Problems · NHTSA complaints

2019 Cadillac XT5 problems

Owners filed 34 complaints about the 2019 Cadillac XT5 with NHTSA between Jan 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (10).

Complaints
34
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering10
  2. Engine7
  3. Air bags4
  4. Electrical system3
  5. Service brakes3
  6. Wheels2
  7. Vehicle speed control2
  8. Structure2
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic2
  10. Visibility/wiper2
  11. Engine and engine cooling1
  12. Seats1
  13. Forward collision avoidance1
  14. Electronic stability control (esc)1

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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20198
20201
20212
20222
20236
20245
20254
20266

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

10 reports
“My 2019 Cadillac XT5 has repeatedly shuddered at highway speeds since shortly after purchase on July 25, 2026. It occurs around 61–62 mph while maintaining speed before accelerating. The cause is UNKNOWN. The selling dealership evaluated the vehicle and performed a front-wheel alignment, but the shuddering persists. Its repair record states that technicians could not reproduce the shuddering during a test drive. A test drive with me was proposed to demonstrate when it occurs. The vehicle has also displayed a “Steering Assist Is Reduced—Drive With Care” warning and a check-engine light. The steering felt normal despite the warning; I am not claiming an actual loss of steering. The temperature gauge has remained on cold, and the air conditioning has malfunctioned. The exact date the steering warning first appeared is UNKNOWN. On October 21, 2026, another Chevrolet dealership documented diagnostic code P0128 and recommended thermostat/coolant-temperature-related repairs. Those repairs have not been performed. The manufacturer was contacted and declined repair assistance. Dealerships have inspected the vehicle; I am not aware of a separate inspection by the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Steering, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11773816

Engine

7 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while leaving the driveway, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact thought that the catalytic converter had been stolen. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the catalytic converter was severed at the connection point and cracked, and removed. The contact stated that coils were damaged, and the thermostat housing was cracked. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was contacted, who determined that the catalytic converter had been replaced, but the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 9, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11709970

Air bags

4 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a parking lot. The contact then shifted the transmission into drive (D), and the engine revved loudly. The contact slightly depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The steering wheel inadvertently veered to the left. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle then drove on top of another vehicle that was parked in front. The contact stated that he was unable to control the vehicle until after the crash. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was unharmed, but his wife's hand was injured in the crash. Medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site, but it sustained damage, and the front driver’s side door was jammed. The vehicle was taken to a body shop. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2025Vehicle speed control, Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11682097

Electrical system

3 reports1 fire
“The passenger interior side door at the bottom towards the back near the backseat, beginning driver seat caught fire. A small tiny hole began melting, and there was flames coming out of it. Within minutes. My entire car was engulfed in flames when the fire department came they said it seemed like it was fuses that began the Fire. I bought this car used from Carmax literally only two weeks ago and had only driven it. maybe 100 miles it’s a 2020. I don’t understand how this happened and I’m concerned about other Cadillacs of this model having the same issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 3, 2025Electrical system, StructureFire reportedODI 11645897

Service brakes

3 reports
“Service stability track light came on. Brought to Mechanic hooked up to computer. No code shown. Mechanic says car is fine. Keep it off for 15 minutes and the computer will reset. Driving on the highway Emergency brake came on by itself and stopped the vehicle all caution lights lit up on on the dashboard. Service engine light came on brought it back to the mechanic again no codes shown drove it for three days has been running fine and on the fourth day vehicle will not start.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 14, 2023Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11501784

Wheels

2 reports1 fire
“Went to Genesis Cadillac for oil change and they recommended the replacement of both my rear toe links. As stated on their service bill Caused by loose rear toe links. GM has been selectively recalling certain makes, models and model years recalling toe link for replacement. Most recently March 10, 2026 Buick Regals 2012 and 2013. Seems GM is aware of rear toe link issues but doesnt want to have a mass recall. Selects vehicles that are low quantity still driven. Everyone else needs to pay for defective rear toe links Even my brothers 2020 XT5 was recommended to replace rear toe links on his vehicle when he went for an oil change.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2026WheelsODI 11723846
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

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