Owners have filed 187 complaints
about the 2017 Cadillac XT5 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 8 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Cadillac XT5. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 36
7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
78% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1514.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3129.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2625.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1918.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1211.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
11.0%
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.
Jun 2016peak 9Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2017 Cadillac XT5
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 202114610,859 units in Canada
Fabrics
Issue: Under certain testing conditions, the front seat material may not meet the flammability requirements of Canadian regulations. However, when the seat mat is tested in a fully assembled state, with all four layers, it meets all requirements. Safety Risk: This is a testing issue that does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has made changes to ensure that all new vehicles have fully compliant seat-vent mats.
Recall 2016542151 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the front brake calipers may have a torn or extruded caliper piston seal. This could result in a loss of hydraulic brake fluid, which could decrease braking performance and extended stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the date codes of the right and left front caliper assemblies and check for signs of leaking brake fluid. If the date code falls within the affected range, the dealer will replace the brake caliper assembly. If there are signs of brake fluid leakage, the dealer will also replace the disc brake pads. Note: A red "BRAKE" telltale light will illuminate when approximately 72% of the brake hydraulic fluid has leaked from the brake master cylinder reservoir.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Sarasota, FLCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
i was involved in a front end collision with a car that pulled out in front of me without looking. I ended up T-boning the car at approx. 20-25 MPH. Both myself and my wife were wearing our seat belts. Mine held but the passenger one held only the lap belt part. The shoulder part of the SB allowed her face to go crashing into the dashboard. She ended up with abdominal injuries and head trauma. I took it to the dealer and they say the seat belt will need to be replaced as it is defective. (You think). I can pull on the shoulder strap rapidly and it will not 'catch'.
NHTSA complaint #11622149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesBeverly, MACrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine made a grinding sound, and the vehicle accelerated while the foot was on the brake pedal. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact also had an incident where he accidentally ran into the garage, and the air bags did not deploy; however, the front passenger side of the vehicle was damaged. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The local dealer did not diagnose any failure; however, the vehicle was repaired. No injuries and medical reports were necessary. The contact stated the vehicle does not have an emergency brake. The dealer did not diagnose any failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000
NHTSA complaint #11459972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesBeverly, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine made a grinding sound, and the vehicle accelerated while the foot was on the brake pedal. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact also had an incident where he accidentally ran into the garage, and the air bags did not deploy; however, the front passenger side of the vehicle was damaged. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The local dealer did not diagnose any failure; however, the vehicle was repaired. No injuries and medical reports were necessary. The contact stated the vehicle does not have an emergency brake. The dealer did not diagnose any failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000
NHTSA complaint #11459972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesBeverly, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine made a grinding sound, and the vehicle accelerated while the foot was on the brake pedal. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact also had an incident where he accidentally ran into the garage, and the air bags did not deploy; however, the front passenger side of the vehicle was damaged. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The local dealer did not diagnose any failure; however, the vehicle was repaired. No injuries and medical reports were necessary. The contact stated the vehicle does not have an emergency brake. The dealer did not diagnose any failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000
NHTSA complaint #11459972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesArkansas City, KSCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC XT5. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SHUT OFF YET AGAIN. AFTER THE SECOND RESTART, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT'S WIFE ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE USING THE PUSH START FEATURE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESFUL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S WIFE CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, DUE TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, TO HER MOUTH AND LEFT ARM. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS PROPERTY. IT WAS NOT YET DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11290839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesArkansas City, KSCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC XT5. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SHUT OFF YET AGAIN. AFTER THE SECOND RESTART, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT'S WIFE ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE USING THE PUSH START FEATURE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESFUL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S WIFE CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, DUE TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, TO HER MOUTH AND LEFT ARM. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS PROPERTY. IT WAS NOT YET DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11290839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Grove City, OH
POWER TRAIN
I purchased the car on XXX. The car has been returned to the service department within the first 3 days. Sold to me without getting fully inspected. Service department did put new brakes and rotors on and I was told (no paperwork given to me) an oil change was done. On XXX in traffic on a dangerous highway, the car cut off. The car was not able to be jumped with AAA, was towed to [XXX]/GMC Service department. I was told by the Asst Svc Manager, on XXX the Tech told him My car was the starter. The part would have to be ordered and would not be ready to the following week. On July 7th I received a call from the SVC Mgr that the engine blew. I had to pull teeth to get the Mgr to pay for the engine of $8500 and yet he wants me to pay $1500.00. With having a car less than 21 days regardless if I went over the 3k miles and as -is, there was a 90 day warranty when everything should be covered. He has now rescinded because I reported this to BBB, Atty Gen office, NHTSA. This car was never inspected. I requested the On-star reports, Inspection reports for the last year and the Tech's findings and nothing has been provided except one. I requested several times the service report and the General Manager/owner is so upset, he submitted nothing.I have felt intimidation throughout this entire process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grove City, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased the car on XXX. The car has been returned to the service department within the first 3 days. Sold to me without getting fully inspected. Service department did put new brakes and rotors on and I was told (no paperwork given to me) an oil change was done. On XXX in traffic on a dangerous highway, the car cut off. The car was not able to be jumped with AAA, was towed to [XXX]/GMC Service department. I was told by the Asst Svc Manager, on XXX the Tech told him My car was the starter. The part would have to be ordered and would not be ready to the following week. On July 7th I received a call from the SVC Mgr that the engine blew. I had to pull teeth to get the Mgr to pay for the engine of $8500 and yet he wants me to pay $1500.00. With having a car less than 21 days regardless if I went over the 3k miles and as -is, there was a 90 day warranty when everything should be covered. He has now rescinded because I reported this to BBB, Atty Gen office, NHTSA. This car was never inspected. I requested the On-star reports, Inspection reports for the last year and the Tech's findings and nothing has been provided except one. I requested several times the service report and the General Manager/owner is so upset, he submitted nothing.I have felt intimidation throughout this entire process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belville, NC
AIR BAGS
My passenger side, dashboard bowls up in the heat and doesn’t seat properly. My fear for safety is that if I’m in an accident that airbag will not come out due to the dash bubbling because of the defect.. It seems to be an only problem with the platinum editions of the Cadillac XT5’s. There’s no warning lamps and it has not been inspected.
NHTSA complaint #11751374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
STEERING
I had P0128 Code with a warning message " Steering assist is reduced, drive with care". My local mechanic told I need a new thermostat. I have replaced my thermostat and it cost me 700 dollars out of pocket.
NHTSA complaint #11749125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
ENGINE
I had P0128 Code with a warning message " Steering assist is reduced, drive with care". My local mechanic told I need a new thermostat. I have replaced my thermostat and it cost me 700 dollars out of pocket.
NHTSA complaint #11749125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elk Grove Village, IL
SEAT BELTS
2017 cadillac XT5 Platinum. Seatbelt CHIME does not activate if the seatbelt is off while driving. Dealer says it is working as it is supposed to in this model year.!!!! Please note that at the dealer we test drove for 3/4 of a mile, and the CHIME went off only after driving 4 blocks and making a right hand turn. It went off again seconds later and 1/2 mile later as we entered the parking lot, as we hit a bump into the parking lot, the chime went off again. My point is that the CHIME should go off at the beginning of the drive to remind the driver that the belt is off, not at the end of a 3/4 mile drive. Their answer is that they tested the seatbelt and no codes were detected. Since the CHIME did go off sometime during the drive, then there is no problem!!!! They CLAIM they tested another 2017 XT5 and it was the same!!! It worked for 8 years, but in the last 2 months, it started to fail with on the driver side. The passenger side later also started to fail, sometimes it will activate if no seatbelt was used, other times it did not. Today June 11, 2026 I tested the car and no chime was active. I also tested the rear seat and buckled & unbuckled while driving - NO CHIME. I tried bouncing up and down on rear seat, and the CHIME went off! So the CHIME works but the car is not sensing when the seatbelt is unbuckled. I have grand children that ride in the rear using a car seat, if one of the seatbelts was unbuckled while driving, the CHIME would warm me that they took the belt off. We drove the car for 5 miles home and bucked and unbuckled the and passenger and the driver side belts at different times, and the CHIME did not go off. The light in the front panel does flash when the seatbelt is unbuckled!. Prior to the belt CHIME giving us problems, the same week the seatbelt on driver side tighten so hard while driving, that my wife got scared & even was afraid it would break her clavicle! We could not reproduce, but reported to dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11743530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waynesboro, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had to replace the thermostat which is a well known, documented defect/issue for this vehicle/Cadillac. I would like reimbursement from Cadillac.
NHTSA complaint #11725089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rio Verde, AZ
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving down the freeway at approx. 65 miles per hour, I heard a very loud sound like an explosion, or a huge balloon exploding, and then heard crackling of glass. It was very scary and dangerous. I had to slow down immediately, and was able to get off the freeway. I pulled into a gas station, and tried to figure out where it came from. I realized that my sunroof was either hit with something or just simply exploded. There was a hole in the center, and the glass was cracked throughout the front sunroof. I could hear the glass pieces moving around on the sunroof shade that was thankfully closed. I bought duct tape and covered the hole and all of the cracks so I could drive it home. I took side streets and drove slowly home.
NHTSA complaint #11721532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
POWER TRAIN
I purchased this used car in the end of July 2025. Within the last month the service transmission light came on. Within a 24-hour period, the message changed to, "service transmission unable to shift Soon". Also alarm bells go off when I first start the car and sometimes during driving. The car feels like it drives correctly and smoothly with no shifting issues. Sometimes when that second message and check engine light icon being comes on, there seems to be a third message that is trying to pop up behind it but it does not. It seems like there is a glitch in the system. This was very concerning and scary for me. My research shows me that this has been a chronic problem for my make and model and year of car. I've also heard it can be even time to check and or change the transmission fluid. That needs to be a different message all together without causing alarm that the transmission itself is not functioning properly. I have not driven this for 10 days because many repair shops in dealerships are telling me not to risk it and of course want me to bring this in for a diagnosis. It is costly and hard to discern and trust who to go to for the correct information. The dealership should be responsible for a recall and replacing this sensor or modular so people do not have a cause for alarm if it is something as simple as needing to change the transmission fluid. There is also no dipstick on this vehicle so no local fluid fill station can check this. Many people have complained and are at a loss. I see there is a bulletin on this subject but no recall. Please take action and turn this situation into a recall once and for all to help. The little folks like me stay more safe and better informed about the health and longevity of our vehicles. Thank you for your time in reading this.
NHTSA complaint #11720102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased this used car in the end of July 2025. Within the last month the service transmission light came on. Within a 24-hour period, the message changed to, "service transmission unable to shift Soon". Also alarm bells go off when I first start the car and sometimes during driving. The car feels like it drives correctly and smoothly with no shifting issues. Sometimes when that second message and check engine light icon being comes on, there seems to be a third message that is trying to pop up behind it but it does not. It seems like there is a glitch in the system. This was very concerning and scary for me. My research shows me that this has been a chronic problem for my make and model and year of car. I've also heard it can be even time to check and or change the transmission fluid. That needs to be a different message all together without causing alarm that the transmission itself is not functioning properly. I have not driven this for 10 days because many repair shops in dealerships are telling me not to risk it and of course want me to bring this in for a diagnosis. It is costly and hard to discern and trust who to go to for the correct information. The dealership should be responsible for a recall and replacing this sensor or modular so people do not have a cause for alarm if it is something as simple as needing to change the transmission fluid. There is also no dipstick on this vehicle so no local fluid fill station can check this. Many people have complained and are at a loss. I see there is a bulletin on this subject but no recall. Please take action and turn this situation into a recall once and for all to help. The little folks like me stay more safe and better informed about the health and longevity of our vehicles. Thank you for your time in reading this.
NHTSA complaint #11720102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coral Spring, FL
POWER TRAIN
I have a 2017 Cadillac xt5 which the transmission is kicking and has a shattering issue car was just over the warranty and was told I have to pay for a replacement car had 70k miles and was told from a mechanic that there was a recall on these cars when I checked my vin the car is not under recall but is presenting the same issue as the ones under recall.. I took it to amoco replace fluid and car still has issue. Iam trying to see my options on how to go about it..
NHTSA complaint #11714707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Fe, NM
AIR BAGS
9/17/25 I purchased 2017 Cadillac Xt5 platinum from a dealership. It came with a dash mat which was concealing cosmetic damage to vinyl around air bag on passenger side, and was unglued throughout entire dashboard. I didn't have a vehicle inspection before buying car, nothing reported on Carfax. And I asked dealership why they used Velcro and dashmat to conceal damage. No response.
NHTSA complaint #11699228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Fe, NM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9/17/25 I purchased 2017 Cadillac Xt5 platinum from a dealership. It came with a dash mat which was concealing cosmetic damage to vinyl around air bag on passenger side, and was unglued throughout entire dashboard. I didn't have a vehicle inspection before buying car, nothing reported on Carfax. And I asked dealership why they used Velcro and dashmat to conceal damage. No response.
NHTSA complaint #11699228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wylie, TX
ENGINE
Catalytic Converter on my 2017 XT5 had weld crack Oct 2025. Causing loud noise and exhaust to enter cabin of vehicle. This was the second convertor to do this. In 2023 I had to have the other catalytic convertor on this same vehicle changed out by the Sewell Cadillac dealership for the same problem. That time I only had 50,000 miles on the car so the dealership did it for free (after I found that they had to cover up to 80,000 and they acted like they didn't know that and had quoted me $2000). This time in 2025 I had 80,805 miles so I had to pay $1010 to have it replaced by an outside repair shop. The technician says since we had to have them both replaced and the car is only 8 years old, it is probably a design flaw. He told me to report it. I see another complaint for the same thing and I see they did a recall on some from California vehicles for something with the catalytic convertor and a recall on some in 2022 and 2023 vehicles for an issue with the catalytic convertor. I expected better from GM and Cadillac. I wonder how many other Cadillac XT5 owners have had this problem but haven't known to report it. You should contact the Cadillac dealerships and see how many they have changed out.
NHTSA complaint #11696335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VA
POWER TRAIN
Check engine code p0128. driver assistance, air conditioning and steering affect.
NHTSA complaint #11686543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VA
STEERING
Check engine code p0128. driver assistance, air conditioning and steering affect.
NHTSA complaint #11686543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Check engine code p0128. driver assistance, air conditioning and steering affect.
NHTSA complaint #11686543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, IL
ENGINE
An issue is pipe cracking at the left catalytic converter mounting flange weld, causing exhaust noise, odor, and potential emission system failure. It just cost $2013.00 to have fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11684477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesMacomb, MI
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle while accelerating or decelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. While having the tires replaced, the contact was informed that the rear toe links were loose. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer two years prior for a toe link replacement, but the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11668828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is an open service bulletin on my car - 17128 Potential Loss of HVAC Control. This loss of control affects the defrost on the vehicle making it very dangerous to drive when it is raining out as it severally reduces visibility.
NHTSA complaint #11668812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal, MN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
There is an open service bulletin on my car - 17128 Potential Loss of HVAC Control. This loss of control affects the defrost on the vehicle making it very dangerous to drive when it is raining out as it severally reduces visibility.
NHTSA complaint #11668812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Steering reduced assist drive with care on the dash board . It states drive with caution not sure if this is dangerous or even driveable I am 8 months pregnant and now I don’t have a car I am scared to drive it. Thermostat stopped working & fan is running and won’t stop
NHTSA complaint #11662143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Steering reduced assist drive with care on the dash board . It states drive with caution not sure if this is dangerous or even driveable I am 8 months pregnant and now I don’t have a car I am scared to drive it. Thermostat stopped working & fan is running and won’t stop
NHTSA complaint #11662143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,146 milesOkeechobee, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist had failed. The contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 78,146.
NHTSA complaint #11661404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Okeechobee, FL
STEERING
The power assist steering goes out and you have to manually try to steer the car the part that has to be replaced is the power assist steering module which is located in the steering assembly I have found this to be a problem with Cadillac XT5 models from 2017 through 2019 also in a Chevrolet SUV MODEL of the same years an internal memo was sent out but not notified owners
NHTSA complaint #11654335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.