Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2021 Cadillac XT4 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 30
Against the median year of the Cadillac XT4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
75% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2021 Cadillac XT4
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
531.3%
Median failure at 34,536 miles
Electrical System
318.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 18,168 mi
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
212.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,900 mi
Engine & Cooling
212.5%
Median failure at 39,768 miles
Other & Unspecified
16.3%
Lights
16.3%
Airbags
16.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
16.3%
Median failure at 45,000 miles
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2021peak 3Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Cadillac XT4
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE21010Opened 9 Apr 2021Closed 24 Aug 2023AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Air Bag Malfunction
On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs.Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001...
Recalls on the 2021 Cadillac XT4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20235917,738 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, the automatic headlamps may not turn on soon enough as it becomes dark outside. Canadian regulations require automatic headlamps to turn on when the ambient light level drops below a certain point (1000 lux). Safety Risk: Headlamps that don't turn on as it becomes dark outside could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the body control module (BCM) software.
Recall 202152224 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, a bolt that attaches the rear seat belt retractor(s) may be missing. As a result, the seat belt may not work as designed in a crash. Note: On Chevrolet Malibu models, the right rear seat belt could be affected. On Cadillac XT4 models, both the left and right rear seat belts could be affected. Safety Risk: A seat belt that does not work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to check that the rear seat belt retractor bolts are properly installed. The dealer will replace or tighten the bolt(s), as required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 1,800 milesWest Bloomfield, MICrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the contact rear-ended a vehicle in front. The contact crashed the vehicle at approximately 5 mph; however, the collision caused severe front end damage to the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy and all electrical safety features failed to operate after the collision. There were no injuries reported and a police report was filed. The radiator began to leak as a result of the accident, therefore, the vehicle was towed to an independent body shop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.
NHTSA complaint #11418746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,800 milesWest Bloomfield, MICrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the contact rear-ended a vehicle in front. The contact crashed the vehicle at approximately 5 mph; however, the collision caused severe front end damage to the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy and all electrical safety features failed to operate after the collision. There were no injuries reported and a police report was filed. The radiator began to leak as a result of the accident, therefore, the vehicle was towed to an independent body shop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.
NHTSA complaint #11418746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fredericksburg, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DTRL failed and signal burned/melted I was unable to pass state inspection
NHTSA complaint #11749599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berea, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
there is a recall on the 2021 cadillac xt4, fuel pump control module, N252516900, but my vin is not included. My vehicle seems to be having the same issue. The dealer has been unable to diagnose as it has been happening very sporadic and I don't drive often. Issue first occurred, vehicle would not start in June 2025, clicking noise, happened few times in December and now seems to occur more frequent. car will initially start but will stall and fail to start. vehicle usually starts and engine light stays on, but then engine light will go off within hours. Dealer indicated no error codes were stored. had onstar run a diagnostic today when I had issues and identified a fuel management system issue. In researching I located the recall notice and ran my vin.
NHTSA complaint #11736841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humble, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11711988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami Gardens, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle stalled on the road,coming to a total stop,very dangerous because of the trafic.Vehicle cranks but not start.Fuel pump power control module failed,code p203f.Take to Vera Cadillac dealer for repair .This happened 2 times ,at 13765 milles and 29342 milles
NHTSA complaint #11684586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Louis, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving down the highway yesterday, I believe that the sunroof on my Cadillac XT4 exploded. It was a hot day and I heard a loud bang. My sunroof shattered and no rocks or other external debris to be found.
NHTSA complaint #11664882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,536 milesSaint Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped, and was shifted into park but failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump control module and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,536.
NHTSA complaint #11658240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,536 milesSaint Louis, MO
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped, and was shifted into park but failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump control module and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,536.
NHTSA complaint #11658240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped, and was shifted into park but failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump control module and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,536.
NHTSA complaint #11658240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmetto, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump module failed twice. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The first time I was driving the second time the car was parked and did not start. See below for details. Safety: Thankfully i was not driving 70+MPH down a busy highway when the car shut down. Given the past recall, the number of Cadillac owners experiencing the problem and that it's happened to me TWICE within three years, it's only a matter of time before serious injury or death occurs. First time: [XXX], Milage: 15,063 i was driving down a small-town highway doing 55 when the car stopped working. All power went off, no acceleration, difficulty steering. I was able to safely get to a side road. Had it towed to local Chevy dealer for repair. They diagnosed the issue: Bad fuel pump driver control module. Second time: [XXX], Milage: 34, 6112 The car was parked at my house and failed to start. Had it towed to local Cadillac dealership for repair. They diagnosed the issue: Bad fuel pump driver control module. Additional information I've found a previous recall on the fuel pump module from 2021 on Cadillac SUVs [XXX] I've found many forum posts of Cadillac users experiencing the same problem. This is just one link for XT4 and the last post from a user with the exact same problem was March 6, 2025, and another on Feb 4, 2025. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11647700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesStaten Island, NY
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the signal turned green; however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged into motion. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft and transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11608767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesStaten Island, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the signal turned green; however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged into motion. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft and transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11608767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesCopperas Cove, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing and exiting the residential driveway, the back over prevention sensor activated. The contact stated the back over prevention warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there were no obstacles behind the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was retrieved and shortly after exiting the dealer's lot, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact also stated that the vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken back to the original dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #11570554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I turn on the vehicle, it will have no sound - audio, turn signal, and most importantly and concerning, seatbelt warning chime. the electrical issues also extend to the hvac sustain have been trying to get this resolved with two dealerships and Cadillac directly for 1.5 almost 2 years. The issues began about three weeks after my lease began. Cadillac directly and the dealerships have done nothing to resolve this and have continuously kicked it down the road with no resolution. I am not comfortable driving a vehicle in which seatbelt deatures are compromised.
NHTSA complaint #11495605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester Hills, MI
AIR BAGS
Safety restraint warning light came on. Took to dealership. They had for 3 days claimed it was repaired. Light came back on 2 days later. Dealership has now had my vehicle 10 days, stating I need a new side drivers airbag. They do not know when it will arrive. I have seen other complaints in this model for faulty airbag sensors/units.
NHTSA complaint #11447636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,800 milesWest Bloomfield, MICrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the contact rear-ended a vehicle in front. The contact crashed the vehicle at approximately 5 mph; however, the collision caused severe front end damage to the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy and all electrical safety features failed to operate after the collision. There were no injuries reported and a police report was filed. The radiator began to leak as a result of the accident, therefore, the vehicle was towed to an independent body shop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.
NHTSA complaint #11418746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,800 milesWest Bloomfield, MICrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the contact rear-ended a vehicle in front. The contact crashed the vehicle at approximately 5 mph; however, the collision caused severe front end damage to the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy and all electrical safety features failed to operate after the collision. There were no injuries reported and a police report was filed. The radiator began to leak as a result of the accident, therefore, the vehicle was towed to an independent body shop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.
NHTSA complaint #11418746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.