VehicleVerdict

2017 Cadillac XT5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 182 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.1 times the median XT5 year — the 2017 model ranks #1 of 10 XT5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (28), transmission (24), and electrical system (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

182

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other XT5 years?

XT5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted182 complaints2017: 182 complaints2018: 95 complaints2019: 45 complaints2020: 32 complaints2021: 20 complaints2022: 16 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 15 complaints2025: 6 complaints2026: 1 complaints
XT5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XT5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Cadillac XT5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2815%
Electrical System2413%
Transmission2413%
Engine2313%
Brakes1810%
Steering148%
Tires & Wheels95%
Speed Control95%
Visibility & Wipers63%
Lighting63%
Suspension53%
Driver Assistance42%
Airbags32%
Seats32%
Body & Structure21%
Seat Belts21%
Fuel System21%

Does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V802000BrakesNovember 4, 2016 · 1,844 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cadillac XT5 vehicles manufactured April 16, 2016, to May 9, 2016, and 2017 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 19, 2016, to April 22, 2016. The front brake calipers may have a torn or misaligned caliper piston seal which may allow brake fluid to leak.

Consequence

If there is a brake fluid leak, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake calipers, replacing the brake caliper assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 16096.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CADILLAC XT5 2017 LUXURY FWD MODEL VIBRATES AT ALL SPEEDS. ACCELERATOR AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES. TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED AND ROTATED WITH NO IMPROVEMENT TO THE CONSTANT VIBRATION. WATER SLOSHES OUT OF BOTTLE IN CUP HOLDER, JACKET FALLS OFF CLOTHES HOOK IN BACKSEAT, EGGS BREAK IN EGG CARTON ALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 3, 2017

“I JUST GOT THIS CAR DELIVERED TO MY HOME ON 01/11/2019, THEN IT ID NOT WANT TO START AFTER JUMP STARTING IT WORKED THEN SHUT OFF SO I WAS GOING TO THE DEALESHIP WHILE DRIVING ONTHE EXPRESSWAY THE CAR JUST COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WOULD NOT START , SO HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THINKING IT WAS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 12, 2019

“The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine made a grinding sound, and the vehicle accelerated while the foot was on the brake pedal. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact also had an incident…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 21, 2021 · crash

“I JUST GOT THIS CAR DELIVERED TO MY HOME ON 01/11/2019, THEN IT ID NOT WANT TO START AFTER JUMP STARTING IT WORKED THEN SHUT OFF SO I WAS GOING TO THE DEALESHIP WHILE DRIVING ONTHE EXPRESSWAY THE CAR JUST COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WOULD NOT START , SO HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THINKING IT WAS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 12, 2019

“BRAKES FAILED. COMING TO A STOP SIGN ON CR 13, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKES DID NOT SLOW OR STOP THE CAR AT ALL. PUMPED THE BRAKES 3 OR 4 TIMES, NO BRAKING. WENT THRU STOP SIGN HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. ESTIMATES I WAS 50…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 14, 2017 · crash

2017 Cadillac XT5 — common questions

Is the 2017 Cadillac XT5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 182 complaints put the 2017 model at #1 of 10 XT5 years. It is one of the XT5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 XT5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (28 complaints), transmission (24 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints).

Does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Cadillac XT5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac XT5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XT5 years to avoid are 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. The cleanest record among XT5 years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2017 Cadillac XT5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.