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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2020 Cadillac XT5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
29%of 24 total for the year
Median mileage
51,408miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Cadillac XT5, 29% of the 24 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,408 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The car shows a warning engine power is reduced this is the second time in 3 months. The car revs at 5000rpm and only goes 15 MPH, very dangerous. The dealer replaced a sensor last time and seems unconcerned for the safety of driving.”

NHTSA complaint #11405665, filed 2021-03, 25,991 miles

“On April 8, 2026, my 2020 Cadillac XT5 experienced a sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lights, no overheating indications, no abnormal engine noises, and no performance issues that would have alerted me to a developing problem. Without warning, the engine failed and the vehicle immediately lost power, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed. Fortunately, I was not traveling on a freeway or in heavy traffic at the time of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11750727, filed 2026-07

“The radiator had a leak that required replacement in my 2020 Cadillac XT5. The car only had 30,000 miles. Because of that GM replaced the radiator for $600 instead of the standard cost of $2,000. This is the 3rd Cadillac of my relatives of similar age that had a radiator leak. The service manager admitted they are replacing at least 7 of these every week. In my opinion this is a manufacturing defect and should be replaced at no cost instead of a negotiated lower price. My concern is that GM is repairing these vehicles with the same parts that have failed so many times. …”

NHTSA complaint #11721637, filed 2026-03

“When driving on the interstate traveling roughly 70 miles an hour went to accelerate and vehicle transmission made a hard shift and clunk. Then RPMs all transmission started slipping attempted to use paddle shifter to change gear felt transmission engage a different gear than instantly disengage felt like vehicle was in neutral Vehicle would not even allow me to drive at any speed had to coast with flashers on until I was able to find a safe area to pull onto the shoulder. Was told by the dealer, lots of metal found in the transmission. Transmission codes were. …”

NHTSA complaint #11650352, filed 2025-03

“The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard abnormal noises coming from the vehicle. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 34,817.”

NHTSA complaint #11494701, filed 2022-11, 34,817 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025233%
2024660%
2023744%
2022220%
2020729%
20181218%
20172621%

Other parts of the 2020 Cadillac XT5

Steering
6 complaints
Engine
4 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Cadillac XT5

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology