Problems · NHTSA complaints

2020 Cadillac XT5 problems

Owners filed 24 complaints about the 2020 Cadillac XT5 with NHTSA between Dec 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (7).

Complaints
24
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train7
  2. Steering6
  3. Engine4
  4. Exterior lighting2
  5. Back over prevention2
  6. Electrical system2
  7. Vehicle speed control2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Engine and engine cooling1
  10. Seat belts1
  11. Structure1
  12. Forward collision avoidance1
  13. Fuel/propulsion system1
  14. Visibility/wiper1

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
20191
20201
20212
20223
20232
20242
20255
20268

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

Power train

7 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11750727

Steering

6 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2025Steering, EngineODI 11639461

Engine

4 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 21, 2023EngineODI 11523070

Exterior lighting

2 reports
“Affected Component: Exterior Lighting - Left Rear LED Taillight / Turn Signal Assembly DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY CONCERN My 2020 Cadillac XT5 has developed an intermittent malfunction involving the left rear LED taillight and turn signal assembly. When the malfunction occurs, the vehicle displays a warning stating "Left Rear Turn Indicator Failure," accompanied by rapid flashing of the turn signal indicator. The malfunction occurs unpredictably. A visual inspection of the taillight assembly reveals no obvious damage or failed LEDs. My primary concern is vehicle safety. An intermittent malfunction of a rear turn signal may prevent motorists behind me from receiving a reliable indication of my intention to turn or change lanes, creating a potential collision hazard. There is also a significant secondary safety concern involving the vehicle's Driver Information Center (DIC). When the "Left Rear Turn Indicator Failure" warning appears, an unusually large notification occupies most of the central instrument display, obscuring the digital vehicle speed readout and other driver information normally displayed in that area. This creates an additional safety concern because…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11773663

Back over prevention

2 reports1 related recall
“A recall (NHTSA 22V70900)was issued Sep 22 2022 on Cadillac XT5 2020-2021. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently. This has happen to my vehicle (2020 Cadillac XT5) on several occasions. I took my vehicle to the local dealer and was told that there were no recall on my car. Later I was told that the recall number was closed. GM recall number was N222378380. I did not received a recall letter. What steps should be taken to correct this issue without me absorbing the cost? Thank you.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Back over preventionODI 11766085

Electrical system

2 reports
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 30,475. It was later discovered, upon checking with a local AutoZone, that the mileage was 49,579.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 28, 2026Electrical systemODI 11734280
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.