2017 Cadillac XT5 Problems
Compared with other Cadillac XT5 years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 3.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 3.2× that of a typical Cadillac XT5 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 54 of its 124 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Power steering assist loss and warning messages (28 complaints, median 28,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018, 2019
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 124filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles, 68 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4–5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Cadillac XT5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 XT5 most often describe unexpected stalling or loss of electrical power, rough or delayed transmission behavior, and premature tire wear. Many reports come in at low mileage, and several describe the vehicle shutting down or refusing to restart shortly after purchase. Complaints also cluster around brake and steering warnings that appear at low speed or while stopped.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh or delayed transmission shifting and stalls
- 20 complaints (16%)
- median 17,000 mi at 2.4 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe hard bangs or clunks when shifting into reverse or during stop-and-go driving, delayed acceleration when the pedal is pressed, and occasional failure to move out of park. Some owners report a "service transmission" message that dealers could not duplicate or repair, and a few describe the transmission failing outright and requiring replacement. Mostly between about 1,000 and 60,000 miles, often noticed in the first months of ownership.
What to check: Test the shift from park to reverse and drive when cold and listen for a bang or clunk. Ask for transmission service records and whether any control module or software updates were applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“For about 2 years now we have been receiving a service transmission soon warning from our 2017 Cadillac XT5 but every time we take it in to Cadillac they state that they can't duplicate the warning. I have pictures documenting almost every time the message has come up except for two time including the most recent as I didn't have my phone on me at the time. It has been to Cadillac 3 or 4 times for this. …”
NHTSA complaint #11400098, filed 2021-03, 58,582 miles“Purchased new XT5 in feb 2017, currently 8300 miles. After starting my vehicle and shifting into reverse, the transmission makes an loud bang and lurches backward. The first time it occur in may 2017 it caught me off-guard and the vehicle moved backwards about 3 feet. Since then this has occurred about 12 times and have returned the vehicle to the dealer for service, no issues found or repeated. Returned the vehicle again 8/28/17 for service for the same reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #11020105, filed 2017-08, 3,200 miles - Electrical system
Vehicle shuts off or loses all electrical power
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 30,726 mi at 3.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2022
Owners describe the engine and instrument panel cutting out without warning — sometimes while driving at highway speed, sometimes while stopped at a light. Complaints mention warning lights flashing, hazard lights failing to work, doors not unlocking, and OnStar or the SOS button not connecting. Several cars would not restart and had to be towed; dealers in some cases reported codes but could not reproduce the problem, and in others diagnosed a failed electrical system or battery. Reported from very low mileage up to around 70,000 miles, appearing both shortly after purchase and later in ownership.
What to check: Ask whether the battery and charging system have been checked and whether any stalling or no-start codes were stored. Have a pre-purchase scan for electrical and body control module faults.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I just got this car delivered to my home on 01/11/2019, then it id not want to start after jump starting it worked then shut off so I was going to the dealeship while driving onthe expressway the car just completely shut off would not start , so had it towed to the dealership thinking it was the battery now it has to be there till monday or tuesday,”
NHTSA complaint #11166674, filed 2019-01, 26,453 miles“Sitting at a stop light and car lost all power. No ability to turn on hazard lights or call for help or anything. In my opinion this is a huge safety issue since my wife could have been rear ended since there were no lights at all on the car and no way to turn on any warning lights. Thank goodness this happened when stopped and not moving. I could not imagine the outcome of losing power at speed when everything is electronically controlled.”
NHTSA complaint #11405296, filed 2021-03, 35,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal to floor or brake fluid loss
- 9 complaints (7%)
- median 12,293 mi at 2.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2022
Several owners describe the brake pedal traveling to the floor with little stopping power, often accompanied by a brake fluid warning. Complaints attribute this to a leaking master cylinder or brake booster, and one describes a fractured rear brake line; dealers replaced the affected parts in some cases. Others report the parking brake engaging or locking on its own. Reported from under 9,000 miles up to about 66,000 miles, with several cases in the first year.
What to check: Check brake fluid level and look for fluid around the master cylinder and booster. A recall covers front brake caliper seals on a small early build range — confirm by VIN whether it applies and was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After backing out of my garage, my XT5 after 3 previous brake stops two with stop signs, the next stop the brakes locked up with a sudden stop. I did nothing different with the 4th stop when the brakes locked. I noticed that the brake light was displayed and needed to be pressed to in order to drive the car to reach a city road.”
NHTSA complaint #10983175, filed 2017-05, 3,400 miles“On march 23 we took our 2017 Cadillac XT5 to the dealership for a service because 2 days prior, the parking brake would not release while in a stationary position. We were able to release the parking brake after turning the vehicle on and off multiple times. All of the warning lights on the dash came on, but the brake released and was able to be driven home. The vehicle was ready to be picked up the following day. They had replaced the parking brake actuator and stated that it was the cause of the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11326886, filed 2020-06, 23,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist loss and warning messages
- 28 complaints (23%)
- median 28,000 mi at 3.4 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Owners report a "power steering assist reduced" or "drive with care" message appearing while driving, with steering effort increasing noticeably. In some complaints the message came with stability control, parking brake, or check engine warnings at low speed or while stopped, and dealers diagnosed a steering assist failure or could not find a fault. Reported across a wide range, from a few thousand miles to about 78,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether any steering assist or stability control warnings have been logged, and have a scan performed for stored chassis codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving in traffic, about 45mph, when the parking brake came on, I got a check engine light, service brake assist, service stabilitrack and one other light on. I managed to keep it running enough to not get rear-ended, but it is not safe. The dealer now has it, and I am in a loaner. The car has less than 2000 miles on it, and this is the second check engine light (the first did not involve the parking brake), but the dealer did not find a concrete problem for the light. Is this going to turn into a recurring problem? …”
NHTSA complaint #10926354, filed 2016-11, 1,800 miles“I was traveling on I-95 at aprrox. 75/80 MPH when my dashboard lit-up like a christmas tree and my Cadillac powered down to less than 50 MPH instantly. The stabilitrak, check engine light, parking brake and car assist lights came on with a warning to travel with care . I had to maneuver my vehicle over three lanes to get off at the nearest exit. I had no idea what just happened. There was no noise, smoke or evidence that the vehicle had a problem. However, I could only drive the car 55 MPH with the foot pedal pressed to the floor board. …”
NHTSA complaint #11258272, filed 2019-09, 56,000 miles - Wheels
Premature tire wear
- 5 complaints (4%)
- median 19,750 mi at 2.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2024
Owners say the original tires wore to 3/32–4/32 inch tread well before the mileage rating, often by 20,000–25,000 miles, despite rotations at the dealer. Complaints describe dealers calling the wear normal for the model and declining goodwill coverage, while tires were rated for considerably longer mileage. Typically reported between roughly 11,000 and 25,000 miles, with even wear noted across all four tires.
What to check: Measure tread depth on all four tires and ask for rotation records. If the original tires are still fitted, factor replacement into the price.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought this Cadillac 2017 xt-5 used with 4,000 on it it has 11,000 on it know. I took the vehicle in for tire rotation & oil change. The service manager told me that these tires michelin premier ltx 235/65 r 18 tires on this year 2017 are bad tires. The tread on the tire was measured . 5/32nds at 11,000 miles these tires are warrantyed to 40,000 miles. They say you should replace your tires if the tread tread is 4/32nds or less! I think that will hapen in the next 5,000 when I go in for my next oil change. …”
NHTSA complaint #11416085, filed 2021-05, 11,000 miles“I have a 2017 Cadillac XT5 with 22,000 miles on it, the dealer had just informed me that the tires installed on this vehicle are worn out and must be replaced prior to the first snowfall. The warranty on these tires is 60,000 miles, tire rotations were performed by the dealer according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. A quick search indicates that this is an extremely common issue affecting this particular GM vehicle. This premature failure is a major safety issue and I would like to file a complaint to get this resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #11241461, filed 2019-08, 22,000 miles
Buying note. Check for stored electrical and chassis codes, verify the brake caliper recall status by VIN, and test the transmission from a cold start. Service records showing steering assist software work and documented tire wear history are worth asking about, since many complaints were filed at low mileage.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 124 consumer complaints for the 2017 Cadillac XT5. 68 of the complaints include a mileage, and 87% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 14,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1,335 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Cadillac XT5 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown28 23%
- Engine24 19%
- Electrical system21 17%
- Brakes16 13%
- Steering15 12%
- Vehicle speed control9 7.3%
- Wheels8 6.5%
- Exterior lighting5 4.0%
Also reported: Suspension (5), Air bags (4), Electronic stability control (4), Forward collision avoidance (3), Fuel system (3), Seats (3), Seat belts (2), Body and structure (2), Engine cooling (1), Lane departure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “The radio in the car keeps dropping sxm signal while driving down the street or highway or entering parking lots at nearby supermarkets or our lowes store. I have written Cadillac and am waiting for their response. While not a safety issue per se, it is frustrating and not expected on a car that cost almost $64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10983376, filed 2017-05, 300 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Cause unknown. With the engine just turned off and vehicle stationary in a garage, I leaned into the rear compartment to retrieve articles and the vehicle moved forward. Once again l leaned into the rear and it moved forward. I then started the engine, did not put it into gear, but simply turned it off. I leaned into the rear and once again the vehicle moved forward.”
NHTSA complaint #11243115, filed 2019-08, 46,000 milesEngine: “My 2017 XT5 completely shutdown on my on saturday, 10/7. I was at a stop light & when I pressed the accelerator, the instrument cluster had a number of lights come on & the vehicle was very hard to accelerate. I had to pull over immediately & then the car shut down. It was completely dead: the hazard lights did not work (very scary) & onstar and the sos button would not connect. After about 5-10 minutes, onstar was connected & I was told not to drive the vehicle due to engine & transmission codes. The vehicle was towed the dealer by roadside. …”
NHTSA complaint #11033273, filed 2017-10, 10,036 milesElectrical system: “Multiple issues with garage remote control buttons not functioning. Issue with driver seat not vibrating when vehicle ventures out of lane with lane assist feature on. Vehicle shut down while driving on highway sending multiple warnings about engine malfunction, parking brake on, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #10926030, filed 2016-11, 400 milesMileage when problems were reported
87% of the 68 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,327 and 33,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Cadillac XT5. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT5 · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
| XT5 · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Cadillac XT5 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT5 FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| XT5 AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V802000Nov 4, 2016Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › CaliperCovers: Cadillac XT5 2017, GMC Acadia 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cadillac XT5 vehicles manufactured April 16, 2016, to May 9, 2016, and 2017 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 19, 2016, to April 22, 2016. The front brake calipers may have a torn or…
Recall details for the 2017 Cadillac XT5 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,335 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022775Aug 27, 2025Other or unknown. Provide info on that parts restriction ending for the rear diff clutch control 19435910
Other model years of the Cadillac XT5
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | — | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 10 | 9,200 | 3 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 16 | 1,000 | 4 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 10 | 17,020 | 3 | 5 | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 20 | 30,000 | 2 | 5 | 21 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 23 | 34,817 | 5 | 5 | 24 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 33 | 12,000 | 0 | 4–5 | 22 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 66 | 31,640 | 0 | 4–5 | 22 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 124 | 14,000 | 1 | 4–5 | 22 | 100 · More | Rising |
All Cadillac XT5 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Cadillac XT5?
Owners of the 2017 XT5 most often describe unexpected stalling or loss of electrical power, rough or delayed transmission behavior, and premature tire wear. The issues reported most often: Harsh or delayed transmission shifting and stalls; Vehicle shuts off or loses all electrical power; Brake pedal to floor or brake fluid loss.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 have?
NHTSA recorded 124 consumer complaints for the 2017 Cadillac XT5 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Cadillac XT5 is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 28 complaints (23% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 26.
Has the 2017 Cadillac XT5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Cadillac XT5 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Cadillac XT5 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Cadillac XT5 (XT5, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Cadillac XT5 reported?
Among the 68 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 14,000 miles and the middle half falls between 3,327 and 33,000 miles; 87% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.