NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints for the 2020 Cadillac XT5. Most complaints involve power train (7) and steering (6). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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…”
“Faulty termostat which creates reduce steering error code PO128, tempeture indicator is not listed on the dash board, engine RPMs are increased. This problem has increased for now the engine check light is highlighted.”
“This vehicles transmission has went out twice. Both while driving and could have caused death on the freeway because the vehicle came to a complete stop. 2 young children could be at high risk for this issue. It was taken to the dealership the first time and the transmission was replaced and within 3 months the same issue occurred which could have been deadly. It again was given a new transmission and 6 months later the same issue is occurring. Yesterday the check engine light came on. The vehicle began to drive very slow as I was on the main road. Another collision could have occurred but thankfully I was able to turn into a parking lot and stop the vehicle. GM corporate has Been contacted multiple times and have stopped answering all my calls and conerns. This issue can cause major damage to my family as well as others. A new vehicle like this should not have these issues”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT5 FWD Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,200 | 363 |
| XT5 AWD Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,350 | 379 |
| XT5 FWD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 420 |
| XT5 AWD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 434 |
| 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 |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 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.
Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (7), steering (6), engine (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Cadillac XT5 at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Cadillac XT5 5 out of 5 stars overall.