VehicleVerdict

2021 Cadillac XT5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

20

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other XT5 years?

XT5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XT5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Cadillac XT5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine315%
Other315%
Steering315%
Visibility & Wipers315%
Fuel System210%
Driver Assistance210%
Electrical System210%
Brakes210%

Does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V709000Driver AssistanceSeptember 22, 2022 · 95,231 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.

21V422000Fuel SystemJune 3, 2021 · 572 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“My new car has a serious lag issue. The car is not responsive to the gas pedal. You have to press the gas a lot to get moving. Once moving a lot lag. If I press it fast. Completely non responsive. My car is slower than any other car I have driven. Although this is 310 HP. Feeels like 150 HP. And I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 25, 2021

“The power steering suddenly shut down while driving, making steering almost impossible. Luckly I was on a straight part of the road and close to my house. It would have been disastrous if it occurred at high speed. I understand there is a recall to replace software on some 2021 Cadillac vehicles…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 19, 2022

“At a red light in traffic, it suddenly shut off the engine, emergency brakes went on, multiple warning lights were on (Low Bat, Low fuel {full of fuel}, lower passenger window, etc..), totally immobilized itself by not being able to start the car or push it with the brakes on! 81 year old female…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 13, 2023

“Car exhaust was making vibration sound brought into dealership and the muffler is broke on the inside. Cadillac repair said it’s not a common occurrence and was not covered under any warranty. Stated it could have broke on the inside due to vibrations. The muffler shouldn’t have just broke…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 27, 2025

“At a red light in traffic, it suddenly shut off the engine, emergency brakes went on, multiple warning lights were on (Low Bat, Low fuel {full of fuel}, lower passenger window, etc..), totally immobilized itself by not being able to start the car or push it with the brakes on! 81 year old female…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 13, 2023

2021 Cadillac XT5 — common questions

Is the 2021 Cadillac XT5 reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 XT5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), other (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints).

Does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Cadillac XT5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Cadillac XT5 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 2021 Cadillac XT5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 earned an overall rating of 5 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.