Last updated: 2026-10-10

2020 Cadillac XT5 Reliability Report
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 has a good reliability standing, but owners report power steering assist cutting out and sudden transmission trouble.
Recalls
5
Complaints
19
Complaint Rate
5.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$807
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,000
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
The weakest of the eight scored years, with loss of power steering assist as the top complaint and five recalls on file.
Top Issues to Watch
- STEERING (6)
- POWER TRAIN (5)
- ENGINE (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 received a 2020 update update for the First generation (2016).
- Changes: New trim levels based on Cadillac's 'Y' strategy; Minor exterior design changes; Introduction of a new base engine; Updates to the cabin interface and features.
- Year 4 in this generation (2017–2023).
- 1st generation XT5 (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2017: First generation (2016) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year (Refresh)
2020 received a 2020 update update for the First generation (2016).
Should You Buy the 2020 Cadillac XT5?
Good, but with a caveat. This model year holds a good reliability standing and lands close to average among 2020 SUVs. Within the XT5 lineup, though, it is the weakest of the eight scored years. The 2019 rates better, with no recalls on file. The 2021 rates about the same. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars.
Steering is the biggest worry. Owners describe power assist cutting out, which leaves the wheel very heavy. It happens at startup after a short stop and while moving, at low speed or around 40 mph. Restarting often brings assist back, and dealers frequently find no stored codes. Transmission complaints include shudder, slipping, hard clunks, and a sudden neutral-like feel at highway speed. The shifter knob can fracture, leaving the driver unable to select park, reverse, or drive. Some owners report the engine stalling without warning. Federal recall records list five recalls: back over prevention, tires (two), fuel system, and air bags.
Ask the seller for proof that every recall was completed. Request repair records for steering and the transmission, and test the car after it sits for a short stop. A 2019 is worth comparing.
Compared to the 2021 Cadillac XT5, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2019 Cadillac XT5 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −STEERING: Power steering assist cuts out, leaving the wheel very heavy and hard to turn (6 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (5 complaints)
Compare 2020 Cadillac XT5 With

2020 Lexus RX
Reliability: 86/100

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 61/100

2020 Acura MDX
Reliability: 62/100

2020 BMW X5
Reliability: 56/100

2020 Volvo XC90
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STEERING (6)
- POWER TRAIN (5)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2020 Cadillac XT5. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.2
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Cadillac XT5 Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Cadillac XT5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
TIRES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Consequence
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
TIRES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Consequence
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Buying a used 2020 Cadillac XT5? Check its history first
Steering problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Cadillac XT5, and 5 recalls were 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
2020 Cadillac XT5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
Cadillac XT5Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$807
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–24 MPG
Running cost: $3,650–$3,800/yr
Fuel + repair
18–21 city / 25–28 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT5 FWD 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| XT5 FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| XT5 AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,000 |
| XT5 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Cadillac XT5.
Shut the engine off for a few minutes, restart, and check steering effort before pulling away.
Ask for service records showing any power steering module software update was done.
Inspect the gear shifter knob for cracks and shift through park, reverse, and drive several times.
Look for coolant leaks around the radiator and ask whether the radiator was ever replaced.
Accelerate firmly at highway speed and feel for shudder, clunks, slipping, or loss of drive.
Scan for stored codes and ask for any transmission repair or replacement history.
Watch for an Engine Power Is Reduced warning or check engine light on a long test drive.
Test dash lights, wipers, turn signals, and the speedometer throughout a long test drive.
2020 Cadillac XT5 Common Problems by Component
19 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
6 complaintsPower steering assist cuts out, leaving the wheel very heavy and hard to turn. It happens at startup after a short stop and also while moving, at low speed or around 40 mph, so loss of control is the main risk. Restarting after several minutes or leaving the car overnight often brings assist back. Dealers frequently find no stored codes, though one found a steering module software update. Some cases come with wider electrical faults, such as stuck dash lights, a runaway rear wiper, dead turn signals, and a speedometer reading zero. A cracked gear shifter and a thermostat code are also filed here.
POWER TRAIN
5 complaintsTransmissions shudder, hesitate, slip, or clunk into a hard shift, and at highway speed some suddenly behave as if in neutral and force the driver to coast to the shoulder. One dealer found metal inside a failed unit. Other reports describe a reduced engine power warning with high revs and very little speed, plus noises with no cause found. Radiator leaks show up around 30,000 miles. The gear shifter knob can fracture, leaving the driver unable to select park, reverse, or drive. Dealers sometimes cannot find a fault or replace a sensor without fixing it.
ENGINE
2 complaintsStalling without warning is the main complaint. The motor quits while driving, sometimes on a busy city street, and restarts only after several tries. Stalls have shown up in under 2000 miles. Dealers struggle to reproduce them, and cars have sat at the dealer for weeks without a repair. Other reports describe the transmission failing while driving, with the car slowing sharply or stopping on the freeway as the check engine light comes on. Repeat failures after transmission replacement are reported. Both problems create a real crash risk in traffic.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintThe contact’s father owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while attempting to use the driver's side rear seat belt, the seat belt failed to buckle securely. The contact had not attempted to use the rear passenger’s side seat belt. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintWHEN BACKING OUT OF GARAGE THE BACKUP CAMERA STOPS WORKING IN THE SUN LIGHT MUST WAIT 2 MINUTES FOR IT TO START WORKING IN SUN LIGHT. WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE BLIND TO THE REAR FOR AT LEAST 2 MINUTES. NO OTHER CAR I NOW OF DOES THIS. BEEN TO TWO CADILAC DEALER IN TO DIFFERENT STATES BOTH SAID NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintAuto shut down completely in the middle of the road. No one including tow truck driver could not put vehicle into neutral. Once the vehicle was towed to the dealership in was confirmed that battery just died and the dealership stated due to the electrical shifter there was no way to engage neutral since the vehicle could not start. This situation caused major traffic issues for 3 hours as vehicle was locked in position. I would think there should be some way to push the vehicle to the curb allowing traffic to flow. Being stuck in the middle of traffic and unable to push vehicle to the side of the road is very dangerous. Please advise Cadillac that people must have a way to get there vehicle out of the middle of the road and this a very dangerous situation.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that the gear shifter plastic and connectors connected to the cover of the wiring had detached from the gear shifter, exposing the inner wiring. The contact stated that more of the gear shifter covering had started detaching. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the shifter mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the failure was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was 37,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintThe contact called on behalf of her grandmother who owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate while attempting to switch lanes. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was revving; however, the vehicle failed to slow down as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to accelerate to approximately 80 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal for an excessive amount of time to significantly reduce the speed of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to approximately 70 MPH. The contact became aware that the cruise control had activated independently. While attempting to deactivate the cruise control, the cruise control failed to deactivate. The contact pressed the START/STOP button to turn off the vehicle. The contact pressed the button again immediately turning the vehicle back on and shifting into neutral, significantly reducing the RPM. The contact coasted to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After waiting for a while the contact turned the vehicle back on and continued driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintThe camera system has not been turning on intermittenly. Both the rear backup and the side/front cameras bring the screen to a black screen with a red triangle and red camera logo with a line through it (signifying no camera connected?). I have most commonly noticed it when I am parking in my garage at night, but it will work the next day, very hard to reproduce the conditions..
Best & Worst Cadillac XT5 Years
Best Cadillac XT5 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreCadillac XT5 Years to Avoid
No Cadillac XT5 years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 71 and 81 across 8 scored model years.
Cadillac XT5 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Cadillac XT5 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Cadillac XT5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Cadillac XT5?
Does the 2020 Cadillac XT5 have power steering problems?
What recalls does the 2020 Cadillac XT5 have?
Is the 2020 Cadillac XT5 better than the 2019 or 2021?
Don’t buy a 2020 Cadillac XT5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Cadillac XT5
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on recall impact (68/100). 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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