2018 Cadillac XT5 Problems
Compared with other Cadillac XT5 years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× 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.
- 20 of its 66 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Steering assist reduced warning tied to thermostat (14 complaints).
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 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
- 66filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 31,640miles, 22 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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 / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Cadillac XT5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2018 XT5 most often describe a dash message saying steering assist is reduced, which they commonly link to a thermostat or coolant-temperature sensor problem; the same fault is described alongside the radiator fan running at full speed and the air conditioning quitting. A second group of complaints covers vehicles shutting off or losing motive power while driving, and another covers the transmission putting itself into Park or jerking at low speed. Backup camera guidelines that fail to appear, brake noise and 'no problem found' dealer responses come up repeatedly as well.
- Steering
Steering assist reduced warning tied to thermostat
- 14 complaints (21%)
- typically at 7.0 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe a dash message reading that steering assist is reduced, sometimes with a warning to drive with care, after which the wheel takes noticeably more effort to turn. In many accounts a scan shows code P0128 for coolant temperature staying below the thermostat regulating value, and the same fault is described with the radiator fan running at full speed, the temperature gauge sitting at zero, the check engine light on and the air conditioning blowing warm. Complaints describe thermostats and sensors being replaced, sometimes more than once, with the message returning later; several owners say a dealership told them the vehicle was operating as designed. Reported from under 40,000 miles up to roughly 90,000 miles, with several owners noting the message reappeared after a repair.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the thermostat and coolant temperature sensor were replaced, and on a test drive confirm the air conditioning blows cold and no steering assist warning appears. A scan for stored P0128 codes is worth the cost before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dash alert: Steering Assist is ResucedDrive with Care I see this is a current problem with the 2018 Cadillac XT5 but my VIN doesn’t seem to be included. Please investigate why mine would not be included if I suddenly have the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11559499, filed 2023-12“I received a Steering Assist is Reduced message and the cooling fan ramped up to full speed. In contacting Cadillac, it seems that it is a below temperature error for the thermostat. Unsure what the thermostat has to do with steering. Also in researching this, this is a wide spread issue and needs to be a recall. My XT5 has 48000 miles on it and the powertrain warranty expired 3 months ago. I believe this should be a recall and should be repaired by the manufacture as it could cause a safety issue while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11621891, filed 2024-10 - Electrical system
Sudden shutdown and loss of electrical power
- 6 complaints (9%)
- median 80,264 mi at 2.7 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2025
Owners describe the engine and all electrical power cutting out for a moment or longer while driving or while stopped at a light, with the dash going dark, warning chimes sounding and hazard lights sometimes not working. Restarting can take several attempts and the vehicle may then behave normally, which complaints say makes it hard for a dealer to reproduce; several owners report being told no fault was found. One account describes the body control module being replaced after water from an overhead HVAC line was found to have corroded the unit, and another describes tracking the problem to the battery. Reported from roughly 35,000 miles upward, with several accounts at 80,000 miles or more and a few on low-mileage vehicles.
What to check: Ask whether the car has ever shut off or been towed for a no-start, and have a shop check the battery, grounds and body control module, including for water intrusion near the HVAC drain. A scan for stored body codes is more useful than a short test drive alone.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“During the two years we have owned this vehicle, it has completely shut down. It usually happens when the vehicle is stopped or coming to a stop. Today 4.17.2023 it happened at 67 mph as I was accelerating to highway speed. The vehicle shut down for 2-3 seconds then restarted. The vehicle decelerated very hard, almost as if it were in a collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11517539, filed 2023-04“2nd time this issue occurred. 1st time was in 2019 and it took two weeks for the dealership to figure out it was the battery. While driving the car, the electronics go crazy, the engine stops for a split second, brakes are lost for a split second, cruise control turns off, every possible alarm displays on the dash. The dash beeps, all of the lights flash, the speed/pressure/temperature needles go to 0, the air condition turns off, etc. All of this occurred while I was driving 60mph on a highway. I quickly pulled off to the side of the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #11328651, filed 2020-06, 35,670 miles - Engine
Loss of motive power and engine stalling
- 6 complaints (9%)
- median 60,132 mi at 5.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2026
Owners describe the vehicle losing power while driving or after coming to a stop, with the engine quitting and, in some cases, refusing to restart until several attempts. Warning lights are described as absent in some accounts and the check engine light coming on in others. Complaints mention dealers being unable to find a cause in some cases, while one owner reports the engine needed replacement after a stall with the check engine light on. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 86,000 miles.
What to check: Ask directly whether the car has ever stalled or failed to restart, and have a scan tool read stored codes. On higher-mileage examples, an oil level and consumption check plus a compression test give a better picture of engine condition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving on the freeway, came to a stop as traffic increased, then the car shut off m. I had no power, could not get out of the vehicle, no hazards, no tail lights, nothing. I had a complete panic attack, I thought I was going to die. I called OnStar from my cell, they could even locate me. After 30 mins, calling 911, texting the representative from the dealership in which I purchased the car, it turned back on. Either the car was shut off with a signal or there is a serious hazardous issue that needs to be addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #11555562, filed 2023-11“The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle would operate as needed. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11487175, filed 2022-09, 40,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shifts itself into Park or jerks
- 6 complaints (9%)
- median 4,950 mi at 2.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the vehicle shifting itself into Park on its own, often just as they pull away from idle in a drive-through line or when backing out of a garage, producing a shudder and an abrupt stop. Others describe harsh jerks or surges at a stop light and downshifts that hold a lower gear after a hard acceleration. Complaints say dealers inspected the car and reported it was operating normally, and owners were left uneasy about the behaviour. Several reports come in under 10,000 miles, typically at idle or very low speed.
What to check: On a test drive, sit idling in Drive for a minute or two and then creep forward, and also reverse out of a space, noting any shudder or unexpected engagement. Ask whether the transmission has been serviced or reprogrammed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was idling in line for about 5 minutes waiting for food at mcdonalds. Transmission was in drive. Once served, I started to drive away but car shuttered and stopped abruptly. Apparently transmission will automatically shift to park after idling for several minutes even if it has started to move forward 1 or 2 MPH. What would have happened if I was traveling faster when it shifted to park? Is this feature a governmental requirement? Why?”
NHTSA complaint #11182017, filed 2019-02, 990 miles“Several months ago, after waiting in line for two minutes with the transmission in d and the vehicle idling, I started to drive forward. Suddenly the vehicle came to a shuttering stop. Apparently the transmission shifted itself into p. Recently this happened again but it occurred when I was backing out of my garage. I am concerned that this self shifting into p may occur when I am travelling at some speed and result in an accident. I have been to my local Cadillac dealer both times and they say the vehicle is safe as is. But I am concerned.”
NHTSA complaint #11321557, filed 2020-04, 7,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Backup camera guidelines fail to display
Mentioned in 4 of 59 sampled complaints
Owners describe shifting into Reverse and getting the camera image without the yellow distance guidelines or the warning overlays, which then appear once the car is shifted to Drive and back again. The behaviour is described as intermittent and present from near-new. Complaints say dealers reported the system was working as designed or that a calibration change reduces but does not eliminate the missing guidelines. Often noted in the first few thousand miles, including within the first weeks of ownership.
What to check: Shift in and out of Reverse several times during a test drive and confirm the guidelines and overlays appear every time. Ask whether any camera or software calibration has been applied to the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The back up guidance lines and warning indicators do not always appear or activate when the car is in reverse associated with the back up camera. They are missing intermittently when backing up. I was backing up and trying to judge distance and clearance in my new car. This assist device being non-functional allowed me to back into bushes, doing no damage, but causing alarm. I returned it to the dealership for repair twice and was informed that it was a common problem that nothing could be done about. …”
NHTSA complaint #11097330, filed 2018-05, 3,500 miles“The rear camera guidelines on my 2018 XT5 Lux don’t appear on the backup camera display when shifting into reverse. Happens around half the time. As soon as I shift into drive, the guidelines then appear. I can then shift back into reverse and the guidelines are there.”
NHTSA complaint #11451418, filed 2022-02
Buying note. This model year draws repeated owner reports of a steering assist warning tied to thermostat faults, of vehicles cutting off or stalling while driving, and of transmission behaviour that owners were told was normal. A pre-purchase inspection with a scan tool, plus a documented service history, tells you more here than mileage alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 59 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 66 consumer complaints for the 2018 Cadillac XT5. 22 of the complaints include a mileage, and 77% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 31,640 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,021 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 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Engine15 23%
- Electrical system14 21%
- Other or unknown12 18%
- Steering12 18%
- Brakes8 12%
- Vehicle speed control4 6.1%
- Body and structure3 4.5%
- Exterior lighting2 3.0%
Also reported: Seats (2), Suspension (2), Tires (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Fuel system (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Check engine light sensor came on in mid-May which is the result of a faulty thermostat, also triggering a Steering Assist is Reduced message on the dashboard which I consider to be a safety issue. This is a known and common problem for this make, year and model and the cost to fix the problem is very expensive. This issue has been reported by many Cadillac owners on their forum. My mechanic confirmed the problem with the thermostat caused the steering assist is reduced message, along with the air conditioning malfunctioning.”
NHTSA complaint #11740245, filed 2026-05Electrical system: “While waiting at a light, then the car shut off. Lossing all power. I could not get out of the vehicle, no hazards, no lights, nothing. After several pulls of the door handle I was able to open the door but the hazard light was not able to come one. After 4 attempts to engage break to push start the vehicle on ethe brake locked up and would not disengage. Total screen black out, no power no hazards. After some time, the brake released screen activated and I was able to press the brake and try to start the car again. It did not work but was now able to turn on hazards. …”
NHTSA complaint #11695654, filed 2025-10Other or unknown: “Tires on GM vehicles, including mine, have been sold with derelict tires manufactured by michelin. I was recently told that my tires would not pass inspection ar 26,000 miles. Today I was told by a relative that they were told the same and their tires have only 16,000 miles on them. We have both bought new tires through the dealership under a discounted plan by GM because of this issue. I find it absurd at any cost that I would be responsible for this monetary responsibility due to the manufacturer of the tires and GM knowing of the poor quality of these tires. …”
NHTSA complaint #11350228, filed 2020-08, 26,000 milesSteering: “When I get on the freeway and go around 68 mph my vehicle starts shaking and I constantly get a stabilitrak message that flashes on and off. I have to hold the steering will tight because it swerves a little and had to start driving away from cars. I took it to get the wheels balanced and it still does the same thing. The mechanic from the dealer ship I purchased the vehicle from said he could not find anything wrong with it.”
NHTSA complaint #11441811, filed 2021-11Mileage when problems were reported
77% of the 22 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,500 and 45,000 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 2018 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 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: 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 2018 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 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| XT5 AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 Cadillac XT5 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 1,021 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
- 11023147Sep 8, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates a possible issue with an engine timing chain, gear or crankshaft key.
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 2018 Cadillac XT5?
Owners of the 2018 XT5 most often describe a dash message saying steering assist is reduced, which they commonly link to a thermostat or coolant-temperature sensor problem; the same fault is described alongside the radiator fan running at full speed and the air conditioning quitting. The issues reported most often: Steering assist reduced warning tied to thermostat; Sudden shutdown and loss of electrical power; Loss of motive power and engine stalling.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Cadillac XT5 have?
NHTSA recorded 66 consumer complaints for the 2018 Cadillac XT5 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 15 complaints (23% of the total), followed by electrical system with 14.
Has the 2018 Cadillac XT5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Cadillac XT5 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 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 2018 Cadillac XT5 get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Cadillac XT5 (XT5, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 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 2018 Cadillac XT5 reported?
Among the 22 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 31,640 miles and the middle half falls between 3,500 and 45,000 miles; 77% 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.