Cadillac CT4
2.0L turbo four with TriPower variable valve lift and cylinder deactivation. 228 hp, 258 lb-ft from 1,500 rpm. Adequate power for the compact SUV class, though not thrilling in the luxury context. Dexos1 oil with short change intervals (max 5,000 miles) is mandatory. Active thermal management with electronic coolant valves — these fail first. Intake valve carbon buildup from 60k miles due to direct injection only. Thrust bearing wear rare but catastrophic when it occurs.
Entry-level Cadillac sedan — 228 hp is enough
The LSY in the CT4 is the base version — 228 hp, rear-wheel drive, 8-speed auto. Adequate for daily driving, noticeably less dynamic than the 2.7T in direct comparison. Solid when the budget doesn't stretch to the CT4-V.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Rare but catastrophic: crankshaft thrust bearing wears, crank walks axially. Engine replacement required. $7,000-$11,000.
Symptoms: Metallic clicking at idle, clutch engagement inconsistent, oil pressure fluctuates
Active coolant circuit valves fail under 50,000 miles. Codes P00B7 and P2681 in fault memory. Can cause overheating if ignored.
Symptoms: Check engine P00B7/P2681, temp rises sporadically, cooling fan runs constantly
The HPFP can fail past 120k miles. Extended crank times, rough idle, P0087/P0089 codes.
Symptoms: Long crank time, rough idle, power loss under load
Direct injection without port injection allows carbon deposits on intake valves. Walnut blasting recommended from 100k miles.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough idle, misfires in cold
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
Curtain airbags may not deploy correctly in a crash — mounting points defective. Recall with free rework.
Control valve body in 10-speed transmission can select wrong gear — recall for 2020-2021 models.
GM 10L80 automatic develops vibration and shudder — same issue as in the CT5.
Digital instrument cluster shows black screen momentarily — restarts after seconds. Software issue, OTA update available.
BCM stays active after shutdown when ignition relay KR73 fails to de-energize. Acknowledged in GM Service Bulletin PIT5817A.
