2021 Cadillac XT5 Problems
- Complaints
- 20filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles, 5 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 2021 Cadillac XT5. The part named most often is electrical system, with 6 complaints (30% of the total), followed by other or unknown (5) and steering (4). 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 30,000 miles. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 833 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 200 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 125 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Electrical system6 30%
- Other or unknown5 25%
- Steering4 20%
- Engine3 15%
- Brakes2 10%
- Fuel system2 10%
- Engine cooling1 5.0%
- Lane departure1 5.0%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The Side Detection System warning light came on. I found that other vehicles in our blind spots were not be recognized by the system. The warning lights were not being activated on the side mirrors. The system was repaired at the dealership at a cost of $865.43. When speaking withe the service technician he said this is happening quite frequently. They found three wires that were corroded and two more that showed signs future issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11760426, filed 2026-08Other or unknown: “Took my car to have new brakes. Talked to mechanic about noise from muffler. I was told baffle was broke inside. He told me the airflow could eventually be block which will disable the vehicle. This could happen while driving. My vehicle has 56,000 miles. I see another person stating the same issue. This issue needs to be on recall. I have not repaired yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11768444, filed 2026-10Steering: “The power steering suddenly shut down while driving, making steering almost impossible. Luckly I was on a straight part of the road and close to my house. It would have been disastrous if it occurred at high speed. I understand there is a recall to replace software on some 2021 Cadillac vehicles but mine is not in the list. I think my vintage of vehicles needs to be added to the recall list”
NHTSA complaint #11457475, filed 2022-03Engine: “When braking — both at low speeds and when slowing from highway speeds (40+ mph) — vehicle feels like engine revs and is still pushing against the brakes. Requires very firm pedal pressure to hold car in place; if brake pressure is eased, vehicle surges forward until it finally settles after several seconds. Concern is intermittent but repeatable. I had a near collision on 10/3/2025 due to this issue. I have been in constant contact with the dealership on this, including the service manager, as well as Cadillac Care. …”
NHTSA complaint #11691365, filed 2025-10Mileage when problems were reported
60% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 22,000 and 60,000 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 2021 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 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
| XT5 · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: 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 2021 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 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,550 |
| XT5 AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| XT5 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 24 | $3,400 |
| XT5 FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| XT5 Hearse AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,900 |
| XT5 Hearse FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,900 |
| XT5 Limo AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,900 |
| XT5 Limo FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,900 |
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
- 22V709000Sep 22, 2022Back over prevention › Sensing system › CameraCovers: Cadillac XT5 2020–2021, XT6 2020–2021, GMC Acadia 2020–2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera…
- 21V422000Jun 3, 2021Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Cadillac XT5 2021, GMC Acadia 2021, Cadillac XT6 2021
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
Recall details for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE22006Rear-View Camera FailureClosed · Jul 22, 2022
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. 833 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.
- 11036392Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11034979Jul 6, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates that a vehicle may be encountered with the heated/ventilated seats inoperative. Upon further inspection it will be found that the F19DA fuse will be open…
- 11034769Jun 23, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.
- 11032764May 11, 2026Other or unknown. Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue
- 11032763May 11, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030532Mar 21, 2026Other or unknown. Improvements to OnStar functionality.
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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have?
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Cadillac XT5 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 6 complaints (30% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 5.
Has the 2021 Cadillac XT5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Cadillac XT5 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Cadillac XT5 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 2021 Cadillac XT5 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Cadillac XT5 (XT5 FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Cadillac XT5 reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 30,000 miles and the middle half falls between 22,000 and 60,000 miles; 60% 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.