Last updated: 2026-05-15

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good
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Cadillac Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked

Cadillac offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years. Most Cadillac models fall within the "Good" range, making them a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize dependability.

4 models tracked9 years of data71 total recalls801 owner complaints$807–$1007/yr repair costs

Cadillac Best Year Score Comparison

Each bar shows the best single model year score for that Cadillac model. Longer bars indicate higher peak reliability.

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Cadillac Model Rankings

Scores below are averaged across all tracked model years. The “Best Year” column shows which year scored highest.

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. RatingEst. Repair Cost
1Cadillac XT5202675/100Good166.33.5$807/yr
2Cadillac Lyriq202568/100Good1624.33.5
3Cadillac Escalade202563/100Good3917.22.5$1007/yr
4Cadillac Lyriq EV20260/100Risky0

Cadillac Models

Cadillac XT5

Cadillac XT5

2nd gen (2024–2024)

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

The Cadillac XT5, with model years spanning from 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 75/100, categorized as "Good" on the Auto Reliability Index. Common issues reported by owners include power train and steering problems, especially in earlier models, with a significant improvement in complaint rates and reliability score for the 2026 model year, which records no complaints or recalls.

8 years trackedBest: 2026 (81/100)Worst: 2020 (71/100)

Cadillac Lyriq

1st gen (2023–2023), facelifted 2024, 2025

68
GoodReliability score: 68 out of 100, rated Good

The Cadillac Lyriq, covering model years 2023 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 68 out of 100, indicating a good reliability rating within its class. Owners frequently report issues with the electrical system and exterior lighting, particularly in earlier models, with the 2024 model experiencing the highest complaint rate of 37.3 per 10,000 sold.

3 years trackedBest: 2025 (73/100)Worst: 2024 (64/100)
Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac Escalade

5th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2025

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

The Cadillac Escalade, covering model years 2019 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 63/100, indicating generally good reliability, though certain years like 2021 and 2022 fall into the mixed category with scores of 54 and 59, respectively. Common issues reported by owners include engine failures, power train problems, and electrical system malfunctions, with notable safety implications due to sudden loss of power or control.

8 years trackedBest: 2025 (72/100)Worst: 2021 (54/100)
0
RiskyReliability score: 0 out of 100, rated Risky
1 year trackedBest: 2026 (0/100)

Common Cadillac Problems

Top complaint categories across all Cadillac models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.

ENGINE282 complaints (36%)
POWER TRAIN114 complaints (15%)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM113 complaints (14%)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING49 complaints (6%)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER46 complaints (6%)
STEERING36 complaints (5%)
SERVICE BRAKES35 complaints (4%)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING33 complaints (4%)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cadillac cars reliable?
Cadillac vehicles have an average reliability score of 65/100 ("Good") across 4 models and 9 years in our database. Cadillac offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years.
What is the most reliable Cadillac?
Based on our data, the highest-scoring Cadillac model-year is the 2026 Cadillac XT5 at 81/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Cadillac reliability rankings for the latest data.
How much does it cost to maintain a Cadillac?
Annual repair costs for Cadillac models range from $807 to $1007 based on independent reliability data. Costs vary significantly by model and year.
Which Cadillac models should I avoid?
Based on our data, these Cadillac models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2021 Escalade (54/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.

Compare Cadillac vs Other Makes

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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