lb
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
Sedan body style, no rear wiper. Unchanged from previous years.
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 2023 Cadillac CT5 3.0L 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.