Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Cadillac XT5 Reliability Report
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 has good reliability, but owners report sudden shutdowns from electrical and fuel pump control module faults.
Recalls
3
Complaints
24
Complaint Rate
8.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$807
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,300
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
Mid-pack among XT5 years, with fewer recalls than 2020 but more complaints, and shutdown reports tied to electrical and fuel pump faults.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
- STEERING (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 1 year after the 2020 update refresh.
- Year 5 in the First generation (2016) (2017–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation XT5 (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2017: First generation (2016) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 1 year after the 2020 update refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
Good reliability, and above average among 2021 SUVs. Within the XT5 lineup it sits in the middle of eight scored years. The 2020 rates about the same, with 19 complaints and 5 recalls against 24 complaints and 3 recalls here. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars.
The serious complaints involve sudden shutdowns. Owners report the engine cutting out at a stop or while driving, and the car refusing to restart. A failed fuel pump control module can cut power and make steering hard, sometimes at highway speed. Two owners saw it fail twice, one first at about 15,063 miles. Power steering assist has also shut off suddenly. Recalls cover seat belts, back over prevention, and the gasoline fuel system.
Ask for proof that all three recalls were completed and for any record of fuel pump module, steering, or backup camera repairs. The 2020 is worth comparing.
Compared to the 2023 Cadillac XT5, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2020 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
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Sudden shutdowns are the most serious pattern (5 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Surging while braking is the most worrying report (4 complaints)
Compare 2021 Cadillac XT5 With
2021 Lexus RX
Reliability: 86/100
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 65/100
2021 Volvo XC90
Reliability: 72/100
2021 BMW X5
Reliability: 57/100
2021 Audi Q5
Reliability: 66/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2021 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
8.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
1
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.
2021 Cadillac XT5 Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Cadillac XT5. 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.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Buying a used 2021 Cadillac XT5? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Cadillac XT5, and 3 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
2021 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
21–24 MPG
Running cost: $3,650–$4,100/yr
Fuel + repair
18–22 city / 23–29 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 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT5 AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| XT5 FWD 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| XT5 FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 22 | 29 | 24 | $2,900 |
| XT5 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,000 |
| XT5 Hearse AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,300 |
| XT5 Hearse FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,300 |
| XT5 Limo AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,300 |
| XT5 Limo FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Cadillac XT5.
Ask for service records showing any fuel pump control module replacement, and look for repeat repairs.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm every open campaign has been completed.
At stops during the test drive, ease off the brake and feel for engine surging or creeping forward.
Start the car several times and confirm the audio, turn-signal sound, and seatbelt chime all work.
Use the touchscreen throughout the drive and confirm climate, navigation, and Bluetooth keep responding.
Reverse several times and confirm the camera shows a clear image and the rear sensors give no false alerts.
Ask whether the power steering module software has been updated, and feel for sudden heavy steering on the drive.
Inspect the sunroof glass for chips or cracks and ask about any past glass replacement.
2021 Cadillac XT5 Common Problems by Component
24 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsSafety-relatedSudden shutdowns are the most serious pattern. The engine cuts out at a stop or while driving, warning lights for low battery and low fuel appear, the parking brake sets, and the car will not restart or roll. Other reports describe the touchscreen going black at speed and taking climate control, navigation, Bluetooth, and driver aids with it, or the car starting with no audio, turn-signal sound, or seatbelt chime. Dealers have not fixed the silent-chime problem despite repeat visits. The one crash-related filing, a low-speed collision with no airbag deployment, describes an XT4.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsSurging while braking is the most worrying report. The engine seems to keep pushing against the brakes, and the car creeps forward when pedal pressure eases. One owner reports a near collision, and the dealer could not reproduce the problem. Other filings describe a muffler that broke inside and buzzed, and the repair was not covered by warranty. One report describes a rear camera that shows only a blank screen in reverse. A sunroof that shattered on a hot day was reported for an XT4.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaintsFuel pump control module failure shuts the car down without warning. Power cuts out, acceleration stops, and steering becomes hard, sometimes at highway speed. Two owners report the module failing twice, and one first failure came at about 15,063 miles. Afterward the car is hard to shift into neutral for pushing or towing. A separate complaint describes sluggish response to the gas pedal and fuel economy of only 12 to 15 mpg in mixed driving.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsPower steering assist shuts off suddenly while driving, and the wheel becomes very hard to turn. That creates a real loss-of-control risk at speed or on curves. In one case the system worked normally again after the car sat overnight. The dealer found no mechanical or wiring fault and installed a software update for the power steering module. One of the three complaints gives no details beyond a reference to an attached document.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsThe backup camera stops working intermittently, and no warning light comes on. One XT5 report puts this at about 10,000 miles, and that car was not repaired. A second filing, which describes an XT4, reports the rear sensor braking or warning when nothing is behind the car. Several dealers could not duplicate that fault, and it returned shortly after the owner left the lot.
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY
2 complaintsSunroof glass shatters at highway speed with no impact from road debris, according to one report at about 22,000 miles. The dealer blamed a falling object and did not repair it. The other complaint describes a windshield cracked by a rock thrown from another vehicle at about 60,000 miles. That is road damage, not a defect. No injuries are reported.
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.
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 XT5 Years
Best Cadillac XT5 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2019
2018
2021
(Current Model)
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.
| 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 2021 Cadillac XT5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
Does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have fuel pump problems?
Does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have steering problems?
How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have?
Don’t buy a 2021 Cadillac XT5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Cadillac XT5
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). 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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