NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac XT5. Most complaints involve electrical system (8) and engine (4). The EPA rates it 21–24 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 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Sudden Engine Shutdown and Loss of Steering Assistance in Traffic — 2021 Cadillac XT5 While operating our 2021 Cadillac XT5 in traffic, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly stopped running. The engine shut down, the instrument panel went dark except for a warning stating "Low Battery," and steering locked up. The emergency flashers would not work but blue-tooth did. The AC was working fine until shutdown but has not worked since. The car is still in the Cadillac dealership with no reasons given for the shutdown. The vehicle would not restart and was left immobilized in the middle of traffic, creating a serious risk of a collision. The "Low Battery" warning appeared only after the engine had stopped. There was no indication of a low-battery warning before the shutdown. A check of the vehicle's VIN showed no outstanding safety recalls. We are concerned that an electrical, engine-control, or power-distribution malfunction caused the sudden shutdown and loss of steering assistance. The exact cause has not yet been established. We request that NHTSA review this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect because an unexpected shutdown and loss of steering…”
“While driving at approximately 49 mph in a 40 mph zone on dry pavement in daylight with AWD mode active, the Driver Information Center displayed the warning "Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care." Steering effort increased noticeably; steering was not completely lost. No check engine light appeared with this event. No crash, fire, injuries, or police report resulted. This failure is reported by other 2021 XT5 owners as intermittent and can recur without warning, degrading the driver's ability to make an evasive maneuver, especially at low speeds where pedestrian and parking-lot conflicts occur. Suspected root cause per owner reports and GM service documentation: engine coolant thermostat failure triggers a false engine temperature signal, and the electric power steering system reduces assist as a thermal protection response. Companion symptoms reported: inoperative/incorrect temperature gauge, cooling fans running at high speed continuously, A/C performance loss, DTC P0128. Manufacturer documents: Cadillac Service Bulletin 20NA215 (corrects "Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care" on 2021 XT5); GM Service Bulletin 17-NA-284 (2017-2018 XT5/GMC Acadia,…”
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 | 22 | 29 | 24 | $3,200 | 370 |
| XT5 AWD Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,350 | 386 |
| XT5 AWD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 424 |
| XT5 FWD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 418 |
| XT5 Hearse AWD Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,700 | 425 |
| XT5 Hearse FWD Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,700 | 425 |
| XT5 Limo AWD Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,700 | 425 |
| XT5 Limo FWD Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,700 | 425 |
| 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 |
2 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 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (8), engine (4), steering (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Cadillac XT5 at 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Cadillac XT5 5 out of 5 stars overall.