45 of the 442 complaints filed about the Cadillac XT5 are about the steering — 10% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2017.
45
Complaints
10%
Share of all complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
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.
STEERING
Check engine light sensor came on in mid-May which is the result of a faulty thermostat, also triggering a "Steering Assist is Reduced" message on the dashboard which I consider to be a safety issue. This is a known and common problem for this make, year and model and the cost to fix the problem is very expensive. This issue has been reported by many Cadillac owners on their forum. My mechanic confirmed the problem with the thermostat caused the steering assist is reduced message, along with the air conditioning malfunctioning.
NHTSA complaint #11740245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The computer or electrical box to steer keeps shorting out and the vehicle us unable to turn.
NHTSA complaint #11740143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Thermostat failure causes steering assist to be reduced. This leaves more difficult steering especially in an emergency situation, thus a safety concern. The vehicle displays a warning: "Steering Assist Is Reduced, Drive with care". An internet search shows this is a well-known problem across all General Motor vehicles. This is also indicated by the technician notes on my repair invoice that a bulletin from the manufacturer has been issued. After restart the warning clears leaving the driver to believe all is well. After a number of miles it reappears.
NHTSA complaint #11737788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to formally report a safety concern involving my 2018 Cadillac XT5, VIN [XXX] . Recently, my vehicle displayed a “Steering Assist Reduced” message on the dashboard while driving. This warning significantly increases the physical effort required to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds, and I believe it presents a genuine safety hazard.Upon taking the vehicle to an authorized Cadillac dealership, I was informed that the vehicle had stored diagnostic trouble code P0128 (Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature). The dealer explained that a malfunctioning thermostat caused the steering assist reduction message to appear. However, at no point did the vehicle illuminate a Check Engine Light, despite the presence of an emissions‑related fault code.I am concerned for several reasons:A critical engine fault (P0128) did not trigger a Check Engine Light, leaving me unaware of any underlying issue. The vehicle reduced power steering assist as a result of an unrelated thermostat malfunction, creating a sudden and unexpected increase in steering effort. This behavior poses a safety risk, particularly in situations requiring quick steering response or low‑speed maneuvering.Cadillac has issued Service Bulletin 17NA158, which acknowledges that thermostat or coolant‑temperature‑related issues can trigger steering assist warnings. This suggests the manufacturer is aware of the problem, yet no recall or corrective action has been issued.Given that steering assist reduction directly affects vehicle control, I believe this issue warrants investigation. A driver should not lose steering assist because of a thermostat fault, nor should a vehicle fail to illuminate a Check Engine Light when a diagnostic code is present.I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter to determine whether a safety‑related defect exists in the 2018 Cadillac XT5 and similar GM vehicles. Sumitting this for my mother. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI
NHTSA complaint #11712970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
We got the message that our steering may be impacted and then our temperature gauge wasn’t working nor the stop/start feature. Trip to service dealer resulted in a $1,186.14 repair for the replacement of the thermostat. This car only has 37,269 miles. We were told by service tech this is a common issue in GM models and this year of car. This was a financial hardship on us and our well maintained, and rarely used, vehicle. How can GM know this is an issue and not offer remedy thru a recall?
NHTSA complaint #11709474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Cadillac XT5 had a “steering assist is reduced” message on the driver information center. P0128 Code
NHTSA complaint #11692134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Check engine code p0128. driver assistance, air conditioning and steering affect.
NHTSA complaint #11686543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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2018 xt5 code p128 steering assist is reduced drive with care its only has 37.282 miles on it steering got hard to control
NHTSA complaint #11682768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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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.
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Message on dashboard "steering assistance reduced drive with caution". Messages appeared April 2025 and July 2025. Previously electric module needed to be replaced. Steering message caused me to be very cautious. Radiator had to be replaced because of leak. Both issues repaired at dealership. Vehicle has less than 40,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11674072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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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.
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.
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Steering assist disengaged, low power mode, no temperature read and check engine light. All occurred at 61k miles.
NHTSA complaint #11649851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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While driving my vehicle, alert popped up on my dash stating "Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care" futhermore after that my Check Engine Light Turned on and my Engine Heater Stayed cold and would not warm up. Vehicle has been inspected by the Cadillac Dealer and they stated it is all due to the Sensor. However Sensor is on backorder and has taken them 3 week to get the part. They stated it is safe to drive even though all those alerts came up, since he said it appears to be stuck open, however they stated if it gets stuck in a closed state then the engine could overhead which would require having the vehicle towed in. They offer a "limited" warranty on this however since I just was past the warranty period they state you have to pay the full price. Warranty is for 85,000 miles and I am barely above it at 87675.
NHTSA complaint #11639690 — 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.
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The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 20 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. A message "Steering Power Reduced" was displayed before the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that one day prior to the failure, the low power steering fluid warning light was illuminated, and the brake fluid was refilled. The contact stated after picking their children from school, the failure occurred. The contact who is an independent mechanic, was able to replicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local Auto Zone where the brake fluid was refilled only days after the brake fluid had been refilled. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle remained at the dealer for further investigation. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,300.
NHTSA complaint #11629101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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“Steering assistance is reduced Drive with care” message while driving. Engine light appeared
NHTSA complaint #11624129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Our XT5 began getting 'Steering Assist Reduced' message about a year ago. It comes and goes , coming more often now. The problem is the thermostat and is a very common issue with numerous complaints here and on Cadillac forums (below). The problem is, when this issue occurs the AC stops working, and when that happens you have no windshield defrost, and that is a safety problem. Cadillac has TSB's describing this issue but refuses to cover it goodwill as we are slightly out of warranty. The repair is extensive, requiring 4.5 of time. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11616324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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A/C stopped working. Steering assist is reduced warning light came on. Was told it was a thermostat/ sensor. Had the sensor replaced for a cost of approximately $230.00. Short while later, A/C stopped working again. Suddenly the Steering wheel malfunctioned while driving on the interstate. Ran off the the road into median and heard a loud "Pop" sound as I tried to gain control of the vehicle. Hit an embankment and almost crossed over median into oncoming traffic. All airbags deployed. My passenger and I suffered injuries including broken bones, fractured ribs, severe back and shoulder pain, bleeding forearm, bruises and swelling. We were transported to a nearby ER by ambulance. The Vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11578386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.