Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2018 Cadillac XT5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 67 owner complaints for the 2018 Cadillac XT5. Most complaints involve engine (15) and electrical system (14). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
21–22mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
67
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Cadillac XT5 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
67 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2018 – Oct 2026
- Engine15
- Electrical system14
- Power train12
- Steering12
- Service brakes7
- Vehicle speed control4
- Visibility/wiper3
- Structure3
- Seats2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
15 reports1 fire
“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.”
Electrical system
14 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The vehicle was recently purchased, and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified and sent a mobile mechanic to the residence to diagnose the vehicle; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was diagnosed that the emission starter module had failed. The dealer reprogrammed the emission starter module. The contact stated that a week after the repairs were performed, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sputtered, and the failure persisted. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was no longer able to be started. The contact stated that the vehicle was repossessed but was recovered. The vehicle was towed to the residence and had not been driven since. The…”
Power train
12 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that during a scheduled routine maintenance, the independent mechanic informed the contact that front driver's side CV axle was fractured and leaking grease and needed to be replaced. However, the part was on a national backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular 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 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT5 Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,850 | 405 |
| XT5 AWD Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Cadillac XT5 SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.1%
Overall
4 / 5
Cadillac XT5 SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2018 XT5 questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac XT5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2018 Cadillac XT5 problems?
Owners filed 67 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (15), electrical system (14), power train (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2018 Cadillac XT5 get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Cadillac XT5 at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2018 Cadillac XT5?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Cadillac XT5 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026