Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Cadillac XT4 Reliability Report
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 has good reliability, near its class average, but fuel pump control module failures can stall the engine while driving.
Recalls
1
Complaints
12
Complaint Rate
10.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Sits in the middle of the XT4 range, with fuel pump module stalls as the main complaint and a single seat belt recall.
Top Issues to Watch
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the First generation (XT4).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2024.
- 1st generation XT4 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: First generation (XT4) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 3 of the First generation (XT4).
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Cadillac XT4?
Reliability is good here, though it is an ordinary result rather than a leader. Against other 2021 SUVs it sits close to average, and among the eight scored XT4 years it lands in the middle. The 2020 rates worse, with 17 complaints and 5 recalls. The 2022 rates about the same as this year.
The fuel system is the main concern. Owners describe the engine shutting off while driving or cranking without starting, and trace it to a failed fuel pump power control module, sometimes with code P203F. Stalls hit at road speed with no warning, cutting power and making steering hard in traffic. Reported failures fall between about 13,765 and 34,536 miles, and some cars fail twice. Intermittent cases are hard to diagnose because dealers find no stored codes. The one federal recall covers seat belts.
Ask for fuel pump control module repair records, and confirm the seat belt recall was completed. The 2022 is also worth a look.
Compared to the 2022 Cadillac XT4, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2020 Cadillac XT4 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues reported (4 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Electrical complaints include a sudden stall at 40 to 45 mph that would not... (3 complaints)
Compare 2021 Cadillac XT4 With
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Reliability: 65/100
2021 Audi Q3
Reliability: 74/100
2021 BMW X1
Reliability: 75/100
2021 Lexus NX
Reliability: 82/100
2021 Volvo XC40
Reliability: 46/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Cadillac XT4 Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2021 Cadillac XT4. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Consequence
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
Buying a used 2021 Cadillac XT4? Check its history first
Fuel/propulsion system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Cadillac XT4, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Cadillac XT4 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.7%
Safety Technologies
Cadillac XT4Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Cadillac XT4.
Ask for service records showing any fuel pump control module replacement, and ask whether the stalling came back afterward.
Have a dealer scan for stored code P203F and run the VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Start the car several times from cold and listen for clicking or cranking without a start.
Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, and watch for sudden power loss or stalling.
Check for a check-engine light that comes on at startup and then clears by itself.
On every startup, confirm the audio, the turn-signal sound, and the seatbelt warning chime all work.
Run the heat and air conditioning through every setting and confirm the controls respond.
Look for prior front-end collision repairs and confirm the air bag warning light works normally.
2021 Cadillac XT4 Common Problems by Component
12 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaintsThe engine shuts off while driving or cranks without starting, and owners trace it to a failed fuel pump power control module, sometimes with code P203F. Stalls happen at road speed with no warning, cutting power and making steering hard in traffic. Reported failures fall between about 13,765 and 34,536 miles, and some cars fail twice. Other cars click, stall soon after starting, or show a check-engine light that clears within hours. When the problem comes and goes, dealers find no stored codes and cannot diagnose it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsSafety-relatedElectrical complaints include a sudden stall at 40 to 45 mph that would not restart. The dealer blamed the fuel pump control module and battery. One crash report describes a 5 mph rear-end collision at about 1,800 miles where the air bag did not deploy and the electrical safety features stopped working afterward. Another owner describes startups with no audio, no turn-signal sound, and no seatbelt warning chime, along with HVAC faults. That owner says two dealerships failed to fix it over almost 2 years.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintDTRL failed and signal burned/melted I was unable to pass state inspection
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintDriving down the highway yesterday, I believe that the sunroof on my Cadillac XT4 exploded. It was a hot day and I heard a loud bang. My sunroof shattered and no rocks or other external debris to be found.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the signal turned green; however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged into motion. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft and transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing and exiting the residential driveway, the back over prevention sensor activated. The contact stated the back over prevention warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there were no obstacles behind the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was retrieved and shortly after exiting the dealer's lot, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact also stated that the vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken back to the original dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety restraint warning light came on. Took to dealership. They had for 3 days claimed it was repaired. Light came back on 2 days later. Dealership has now had my vehicle 10 days, stating I need a new side drivers airbag. They do not know when it will arrive. I have seen other complaints in this model for faulty airbag sensors/units.
Best & Worst Cadillac XT4 Years
Best Cadillac XT4 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreCadillac XT4 Years to Avoid
No Cadillac XT4 years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 68 and 76 across 8 scored model years.
Cadillac XT4 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
Cadillac XT4 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Cadillac XT4 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Cadillac XT4?
Does the 2021 Cadillac XT4 have fuel pump problems?
Does the 2021 Cadillac XT4 have any recalls?
Is the 2021 Cadillac XT4 better than the 2020?
Don’t buy a 2021 Cadillac XT4 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Cadillac XT4
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Cadillac XT4 does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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