The Cadillac CT4 is a compact luxury sedan that entered production in 2020 as a replacement for the discontinued ATS. Built at the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in Michigan, the CT4 has been offered in Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury trims, along with high-performance V and V Blackwing variants.
This article breaks down the best and worst model years of the Cadillac CT4 based on reliability ratings, owner complaints, recall history, and long-term dependability data. Understanding which years to target and which to avoid can save buyers thousands in repair costs and frustration.
North American production of the CT4 will end in June 2026, making these insights particularly valuable for used car shoppers.
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Cadillac CT4 Generational Overview
First Generation (2020 – Present)
The CT4 debuted in the second quarter of 2020 as Cadillac’s entry-level compact luxury sedan. Three engine options are available: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder LSY engine in the base model, a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder L3B in the CT4-V, and a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 LF4 producing up to 472 horsepower in the CT4-V Blackwing.
The CT4 utilizes GM’s Alpha 2 platform with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, paired with either an 8-speed or 10-speed automatic transmission depending on the trim. Early models experienced significant quality control issues, particularly with the 10-speed transmission in 2020-2021 models. The 2023 model year brought updated paint options including Radiant Red Tintcoat and Argent Silver Metallic, while 2024 and 2025 models received minimal changes.
Best Years for the Cadillac CT4
The following model years represent the most reliable and trouble-free options for buyers looking at the Cadillac CT4 lineup.
2023 Cadillac CT4
The 2023 model year benefits from three years of refinement and quality improvements over the initial launch. This year avoided the transmission control valve problems that plagued earlier models and shows improved build quality across all trim levels. Owners report fewer electrical gremlins and better material quality compared to 2020-2021 models.
2024 Cadillac CT4
The 2024 CT4 carries over the improvements from 2023 with no active recalls reported for this model year. J.D. Power assigned the CT4 a reliability score of 86 out of 100, placing it above average for the luxury sedan segment. The 2024 model shows a significantly lower probability of requiring major repairs compared to earlier production years.
2025 Cadillac CT4
The 2025 model year represents the most refined version of the CT4 before production ends in 2026. This year benefits from all previous engineering fixes and quality control improvements. Buyers considering a 2025 model should be aware that parts availability may become a concern after production ceases, though the CT4 shares many components with the CT5.
2022 Cadillac CT4
The 2022 model year sits in the middle, offering improved quality over the initial launch years while avoiding the first-year problems. However, some 2022 owners still reported issues with mass airflow sensors and fuel system components, making it less ideal than the 2023+ models.
Worst Years for the Cadillac CT4
These model years should be approached with caution due to documented reliability concerns and costly repair issues.
2020 Cadillac CT4
The launch year experienced the most significant problems, particularly with the 10-speed automatic transmission. A defective transmission control valve made from excessively soft metal wore out prematurely, causing harsh shifting, grinding noises, and potentially dangerous momentary wheel lock-up during downshifts. Additional complaints included transmission warning lights, rough shifting, and suspected radiator oil pressure component failures.
2021 Cadillac CT4
The 2021 model continued to suffer from the same transmission control valve defect as the 2020 model. GM issued recall N242480630 covering both years for this safety-critical issue. Early 2021 models also experienced problems with mass airflow sensors, crankshaft issues, and fuel tank components. The factory software could not detect excessive transmission wear, leading to unexpected failures.
2022 Cadillac CT4
While improved over 2020-2021, the 2022 model year still showed reliability concerns that earned it a place among the years to avoid. Owner reviews describe repeated visits to the dealership for various issues including faulty mass airflow sensors, crankshaft problems, and fuel system defects. One owner reported their fully-loaded 2022 CT4 being in the shop every other month despite being brand new.
Common Problems Across the Cadillac CT4 Lineup
Transmission Control Valve Failure
The 10-speed automatic transmission in 2020-2021 models suffers from a defective control valve that wears excessively due to soft metal composition. This causes loss of hydraulic pressure, leading to harsh shifting and potentially dangerous wheel lock-up during gear changes. GM extended warranty coverage to 15 years or 150,000 miles specifically for this component.
Mass Airflow Sensor Issues
Multiple owners report recurring problems with faulty mass airflow sensors across various model years. This sensor failure can cause rough idling, poor fuel economy, and check engine lights. The problem appears most common in 2022 models based on consumer complaint data.
Fuel System Problems
Fuel pressure sensor failures and fuel tank component issues affect multiple model years. These problems manifest as hard starting, stalling, rough running, and fuel gauge inaccuracies. Some owners report repeat failures even after dealer repairs.
Crankshaft Problems
Several 2022 model year owners specifically mention crankshaft-related issues requiring major engine work. The exact nature of these failures is not well documented, but they represent potentially expensive out-of-warranty repairs.
Interior Quality Concerns
The CT4 exhibits inferior cabin materials compared to competitors like the BMW M3. Trim pieces age poorly, center console rattles develop under acceleration, and leather seats stain easily from denim clothing. These issues appear across all model years but are particularly noticeable in high-mileage examples.
Electrical System Faults
Electrical gremlins include intermittent forward-collision warning unavailability messages, though these often resolve themselves. Power steering warning codes have also been reported by owners with relatively low mileage. These issues do not appear tied to specific model years.
Tire and Road Noise
Excessive tire noise on concrete surfaces is a common complaint, particularly with the performance-oriented V models. The issue is severe enough that reviewers suggest foam-lined tires similar to those used on the CT5-V would be necessary to reduce the drone.
Reliability Breakdown by Year
2025 Cadillac CT4 Reliability Rating
The 2025 CT4 rolls into its final production year with minimal changes and represents the most refined version available. This model year benefits from all previous quality improvements and engineering fixes. Production ends in June 2026, so availability of new units will be limited.
2024 Cadillac CT4 Reliability Rating
The 2024 model achieves a J.D. Power reliability score of 86 out of 100, placing it above average for luxury sedans. No active recalls exist for this model year, and the probability of major repairs remains lower than earlier CT4 production years. New paint colors are the only notable change from 2023.
2023 Cadillac CT4 Reliability Rating
The 2023 CT4 benefits from three years of refinement with updated paint options including Radiant Red Tintcoat and Argent Silver Metallic. This year shows significantly improved build quality over 2020-2021 models and avoids the major transmission issues that affected earlier production.
2022 Cadillac CT4 Reliability Rating
The 2022 model year shows mixed reliability with multiple owners reporting repeated dealership visits for various defects. Common problems include mass airflow sensor failures, crankshaft issues, and fuel system components requiring replacement. The transmission recall does not affect this year, but quality control concerns remain.
2021 Cadillac CT4 Reliability Rating
The 2021 CT4 is covered under recall N242480630 for the defective transmission control valve that can cause wheel lock-up. Even with the software update fix, the underlying valve still wears prematurely due to soft metal composition. This year also experienced various early-production quality issues.
2020 Cadillac CT4 Reliability Rating
The launch year experienced the most significant reliability problems including the dangerous transmission valve defect. Additional issues with transmission shifting, warning lights, and suspected radiator oil pressure components make this the least desirable model year. The 2020 CT4 requires the recall remedy and extended warranty coverage for the transmission.
Warranty & Ownership Costs
The Cadillac CT4 will cost approximately $9,650 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the luxury sedan segment average by $140, though individual costs vary based on driving habits and climate.
First-year maintenance costs average $394, increasing to $1,446 by year 10. The probability of requiring a major repair exceeding $500 starts at 2.76% in year one and climbs to 27.91% by year 10, which is 0.96% better than similar vehicles.
GM provides extended warranty coverage for 15 years or 150,000 miles specifically for the transmission control valve issue affecting 2020-2021 models. Standard Cadillac warranty coverage applies to other model years, though an extended warranty is recommended given the 28% chance of major repairs within five years.
Average insurance costs run approximately $2,926 per year or $14,630 over five years of ownership. Total cost of ownership including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and loan interest reaches $49,430 after five years.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Target Model Years
The 2023-2025 model years offer the best value with improved reliability and fewer reported issues. These years avoid the major transmission problems and show better build quality. The 2024 model is particularly attractive with an 86 out of 100 reliability rating and no active recalls.
Years to Avoid
Steer clear of 2020-2021 models unless the transmission recall has been completed and extended warranty coverage is verified. The 2022 model year also shows concerning reliability patterns and should be approached cautiously.
Key Inspection Points
Check transmission operation carefully for harsh shifts or unusual noises, particularly in 2020-2022 models. Verify that recall N242480630 has been completed on 2020-2021 units. Inspect interior trim pieces for rattles from the center console and examine leather seats for denim staining.
Mileage Considerations
The CT4 shows increasing repair probability starting around 40,000 miles, with significant jumps in costs after 60,000 miles. Major maintenance including transmission service occurs at 50,000 miles and again at 100,000 miles. Budget for $883-$1,155 annually once the vehicle reaches 50,000-60,000 miles.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Cadillac Celestiq, Cadillac Blackwing, Cadillac Eldorado and Cadillac Escalade-V. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
FAQs
Is the Cadillac CT4 reliable?
The CT4 achieves an 86 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power, which is above average for luxury sedans. However, early model years (2020-2021) suffered from significant transmission problems that affect overall reliability ratings. The 2023+ models show much better reliability than launch years.
What year of the Cadillac CT4 is most dependable?
The 2024 and 2025 model years represent the most dependable options with no active recalls and improved build quality. These years benefit from all previous engineering fixes and quality control improvements. The 2023 model is also a solid choice with similar reliability improvements.
What year should you avoid?
Avoid the 2020 and 2021 model years due to the dangerous transmission control valve defect that causes wheel lock-up. The 2022 model year also shows reliability concerns with repeated owner complaints about various component failures. These years require more frequent repairs and dealership visits.
What are the most common problems?
The most common problems include transmission control valve failure in 2020-2021 models, mass airflow sensor issues, fuel pressure sensor failures, and interior quality concerns. Excessive road noise and some electrical gremlins also affect multiple model years.
How long does a Cadillac CT4 last?
With proper maintenance, the CT4 should reach 150,000-200,000 miles, though repair costs increase significantly after 100,000 miles. The probability of major repairs reaches 27.91% by year 10, so expect higher maintenance costs as the vehicle ages. Avoiding the problematic early model years improves long-term durability prospects.
Should I buy a used CT4 with the transmission recall?
Only purchase a 2020-2021 CT4 if recall N242480630 has been completed and the extended 15-year/150,000-mile warranty coverage on the transmission control valve is transferable. Even with the software fix, the underlying valve may still wear prematurely due to soft metal construction. The 2023+ models represent a safer purchase without these concerns.
Conclusion
The Cadillac CT4 offers competitive performance and luxury features, but not all model years provide equal reliability. The 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years represent the best choices with improved quality control and no major recalls. The 2020 and 2021 models should be avoided due to the serious transmission control valve defect unless proper recall work and extended warranty coverage can be verified.
Overall, the CT4 achieves above-average reliability scores for the luxury sedan segment, with maintenance costs running about $9,650 over 10 years. Buyers targeting 2023 or newer models can expect a dependable vehicle with lower repair probabilities compared to the problematic launch years. With production ending in June 2026, now represents an ideal time to secure a well-sorted example from the final production years.
