Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2015 Cadillac XTS with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 5 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 — 16
Against the median year of the Cadillac XTS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54
10.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 71
42% 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 2015 Cadillac XTS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
526.3%
Median failure at 45,842 miles
Other & Unspecified
315.8%
Median failure at 33,500 miles
Lights
210.5%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
210.5%
Median failure at 50,500 miles
Equipment & Accessories
15.3%
Stability & Traction Control
15.3%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
15.3%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.3%
Median failure at 49,220 miles
Suspension
15.3%
Median failure at 45,842 miles
Steering
15.3%
Median failure at 80,500 miles
Airbags
15.3%
Median failure at 7,393 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
18.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
18.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
650.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
325.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
18.3%
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.
Dec 2016peak 3Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2015 Cadillac XTS
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 2026246328 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and metal fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury or death. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the driver-front airbag module.
Recall 201548114 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, front seat-mounted side impact airbag modules may contain a defect which, in the event of an airbag deployment, can cause airbag inflator components to separate and be propelled into the interior compartment, possibly striking occupants. It is also possible that the airbag may inflate only partially, or not at all, in the event of a crash. If the airbag components separate and are propelled into the interior compartment during deployment in a crash, or the airbag does not inflate, there may be an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace affected side airbag modules.
Recall 20143806,137 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135 - Brake Systems. The electronic parking brake may not fully release, which could cause the brakes to drag. In this condition, the parking brake indicator also may not illuminate even though the parking brake is engaged, contrary to the requirements of the standard. Brake drag could affect vehicle acceleration and cause undesired deceleration, excessive brake heat, and premature wear to some brake components. If the brake drag is significant or if the vehicle is operated for an extended period of time in this condition, there is a potential for the rear brakes to generate significant heat, smoke and sparks. Correction: Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 45,842 milesBrownsville, TX1 injured
SUSPENSION
A FAILURE OF THE SELF-LEVELING REAR AIR SPRING COMPRESSOR OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PARKING LOT. "SERVICE REAR LEVELING SYSTEM" WARNING WAS NOT ACTIVATED / DISPLAYED AS PUBLISHED IN VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL NOR DID ANY AUDIBLE ALERT SOUND, NOTIFYING DRIVER OF ANY IMPENDING PROBLEM. AS THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PASS OVER A SPEED BUMP AT IDLE SPEED, THE AUTOMOBILE SUBSEQUENTLY "BOTTOMED OUT" LEADING TO SIGNIFICANT SPINE INJURY. AUTOMOBILE WAS UN-DRIVEABLE AFTER INCIDENT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS VIA FLAT BED TRUCK. AFTER SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED, THE AUTOMOBILE CONTINUED TO HAVE AUDIBLE CREAKING IN REAR SUSPENSION WHILE TRAVELING OVER BUMPS AND DIPS IN THE ROAD. BOTH L AND R SHOCKS WERE REPLACED AFTER FIRST BEING INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED PER GM/CADILLAC REPAIR PROTOCOL AS REPORTED BY DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11013828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,842 milesBrownsville, TX1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A FAILURE OF THE SELF-LEVELING REAR AIR SPRING COMPRESSOR OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PARKING LOT. "SERVICE REAR LEVELING SYSTEM" WARNING WAS NOT ACTIVATED / DISPLAYED AS PUBLISHED IN VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL NOR DID ANY AUDIBLE ALERT SOUND, NOTIFYING DRIVER OF ANY IMPENDING PROBLEM. AS THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PASS OVER A SPEED BUMP AT IDLE SPEED, THE AUTOMOBILE SUBSEQUENTLY "BOTTOMED OUT" LEADING TO SIGNIFICANT SPINE INJURY. AUTOMOBILE WAS UN-DRIVEABLE AFTER INCIDENT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS VIA FLAT BED TRUCK. AFTER SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED, THE AUTOMOBILE CONTINUED TO HAVE AUDIBLE CREAKING IN REAR SUSPENSION WHILE TRAVELING OVER BUMPS AND DIPS IN THE ROAD. BOTH L AND R SHOCKS WERE REPLACED AFTER FIRST BEING INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED PER GM/CADILLAC REPAIR PROTOCOL AS REPORTED BY DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11013828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Waterbury, CT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I have a 2015 Cadillac XTS I am experiencing water in the headlight and condensation I am well aware of there have been many complaints about this issue I would like Cadillac to repair this
NHTSA complaint #11750310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterbury, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a 2015 Cadillac XTS I am experiencing water in the headlight and condensation I am well aware of there have been many complaints about this issue I would like Cadillac to repair this
NHTSA complaint #11750310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, NE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The CUE system has totally quit so we are unable to change radio stations, get driving instructions, talk on the telephone etc. After reading online, this is a problem that Cadillac is not addressing and just tells us we have to replace it at our cost. Very disappointed that this hasn't been addressed in the past as many cars have been affected.
NHTSA complaint #11622738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southampton, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Forward collision system has not been working properly for the past 3 years the car has been in for service for this problem the last time was March 1st 2023. I nearly had 3 accidents due to the system not working. The last contact was Holman Cadillac I was told by the service manager he would set up appt with the factory service rep and he has not gotten back to me by today's date June 12th 2023. Looking forward to hearing from someone about this problem I feel I am getting the runaround! Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11526626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southampton, NJ
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Forward collision system has not been working properly for the past 3 years the car has been in for service for this problem the last time was March 1st 2023. I nearly had 3 accidents due to the system not working. The last contact was Holman Cadillac I was told by the service manager he would set up appt with the factory service rep and he has not gotten back to me by today's date June 12th 2023. Looking forward to hearing from someone about this problem I feel I am getting the runaround! Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11526626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
POWER TRAIN
Please note GM PIP5146A...Chatter or Bind Feel on turns... AKA transmission shudder. According to Cadillac dealer in Durham, NC. The car needs it's rear differential replaced; 90,000 miles.. That is happening now. Ally, the extended warranty company, sent a technician to inspect the part. I don't know if the original part is still available. I 1st noticed the problem in Fall 2019. Shop invoice, 62,187miles, reflects differential fluid & filter change which temporarily, partially mitigated the problem for a few years. It never disappeared. I am not sure what the worse case safety scenario is. I never let it get that far.
NHTSA complaint #11508980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baytown, TX
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT
Cue screen spiderd Causing you to not control radio at times I’m driving and my radio is on 12 and the volume and can out of nowhere jump up to like 60 you cannot turn it down even if you hold the button on the steering wheel This has happened multiple times I’ve had at the dealership they have seen the video and they’re telling me it’s possibly an electrical issue but it needs to be fixed before he causes an accident
NHTSA complaint #11487942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesCarrollton, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS IS MY 2N CUE SYSTEM STEREO, OTHER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE SCREEN IS NOW CRACKING AND AFFECTING VISIBILITY AND FUNCTION
NHTSA complaint #11404317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,220 milesBelcamp, MD
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC XTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHATTERED GLASS ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. FRANKEL & CHESAPEAKE CADILLAC (10240 YORK RD, COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030, (410) 773-9246) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND HAD NOT YET SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,220.
NHTSA complaint #11232717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,500 milesMonett, MO
STEERING
DRIVING THROUGH THE HILLS AND CURVES OF ARKANSAS I LOST POWER STEERING. I HAD TROUBLE FINDING A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF AND CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11206616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesPompano Beach, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM ALERT IN DIC. WHILE DRIVING IN CITY, MULTIPLE ALERTS IN DASH BOARD AND INTERMITTENT BLACK OUT OF ALL GAGES AND INDICTORS TOTALLY UNPREDICTABLE, UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11197053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesPompano Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM ALERT IN DIC. WHILE DRIVING IN CITY, MULTIPLE ALERTS IN DASH BOARD AND INTERMITTENT BLACK OUT OF ALL GAGES AND INDICTORS TOTALLY UNPREDICTABLE, UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11197053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesPompano Beach, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM ALERT IN DIC. WHILE DRIVING IN CITY, MULTIPLE ALERTS IN DASH BOARD AND INTERMITTENT BLACK OUT OF ALL GAGES AND INDICTORS TOTALLY UNPREDICTABLE, UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11197053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,500 milesFargo, ND
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO GEAR AFTER SHIFTER IS MOVED WITH ENGINE RUNNING. DASHBOARD INDICATOR SHOWS SELECTED GEARS, BUT TRANSMISSION DOESN'T ENGAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11164075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,842 milesPlantation, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CUE TOUCHSCREEN IS NOT WORKING. ALL WARNINGS AND SAFETY CO CERN'S WILL NOT SHOW. TRIED HARD RESET AS CADILLAC ADVISED WITH NO LUCK. CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND CADILLAC SAID THE COST IS OVER $ 1500. THE CAR IS TWO YEARS OLD AND CADILLAC AND GM KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2013 AND DID NOTHING TO REMEDY IT. IT'S A HAZARD AND AFTER SERVICING NONE OF THE WARNINGS CAN BE CHANGED. YOU CAN'T USE HANDS FREE CALLING ETC. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND DISTRACTING TO OPERATE A VEHICLE WITH THE INFORMATION CENTER INOPERABLE. CHECK THE INTERNET FOR THIS PROBLEM AND YOU WILL SEE THERE ARE THOUSANDS IF COMPLAINTS DATING BACK TO 2013. THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #11053706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,842 milesBrownsville, TX1 injured
SUSPENSION
A FAILURE OF THE SELF-LEVELING REAR AIR SPRING COMPRESSOR OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PARKING LOT. "SERVICE REAR LEVELING SYSTEM" WARNING WAS NOT ACTIVATED / DISPLAYED AS PUBLISHED IN VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL NOR DID ANY AUDIBLE ALERT SOUND, NOTIFYING DRIVER OF ANY IMPENDING PROBLEM. AS THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PASS OVER A SPEED BUMP AT IDLE SPEED, THE AUTOMOBILE SUBSEQUENTLY "BOTTOMED OUT" LEADING TO SIGNIFICANT SPINE INJURY. AUTOMOBILE WAS UN-DRIVEABLE AFTER INCIDENT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS VIA FLAT BED TRUCK. AFTER SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED, THE AUTOMOBILE CONTINUED TO HAVE AUDIBLE CREAKING IN REAR SUSPENSION WHILE TRAVELING OVER BUMPS AND DIPS IN THE ROAD. BOTH L AND R SHOCKS WERE REPLACED AFTER FIRST BEING INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED PER GM/CADILLAC REPAIR PROTOCOL AS REPORTED BY DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11013828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,842 milesBrownsville, TX1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A FAILURE OF THE SELF-LEVELING REAR AIR SPRING COMPRESSOR OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PARKING LOT. "SERVICE REAR LEVELING SYSTEM" WARNING WAS NOT ACTIVATED / DISPLAYED AS PUBLISHED IN VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL NOR DID ANY AUDIBLE ALERT SOUND, NOTIFYING DRIVER OF ANY IMPENDING PROBLEM. AS THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PASS OVER A SPEED BUMP AT IDLE SPEED, THE AUTOMOBILE SUBSEQUENTLY "BOTTOMED OUT" LEADING TO SIGNIFICANT SPINE INJURY. AUTOMOBILE WAS UN-DRIVEABLE AFTER INCIDENT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS VIA FLAT BED TRUCK. AFTER SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED, THE AUTOMOBILE CONTINUED TO HAVE AUDIBLE CREAKING IN REAR SUSPENSION WHILE TRAVELING OVER BUMPS AND DIPS IN THE ROAD. BOTH L AND R SHOCKS WERE REPLACED AFTER FIRST BEING INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED PER GM/CADILLAC REPAIR PROTOCOL AS REPORTED BY DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11013828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesColumbia, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED AND SHATTERED SENDING GLASS OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC, AS WELL AS GLASS RAINING DOWN INSIDE THE VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #10949767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,393 milesWest Bloomfield, MI
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC XTS. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,393.
NHTSA complaint #10936664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.