Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2021 Cadillac XT4Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 12 owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac XT4. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (4) and electrical system (3). The EPA rates it 24–26 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
24–26mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Aug 2021
Owner complaints
12
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: critical fasteners

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Seat beltsReported Aug 20, 2021NHTSA 21V649000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

12 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2021 – Jul 2026
  1. Fuel/propulsion system4
  2. Electrical system3
  3. Exterior lighting1
  4. Engine1
  5. Fuel system, gasoline1
  6. Engine and engine cooling1
  7. Power train1
  8. Back over prevention1
  9. Air bags1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each XT4 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201922
202018
202112
20224
202312
202433
202510
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel/propulsion system

4 reports
“there is a recall on the 2021 cadillac xt4, fuel pump control module, N252516900, but my vin is not included. My vehicle seems to be having the same issue. The dealer has been unable to diagnose as it has been happening very sporadic and I don't drive often. Issue first occurred, vehicle would not start in June 2025, clicking noise, happened few times in December and now seems to occur more frequent. car will initially start but will stall and fail to start. vehicle usually starts and engine light stays on, but then engine light will go off within hours. Dealer indicated no error codes were stored. had onstar run a diagnostic today when I had issues and identified a fuel management system issue. In researching I located the recall notice and ran my vin.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 10, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11736841

Electrical system

3 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped, and was shifted into park but failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump control module and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,536.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel system, gasolineODI 11658240

Exterior lighting

1 report
“DTRL failed and signal burned/melted I was unable to pass state inspection”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11749599
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S9)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
XT4 FWD
Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
243026$3,000336
XT4 AWD
Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
222924$3,200369
  • XT4 FWD
    Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    24 city · 30 hwy · $3,000/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • XT4 AWD
    Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 29 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Cadillac XT4 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 15202Vehicle 15201
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 XT4 questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac XT4 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Cadillac XT4 problems?

Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (4), electrical system (3), exterior lighting (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Cadillac XT4 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Cadillac XT4 at 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026