58 of the
442 complaints filed about the Cadillac XT5
are about the transmission —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
58
Complaints
13%
Share of all complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
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
NHTSA complaint #11758841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 He has now rescinded because I reported this to BBB, Atty Gen office, NHTSA.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.
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.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11746947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11740091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at highway speeds, I needed to accelerate hard in order to pass another vehicle and while accelerating there was a downshift and increase in RPM. After passing, the RPM remained high even after I took foot off accelerator and it seemed the transmission did not shift back out of lower gear, keeping the car traveling at a high rate of speed, endangering myself and other traffic. Applying the brakes would not cause the engine to slow down and the engine kept working hard and traveling fast, causing strain on the brakes to slow down. I pulled over and initially shifted to neutral, but the engine was still revving high (4000 rpm observed). Then I placed the car in park which did not change the high RPM. Then I shut off engine and let it rest. Then I turned auto back on and all was normal. The problem has not yet been reported to dealer but will occur in coming days. There were no prior symptoms, problems, or warning lights on dash display prior to this occurring.
NHTSA complaint #11727656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11718637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11700441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While waiting at a light, then the car shut off. Lossing all power. I could not get out of the vehicle, no hazards, no lights, nothing. After several pulls of the door handle I was able to open the door but the hazard light was not able to come one. After 4 attempts to engage break to push start the vehicle on ethe brake locked up and would not disengage. Total screen black out, no power no hazards. After some time, the brake released screen activated and I was able to press the brake and try to start the car again. It did not work but was now able to turn on hazards. After 15 mins, I tried again and it cranked up normal. I had new battery in June 2025 and 60K Maintenance services in Aug 2025. This happen in Oct 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11695654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Driving vehicle when it lost all power and stopped. On a main road . No lights, no start. No emergency flashers ! Vehicle had to be towed to dealer ! Vehicle was stuck on main road in traffic. And could not be moved because since it had no power at all was stuck in park!
NHTSA complaint #11627778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
First it was adaptive shifting three days after having it, then it was the thermostat, now it’s needing a new right rear hub assembly but my main concern is the shuttering when I am accelerating. The ride is not smooth. there is a chatter happening when I drive it. It makes me very nervous. I have went to one mechanic to diagnose so far and he said to have the transmission flushed first but it may need the torque converter replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11624436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The coolant thermostat was broken and gave two check engine codes P0128 and P0128P. AC was not functioning when the thermostat was not working, which can be dangerous in summer. It is also a very common problem with Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia.
NHTSA complaint #11615623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.