Cadillac XT5 Complaints

54 consumer complaints on file.

#11758841August 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle does not recognize when it is in park . To use the Cadillac maps app you have to approve to their terms . When I tried to read it ,I get two warnings that tell me I must be in park . I am sitting in my garage when this happens . I have a video and a pic of the warnings . I need another method to upload the video . Its too large
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748010July 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I took my SUV to Heritage Cadillac in Lombard, IL for a revving sound while accelerating, specifically from 0-35mph and then acceleration on the highway at higher speeds. It sounded like I was revving the engine even when I wasn't accelerating and stay at a constant speed. There were not any service lights or notification of any issues in my vehicle. The car is at 59,000 miles, I paid $230 for a diagnostic run only to be told it was a "Faulty Muffler" and needed replacement for $1479.66 as it was not covered in my extended warranty. When I took it for a competing bid at a national-brand muffler shop, I was told parts were very hard to get for it as the car was "so new" and that he had another customer bring in for the same problem, but he couldn't find the muffler in his national data base. This lead me to research further why this would happen to a car only 5 year in. This led me down a rabbit hole researching this issue on other Cadillac forums. I'm seeing a recurring pattern among 2020-2021 XT5 owners with the 3.6L engine: a whiny noise when accelerating at low speeds, peaking around 3,000 RPM, traced to loose baffles inside the muffler or a restriction in the exhaust system. Several owners report first noticing it as early as 2,000 miles, with it getting louder over time - which lines up closely with what I experienced. More notably, multiple owners with this exact symptom got their full exhaust systems replaced under warranty, including vehicles with comparable or higher mileage than mine. I've also confirmed there are no open NHTSA recalls on my vehicle, so I know this isn't a recall issue. But given how consistently this specific failure shows up across other XT5s of the same model year and engine, it looks less like isolated wear and more like a known defect pattern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746947June 27, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting an imminent, life-threatening safety defect regarding a Cadillac XT5, purchased 1/10/26 and repurchased by the dealership on 5/16/2026. While driving, this vehicle experiences an unpredictable and intermittent defect causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into PARK while the vehicle is in motion.The vehicle was taken to the franchised Cadillac dealer it was purchased fr three times for repair assessments. The service appointents lasted between 1 week- 4 weeks. In total, the car was in my possssion 5 days since the first service appointment due to the ongoing, dangerous drivetrain defect. On the 2nd attempt, parts of the transmission were replaced and the dealer documented at least one occurrence of the gear shift failure, but the defect was not resolved. General Motors (GM) corporate inspectors subsequently inspected the vehicle. Ater that, the dealership repurchased the vehicle from me to take it off the road. About a week after the dealer repurchased the car, GM contacted me, wanting to repurchase the car. When i told them it was already repurchased by the dealership. GM's reponse was to offer me financial resitution for the payments I made only if I sign a General Release of Liability(GRL) for them. However, the dealer has since listed this vehicle for sale to the general public without any evidence of repairing the defect. It is currently being marketed to unsuspecting consumers. This vehicle poses an immediate crash and injury risk to anyone who drives it or shares the road with it. The CARFAX report does not reflect any of the drivetrain issues,nor does it reflect the buyback. GM's response regarding my concern about the dealership re-selling the car was that its out of their hands since the dealer owns the car. I will not sign the GM Release until the records accurately reflect the safety defect. I filed carfax dispute 6/22/26 in an attempt to protect others from this dangerous vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743461June 11, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while an oil change was being completed, an oil leak was discovered. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an internal leak in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740588May 28, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The dealer received various diagnostic codes all related to the brake master cylinder. The contact was given a loaner vehicle and the dealer replaced both the brake master cylinder and the vehicle's battery. Despite the dealers repair, the contact refused to take possession of the vehicle due to the prior brake failure as she felt unsafe driving the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 33,770.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740091May 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Failed transmission--April 16, 2026 I was backing out of my garage when I heard a very loud bang noise and it stopped my car instantly. I thought I had hit something but I did not. On may 22, 2026. I stopped at a red light a few cars back but when the light changed the car would not go as it hesitated a few seconds (maybe 15) like it was not going to drive off but it did. On May 23, 2026, I was going up the driveway from my sisters house and again the very very loud bang noise and it stopped instantly. This time it pushed me toward the steering wheel, if I had been going a little faster I think the air bag would have popped out. This time the flasher come on like someone pulled out or I was going to hit something. I was told by the Cadillac service person that they would drive it cold today(May 26, 2026) and see if anything happens. Well I am not driving this car 55 miles per hour and it stops instantly maybe killing me and others on the road. I think this is a safety problem. I love my Cadillac but I do not want to die in it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733785April 25, 2026
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
I was driving using turn by turn directions and it told me to turn and I turned too soon and hit a telephone pole, front center. The airbags did not deploy and onstar did not recognize crash. I heard nothing from anyone. I called 911 to get the police to come and a wrecker driver. Even though I was wearing my seatbelt, my chest struck the steering wheel and my left hand was badly bruised. This is a serious safety concern. There is police report. Pictures were taken by the policeman.No one has touched the box that records things. It is at Newell Colkision Center, Fitzgerald, GA Owner- Harris Newell. I am waiting to get it repaired . I want someone to retrieve information on box. I want to make sure air bags and safety systems work before driving it. I was the only one in the car.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11730816April 13, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact’s father-in-law owns a 2026 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed going uphill, he was blinded by the sunlight and started driving onto the grass. The driver released the accelerator pedal, and within a second, the vehicle started rolling backwards. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle rolled down a steep hill and crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the START/STOP was activated during the failure, and it was a programming failure where the vehicle automatically went into neutral with no lights indicating the vehicle was shut off. The contact stated the vehicle was rolling backwards at 35 MPH. The rear floorboard of the back seat was crushed against the rear frame rail, panel, and suspension. The vehicle stopped after crashing into the tree. The contact stated that no air bags had deployed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 700.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730360April 10, 2026
ENGINE
When driving the whole car shakes and the engine makes a loud sound. It doesn't matter if I am going 10 mph or 75 mph the same shaking happens. The engine smells like burnt rubber. Driving feels like jerking not a smooth ride. I have already had the engine oil leak repaired. My car has been in the shop 3x in 2 months for this same problem. The dealership did a transmission systems update which did not help. When driving downhills the RMPS shoot up and get stuck between 3,000-4,000. The dealership could not find any documentation that downhill assist is a feature on this car. The dealership was not able to replicate these issues. I own a 2023 Cadillac XT5 with 30,859 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722196March 5, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the infotainment screen was touched but went black and failed to respond. The vehicle was turned off and restarted at the next traffic light, and the infotainment screen was touched and remained black and failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. Due to the failure, the HVAC system, GPS, Bluetooth, Back Over Prevention, and Lane Keep Assist features became inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,240.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718637February 17, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 - 15 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. There was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to return the vehicle to the dealer for more diagnostic testing, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 23,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711680January 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 1/13/2026 while driving on the 91 freeway near Long Beach California we heard a load Pop sound and then felt some air and outside notice in the car . Pulled over shortly and saw a large hole in the rear sun window with cracked glass everywhere. . Made an appointment at Penske Cadillac and a few days later they are checking to see if it’s covered under warranty. Also filled a claim with AAA . There was absolutely no rock or debris involved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707080December 26, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE VECHICE TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN STARTS TO MOVE. SQEAKING NOISE IN THE CV JOINTS BOOTS, the shifts gears module stays in sports mode, will not stay on in regular mode. Defective sensors to send signal to OnStar alarm theft .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700441November 19, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The car has a shudder/vibrate and what feels like jerking at certain speeds. I have a 2023 XT5 Premium Luxury 3.6 However, I have taken multiple times to Big O tires had tires replaced, brakes, Lower control arms, I still had a vibration issue. Took back to Big O due to Tire balance issue but came back tires and balance and alignment were fine. I was told that Big O, hooked the car up to a TPS machine and stated my torque convertor needs replaced. My car only has 51,500 miles. They stated that the shudder is between gears 3 & 4. I understand my car powertrain and drive train are under the 70,000 mile warranty. But I keep hearing this is major issue with the 2023 XT5. Making me think I have a lemon since the issue is already happening on such a new car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691365October 4, 2025
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. The dealership has test driven the vehicle several times and has been unable to replicate the problem. However, I do have an audio recording of the engine’s idle speed at various points during one incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688743September 21, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rearview camera has perfect image when I put in reverse inside my garage but as soom as I exit the garage into sunlight, the image on the screen goes so dark you don't have a rear view for 18 to 20 seconds and by that time I am in the street. The dealer and Cadillac say this is normal. I have owned may GM vehicles and know this is not correct and dangerous
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683501August 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car exhaust was making vibration sound brought into dealership and the muffler is broke on the inside. Cadillac repair said it’s not a common occurrence and was not covered under any warranty. Stated it could have broke on the inside due to vibrations. The muffler shouldn’t have just broke inside due to vibrations if the integrity of it has to of been compromised especially if the car isn’t that old and there’s no damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680848August 15, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera lines were very faint. The contact was unable to see the guidelines or the markings. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rearview camera was operating as designed. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the dimming of the camera was normal operation while reversing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact sent an email to the manufacturer, but no response was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666450June 12, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
purchased 2024 XT5 brand new less than 6,000 miles SES light on..dealer states part failure w/transmission snap ring-traded vehicle for 2025 XT5. At 5,464 miles SES light comes on-another internal transmission part failure this time control valve body needed to be replaced. The control valve body is currently being recalled in the Cadillac CT5 but GM has not acknowledged issues with the control valve body on the XT5. After leaving the dealership after being serviced for a control valve body replacement I was involved in an accident 79 miles later/none of the safety features on this $60,000 vehicle engaged… no emergency braking… no vibration of seat…. no audible or visual alert stating approaching the vehicle to closely-NOTHING!
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11654240April 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased the 2023 Cadillac, with 19800 miles a week ago. The back up camera grid lines are so faint that most of the time they aren't visible. There is no contrast adjustment to make them visible. This condition is definitely a safety issue for me. As a [XXX] I depend on those grid lines to safely back into parking spots or my garage. My dealership tells me there is no resolution for this problem. Can you Help me? Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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