2021 Cadillac XT5 problems

“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,…”

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while an oil change was being completed, an oil leak was discovered. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an internal leak in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the infotainment screen was touched but went black and failed to respond. The vehicle was turned off and restarted at the next traffic light, and the infotainment screen was touched and remained black and failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. Due to the failure, the HVAC system, GPS, Bluetooth, Back Over Prevention, and Lane Keep Assist features became inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,240.”

“The Side Detection System warning light came on. I found that other vehicles in our blind spots were not be recognized by the system. The warning lights were not being activated on the side mirrors. The system was repaired at the dealership at a cost of $865.43. When speaking withe the service technician he said this is happening quite frequently. They found three wires that were corroded and two more that showed signs future issues.”