NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac XT6. Most complaints involve engine (5) and electrical system (5). The EPA rates it 21–23 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.
“I noticed a water sloshing sound behind the dash when first starting out for about a month. I didn’t get any warning lights or notice anything leaking under the car but when I checked under the hood the coolant reservoir was empty. I made appointment at GM dealership and they found I had a leak along the side seam of my radiator. The car only has 61k miles! I found online that GM has noted a structural design issue in my XT6. The radiators were engineered with tight thermal break tabs. If they stay locked in place they trap immense physical stress during engine heat cycles and force leaks along the seams. This appears to be what happened. If it had occurred while we were on a trip and totally failed while on a highway, I can imagine the result could have been catastrophic. I have contacted GM.”
“On September 15,2026, my vehicle experienced a catastrophic los of power steering assist accompanied by severe heavy steering. Please review General Motors TSB 20-NA-215 & TSB 17-NA-158 both addressing this issue. My 2021 vehicle has a build date of September 19, 2020 which falls "directly" in the time frame covered by these bulletins. Essentially, General Motors KNEW of the problem! The only warning I got was a two second message flashing across the instrument panel stating "Power assist reduced, drive with caution" ... followed by "Service Power steering" Then severe loss of steering!! Again, General Motors KNEW of this problem! Ultimately, the Power steering Gear assembly was replaced at a cost of approximately $3800. I was almost KILLED in heavy traffic because of this failure !!!”
“Your site shows no recalls. I got a recall for a repair I had to have done a few months ago. I just got the recall notice from GM, but when I called to inquire about a reimbursement, they state the recall was released in 10/2025. Even though your site says there was no recall at the time.”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT6 AWD Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,350 | 386 |
| XT6 FWD Auto (S9), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,350 | 386 |
| XT6 AWD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 433 |
| XT6 FWD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 418 |
| 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 8, 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 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (5), electrical system (5), fuel/propulsion system (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Cadillac XT6 at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Cadillac XT6 5 out of 5 stars overall.