2020 Cadillac XT5 problems

POWER TRAIN

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. Had this occurred at highway speeds or while crossing an intersection, the sudden loss of propulsion could have significantly increased the risk of a crash. This unexpected loss of power increased my risk a potential highway hazard. The vehicle was subsequently inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Cadillac dealership. The dealership determined that the engine suffered an internal mechanical failure, including rod bearing failure and metal contamination throughout the engine. The dealership advised that the engine required complete replacement. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced. There was no owner misuse, neglect, overheating event, or other known condition that would explain such a catastrophic failure. The engine failed unexpectedly and without any prior warning to the driver. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden engine failure resulting in immediate loss of power presents a significant safety concern. I believe NHTSA should investigate whether similar failures have occurred in other 2020 Cadillac XT5 vehicles and whether a manufacturing or design defect may exist that could place other drivers at risk.

NHTSA complaint #11750727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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. Had this occurred at highway speeds or while crossing an intersection, the sudden loss of propulsion could have significantly increased the risk of a crash. This unexpected loss of power increased my risk a potential highway hazard. The vehicle was subsequently inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Cadillac dealership. The dealership determined that the engine suffered an internal mechanical failure, including rod bearing failure and metal contamination throughout the engine. The dealership advised that the engine required complete replacement. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced. There was no owner misuse, neglect, overheating event, or other known condition that would explain such a catastrophic failure. The engine failed unexpectedly and without any prior warning to the driver. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden engine failure resulting in immediate loss of power presents a significant safety concern. I believe NHTSA should investigate whether similar failures have occurred in other 2020 Cadillac XT5 vehicles and whether a manufacturing or design defect may exist that could place other drivers at risk.

NHTSA complaint #11750727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into different gears. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The failure persisted while the contact's wife was driving, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was able to restart and shift into gear. The contact notified Carvana of the failure and was referred to several independent mechanics, who informed the contact that they did not service vehicles purchased from Carvana. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the brakes and rotors, front control arms, radiator, unknown sensors, and several other unknown parts needed to be replaced; however, the contact stated that the recommended repairs were not related to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence. Carvana was contacted again and referred the contact to the second dealer, Herb Chambers Cadillac of Warwick (1511 Bald Hill Rd, RI-2, Warwick, RI 02886), who determined that the computer was not communicating with the key fob, and the coolant sensor, the air conditioner, and several other unknown parts needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that they were unable to file a claim with Carvana to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA complaint #11742938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into different gears. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The failure persisted while the contact's wife was driving, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was able to restart and shift into gear. The contact notified Carvana of the failure and was referred to several independent mechanics, who informed the contact that they did not service vehicles purchased from Carvana. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the brakes and rotors, front control arms, radiator, unknown sensors, and several other unknown parts needed to be replaced; however, the contact stated that the recommended repairs were not related to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence. Carvana was contacted again and referred the contact to the second dealer, Herb Chambers Cadillac of Warwick (1511 Bald Hill Rd, RI-2, Warwick, RI 02886), who determined that the computer was not communicating with the key fob, and the coolant sensor, the air conditioner, and several other unknown parts needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that they were unable to file a claim with Carvana to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA complaint #11742938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 30,475. It was later discovered, upon checking with a local AutoZone, that the mileage was 49,579.

NHTSA complaint #11734280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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. It will likely happen again in less that 5 years. A second issue is the transmission was shuddering during acceleration. GM replaced the torque converter under warranty. But I have read this is also a common problem with GM cars for several years. I think GM should have to come up with a solution and contact owners for a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11721637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. It will likely happen again in less that 5 years. A second issue is the transmission was shuddering during acceleration. GM replaced the torque converter under warranty. But I have read this is also a common problem with GM cars for several years. I think GM should have to come up with a solution and contact owners for a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11721637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while in drive and attempting to shift into reverse (R), the gear shifter knob fractured. The gear shifter shifted into park(P) and failed to respond as needed. The contact held the fractured piece in place to move the gear shifter. The message "Gear Conditions not Met" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where DTC: P07B4, P07BA, P17A4, P17A8 were retrieved. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,756.

NHTSA complaint #11721495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

The contact’s father owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while attempting to use the driver's side rear seat belt, the seat belt failed to buckle securely. The contact had not attempted to use the rear passenger’s side seat belt. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11711510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHEN BACKING OUT OF GARAGE THE BACKUP CAMERA STOPS WORKING IN THE SUN LIGHT MUST WAIT 2 MINUTES FOR IT TO START WORKING IN SUN LIGHT. WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE BLIND TO THE REAR FOR AT LEAST 2 MINUTES. NO OTHER CAR I NOW OF DOES THIS. BEEN TO TWO CADILAC DEALER IN TO DIFFERENT STATES BOTH SAID NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT.

NHTSA complaint #11696053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Auto shut down completely in the middle of the road. No one including tow truck driver could not put vehicle into neutral. Once the vehicle was towed to the dealership in was confirmed that battery just died and the dealership stated due to the electrical shifter there was no way to engage neutral since the vehicle could not start. This situation caused major traffic issues for 3 hours as vehicle was locked in position. I would think there should be some way to push the vehicle to the curb allowing traffic to flow. Being stuck in the middle of traffic and unable to push vehicle to the side of the road is very dangerous. Please advise Cadillac that people must have a way to get there vehicle out of the middle of the road and this a very dangerous situation.

NHTSA complaint #11681744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Auto shut down completely in the middle of the road. No one including tow truck driver could not put vehicle into neutral. Once the vehicle was towed to the dealership in was confirmed that battery just died and the dealership stated due to the electrical shifter there was no way to engage neutral since the vehicle could not start. This situation caused major traffic issues for 3 hours as vehicle was locked in position. I would think there should be some way to push the vehicle to the curb allowing traffic to flow. Being stuck in the middle of traffic and unable to push vehicle to the side of the road is very dangerous. Please advise Cadillac that people must have a way to get there vehicle out of the middle of the road and this a very dangerous situation.

NHTSA complaint #11681744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The shift gear cracked and became inoperable serious safety issue. Unable to place the car in park reverse or drive

NHTSA complaint #11676576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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. P0700, p0796, p2732, p18ab, p18ad , p187d vehicle was making whining sound like a cracked valve body inside the transmission. Requested failure analysis from GM Cadillac, and still have not received results was told by the dealer it was like the transmission was worn out. There was a lot of clutch material. No warning, signs or symptoms of the failure. Have had the vehicle back for three weeks and the new transmission is shuttering, feels like it’s slipping slightly sometimes and having issues already still waiting on an opening to bring the vehicle back to dealership again. The nine speed transmission is having issues like the rest of GM’s transmissions and the only one that has not received a huge recall like the rest. Cadillac rep stated when that issue occurs under 3000 miles they typically replace the transmission. No transmission will receive failure analysis if it is replaced like I think. Had appointment at Cadillac. Dealership today scheduled supposed to drop vehicle off and receive a loaner vehicle when I arrived found out they did not have a loaner vehicle told them I felt like it was not safe to drive with the transmission acting up and notified Cadillac rep I felt it was not safe to drive Cadillac wrap was not helpful. And did not offer any real assistance. Had to bring Car back twice already due to exhaust leak after transmission was replaced. Cadillac rep. Never responds to any email sent

NHTSA complaint #11650352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Faulty termostat which creates reduce steering error code PO128, tempeture indicator is not listed on the dash board, engine RPMs are increased. This problem has increased for now the engine check light is highlighted.

NHTSA complaint #11639461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Faulty termostat which creates reduce steering error code PO128, tempeture indicator is not listed on the dash board, engine RPMs are increased. This problem has increased for now the engine check light is highlighted.

NHTSA complaint #11639461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that the gear shifter plastic and connectors connected to the cover of the wiring had detached from the gear shifter, exposing the inner wiring. The contact stated that more of the gear shifter covering had started detaching. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the shifter mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the failure was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was 37,000.

NHTSA complaint #11616383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

The contact called on behalf of her grandmother who owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate while attempting to switch lanes. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was revving; however, the vehicle failed to slow down as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to accelerate to approximately 80 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal for an excessive amount of time to significantly reduce the speed of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to approximately 70 MPH. The contact became aware that the cruise control had activated independently. While attempting to deactivate the cruise control, the cruise control failed to deactivate. The contact pressed the START/STOP button to turn off the vehicle. The contact pressed the button again immediately turning the vehicle back on and shifting into neutral, significantly reducing the RPM. The contact coasted to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After waiting for a while the contact turned the vehicle back on and continued driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11609511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact called on behalf of her grandmother who owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate while attempting to switch lanes. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was revving; however, the vehicle failed to slow down as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to accelerate to approximately 80 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal for an excessive amount of time to significantly reduce the speed of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to approximately 70 MPH. The contact became aware that the cruise control had activated independently. While attempting to deactivate the cruise control, the cruise control failed to deactivate. The contact pressed the START/STOP button to turn off the vehicle. The contact pressed the button again immediately turning the vehicle back on and shifting into neutral, significantly reducing the RPM. The contact coasted to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After waiting for a while the contact turned the vehicle back on and continued driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11609511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

After a rainy highway speed 50 mile trip I stopped to get a Lotto ticket at my local store. I shut the vehicle off. It took me approximately 2 to 3 minutes to buy the Lottery ticket. I started the vehicle and noticed that my power steering was not operating. I could barely move the steering wheel ( it seemed locked) and I barely made my 10 mile trip to my house using secondary dirt roads . I called my dealer and was told that sometimes after an overnight of non use the problem would go away. The next morning I started the vehicle and the power steering was back to normal. I took it to my local Cadillac dealer and they scoped it and found no defect codes recorded. I was very fortunate that the incident didn’t occur while driving at I-75 . At high speeds without steering it would have resulted in possible multiple serious injuries or deaths. I hope that their is a possible fix to the steering loss but my dealer has no clues at this time. Mileage on my vehicle is approximately 14500 miles. I currently have no confidence in this vehicle and will not have my 75 year wife drive it. My age is 77. Another serious incident that I had with this vehicle when it was new was the automatic forward collision braking . I was making a left turn and for no reason the car suddenly braked hard and stalled. I was fortunate that the oncoming traffic stopped and gave me a chance to restart and move away from the intersection. The problem was resolved by my dealer by reducing the sensitivity of the forward collision braking.

NHTSA complaint #11529902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

After a rainy highway speed 50 mile trip I stopped to get a Lotto ticket at my local store. I shut the vehicle off. It took me approximately 2 to 3 minutes to buy the Lottery ticket. I started the vehicle and noticed that my power steering was not operating. I could barely move the steering wheel ( it seemed locked) and I barely made my 10 mile trip to my house using secondary dirt roads . I called my dealer and was told that sometimes after an overnight of non use the problem would go away. The next morning I started the vehicle and the power steering was back to normal. I took it to my local Cadillac dealer and they scoped it and found no defect codes recorded. I was very fortunate that the incident didn’t occur while driving at I-75 . At high speeds without steering it would have resulted in possible multiple serious injuries or deaths. I hope that their is a possible fix to the steering loss but my dealer has no clues at this time. Mileage on my vehicle is approximately 14500 miles. I currently have no confidence in this vehicle and will not have my 75 year wife drive it. My age is 77. Another serious incident that I had with this vehicle when it was new was the automatic forward collision braking . I was making a left turn and for no reason the car suddenly braked hard and stalled. I was fortunate that the oncoming traffic stopped and gave me a chance to restart and move away from the intersection. The problem was resolved by my dealer by reducing the sensitivity of the forward collision braking.

NHTSA complaint #11529902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This vehicles transmission has went out twice. Both while driving and could have caused death on the freeway because the vehicle came to a complete stop. 2 young children could be at high risk for this issue. It was taken to the dealership the first time and the transmission was replaced and within 3 months the same issue occurred which could have been deadly. It again was given a new transmission and 6 months later the same issue is occurring. Yesterday the check engine light came on. The vehicle began to drive very slow as I was on the main road. Another collision could have occurred but thankfully I was able to turn into a parking lot and stop the vehicle. GM corporate has Been contacted multiple times and have stopped answering all my calls and conerns. This issue can cause major damage to my family as well as others. A new vehicle like this should not have these issues

NHTSA complaint #11523070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The camera system has not been turning on intermittenly. Both the rear backup and the side/front cameras bring the screen to a black screen with a red triangle and red camera logo with a line through it (signifying no camera connected?). I have most commonly noticed it when I am parking in my garage at night, but it will work the next day, very hard to reproduce the conditions..

NHTSA complaint #11484360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

While driving at low speed lost all power steering . Was able to get it back home . When checked again later power steering was working . While driving later that day brakes engaged to a sudden slamming stop , red abs engaged light flashed then went away . Both incidents could’ve caused accidents. I’m scared to drive this car anymore. A week prior I thought the gears weren’t engaging / transmission seemed to be slipping ? 6 months prior braking engaged on freeway , also scary .. dealer said it needed a update and would be fine . 5 months ago I was unable to reverse out of my driveway , dealer also said it was in need of a update . I never received notice I was in need of any updates before these problems occurred .

NHTSA complaint #11463281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.