Last updated: 2026-10-10

2020 Cadillac XT5
RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

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

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact68/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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)

Refresh Year

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • STEERING (6)
  • POWER TRAIN (5)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 20.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

22V7090002022-09-22

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.

21V1150002021-02-25

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.

20V6840002020-11-05

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.

VIN History Report

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.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Cadillac XT5 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Cadillac XT5Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
XT5 FWD 3.6L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)182621$2,850
XT5 FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)212824$2,900
XT5 AWD 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)182520$3,000
XT5 AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)212623$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.

6
5
2
STEERING (6)POWER TRAIN (5)ENGINE (2)SEAT BELTS (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)STRUCTURE (1)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)Other (1)

STEERING

6 complaints

Power 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.

6 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

Transmissions 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.

5 complaints total

ENGINE

2 complaints

Stalling 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.

2 complaints total
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint
2026-01-16

The 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 complaint
2020-06-01

WHEN 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 complaint
2025-06-26

Auto 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 complaint
2023-09-01

The 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 complaint
2024-08-16

The 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 complaint
2022-09-13

The 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

Cadillac 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.

Cadillac XT5 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201877/100Good
201978/100Good
202071/100Good
202173/100Good
202372/100Good
202472/100Good
202574/100Good
202681/100Excellent

Cadillac XT5 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202681/100+7Excellent00
202574/100+2Good12
202472/1000Good310
202372/100-1Good413
202173/100+2Good324
2020(selected)71/100-7Good519
201978/100+1Good031
201877/100—Good063

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Cadillac XT5 reliable?
It is reasonably reliable, with a good standing that sits close to average for 2020 SUVs. It is still the weakest of the eight scored XT5 years. Owners filed 19 complaints, and five recalls are on record. The 2019 rates better, and the 2021 rates about the same.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Cadillac XT5?
Steering leads the list, followed by power train and engine issues. Owners report power steering assist cutting out, transmissions that shudder, slip, or clunk, and engines that stall without warning. Dealers often struggle to reproduce these faults, and some cars sat for weeks without a repair.
Does the 2020 Cadillac XT5 have power steering problems?
Yes, it is the top complaint area. Owners say assist cuts out and the wheel becomes very heavy, at startup or while driving. Restarting after several minutes or overnight often restores it. Dealers frequently find no codes, though one found a steering module software update.
What recalls does the 2020 Cadillac XT5 have?
Federal recall records list five recalls. They cover back over prevention, tires (two recalls), the gasoline fuel system, and air bags. Ask the seller for proof that each one was completed before you buy, since recall status varies from car to car.
Is the 2020 Cadillac XT5 better than the 2019 or 2021?
The 2019 rates better and has no recalls on file, though it has more owner complaints. The 2021 rates about the same as the 2020, with three recalls. By these records, the 2020 is the weakest of the eight scored XT5 years.

Don’t buy a 2020 Cadillac XT5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

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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