Last updated: 2026-10-10

2021 Cadillac XT6 Reliability Report
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 has good reliability for an SUV, but its rear camera can go blank while reversing, often around 30,000 miles.
Recalls
2
Complaints
18
Complaint Rate
1.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$783
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,250
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
Fewer recalls than 2020 or 2022, with rear camera dropouts and a repeat fuel pump stall as the main concerns.
Top Issues to Watch
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 2 of the First generation (U26).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- 1st generation XT6 (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2020 (redesign year) vs 2021+ pricing and recalls.
2020: First generation (U26) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 2 of the First generation (U26).
Should You Buy the 2021 Cadillac XT6?
Yes, with checks. This model year has good reliability, rates above average among 2021 SUVs, and sits among the stronger of the seven XT6 years scored. Owners filed 18 complaints, about 1.5 per 10,000 sold. The 2020 and 2022 model years rate about the same, so none of the three clearly stands apart. The federal crash test gave it 5 of 5 stars.
The rear camera is the main weak spot. The image goes blank while reversing, or a "Park Assist Blocked" message shows up instead. It tends to start around 30,000 to 33,000 miles and comes and goes, so dealers often cannot reproduce it. Two complaints describe the engine shutting off in moving traffic. A dealer traced one to a faulty fuel pump control module, and the failure came back after repair. Federal records list two recalls, covering back over prevention and the fuel system.
Ask for proof that both recalls were completed. Ask for any shop records on the camera or the fuel pump control module, and test the backup and surround views on a drive.
Compared to the 2022 Cadillac XT6, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2020 Cadillac XT6 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −BACK OVER PREVENTION: Rear camera image goes blank or fails to appear while reversing (4 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Camera screens cutting to black make up most of this category (3 complaints)
Compare 2021 Cadillac XT6 With

2021 Lincoln Nautilus
Reliability: 73/100

2021 Mazda CX-9
Reliability: 77/100

2021 Lincoln Aviator
Reliability: 62/100

2021 Infiniti QX60
Reliability: 81/100

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Reliability: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- BACK OVER PREVENTION (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
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.
2021 Cadillac XT6 Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Cadillac XT6. 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.
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 XT6? Check its history first
Back over prevention problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Cadillac XT6, and 2 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 XT6 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Cadillac XT6Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$783
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,050–$3,450/yr
Fuel + repair
18–21 city / 25–27 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT6 AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 |
| XT6 FWD 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| XT6 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,250 |
| XT6 FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,250 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Cadillac XT6.
Shift into reverse several times and confirm the camera image appears every time with no "Park Assist Blocked" message.
Cycle through every surround camera view and watch for black screens or a crossed-out camera icon.
Ask for service records showing camera cable work, software updates, or video processing module replacement.
Run a VIN recall check and have a Cadillac dealer confirm all open campaigns are completed.
Idle the engine briefly, shut it off, restart, and watch for long cranking or immediate stalling.
Accelerate from several stops, including after auto stop-start shuts the engine off, and feel for stumbling.
Ask whether the fuel pump control module has been replaced and whether the car has stalled in traffic.
Inspect the sunroof glass closely for cracks, chips, or replacement history.
2021 Cadillac XT6 Common Problems by Component
18 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
4 complaintsThe rear camera image goes blank or fails to appear while reversing. Sometimes a "Park Assist Blocked" message shows up on the dash instead. The fault is intermittent and tends to start around 30,000 to 33,000 miles. Dealers often cannot reproduce it, so cars leave the shop unfixed after repeat visits. Owners also describe waiting on recall parts that were not yet available, and being told to pay for a camera software update themselves. With no camera picture, the driver may not see pedestrians behind the vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsCamera screens cutting to black make up most of this category. The backup and surround views drop out at random and show a crossed-out camera icon or a warning triangle. Owners say the fault came back after a cable replacement. Since it comes and goes, dealers struggle to reproduce it. In one case the video processing module would not accept reprogramming and needed replacement at $973. A separate report describes the engine cranking, running for a moment, and cutting out on restart at under 27,000 miles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsThree unrelated problems land in this category. The engine stumbles when pulling away from a stop, both with the engine running and after auto stop-start has shut it off. It happens more often over time and came back after a battery replacement. A stumble during a left turn at an intersection is a real collision risk. Front and rear cameras also stop working without warning. One owner reports the sunroof glass shattering with a loud bang at highway speed, even though the sunroof had not been opened.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsThe engine shuts off and the car stops without warning in moving traffic. A dealer traced this to a faulty fuel pump control module with an electrical short that cuts off fuel to the engine. The failure came back after repair, and both times the car stalled in traffic, so other drivers had to swerve to avoid it. That creates a serious collision risk. The second complaint does not describe a new failure. It is a dispute over getting reimbursed for a repair the owner had already paid for.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintCadillac XT6 – VIN: [XXX] echanical Failures, Ignored Transmission Recall(s), and Dealer Negligence I write this letter to formally place General Motors Company on notice of a pattern of serious mechanical failures, ignored safety recalls, and dealership indifference involving my Cadillac XT6, referenced above. This vehicle has been presented to Sam Leman Cadillac of Champaign on multiple occasions for mechanical issues, including—but not limited to—cooling system failures, thermostat defects, persistent check-engine warnings, and abnormal vehicle operation. Service records confirm repeated interventions, temporary fixes, and diagnostic acknowledgments without meaningful long-term resolution. More alarming, however, is the dealership’s failure to appropriately address and disclose known transmission recalls and other safety recalls applicable to this vehicle. Despite GM’s documented awareness of widespread transmission issues affecting similarly situated vehicles, the dealership elected to either minimize, ignore, or defer corrective action—placing convenience and cost avoidance above consumer safety. This conduct raises serious concerns, including: •Failure to act on known manufacturer defects •Failure to honor GM’s recall and safety obligations •Repeated return of a vehicle to service despite unresolved defects •A pattern of repairs that suggests systemic failure, not isolated incidents •Improper shifting of financial responsibility to the consumer for manufacturer-caused defects Consumers do not purchase Cadillac vehicles with the expectation of serving as unpaid beta testers for unresolved engineering flaws. Nor should they be forced to navigate a maze of denials and deflections when defects arise that GM already knows exist. This is not a maintenance issue—it is a manufacturer and dealer accountability issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT6. The contact stated that while sitting inside the vehicle, the vehicle felt unbalanced. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the H-pipe was leaning more to the right side. The H-pipe was not centered as intended. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in the past, while the vehicle was serviced, no one had noticed that the H-pipe was off-center. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaint1)The display on dash reads upon start up, “Steering Assist Reduced”. 2)There is no Engine temperature readout displayed on cluster. 3)When the vehicle is turned off, the coolant fan stays running for a few minutes at full speed. All of these issues are correlated. Also, many XT5’s & XT6’s have had this issue in the past.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintThe vehicle's check engine light came on late afternoon and then started with a delayed turn over, but not actually starting thr following day. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The technician and service advisor commented immediately that it is likely the fuel pump control module. With the commentary about the likely cause was that this is a widespread issue among GM vehicles. Thankfully, the vehicle was at home when it stopped starting but the transition from check engine to stopping operation was almost immediate.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintI was driving about 25mph all of the sudden the car automatic applied the brakes.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintFront brake vibration, alarming grinding/rubbing/screeching sound each and every time service brakes are applied. Dealer claims this is a known GM problem with no fix available. I have purchased two Cadillacs Xt6 and Xt5 May 2021. Both vehicles have the same problem. Wife will not drive the new Cadillac. Service bulletin published sbout this same problem, December 2020. Still no resolution, June 2021.
Best & Worst Cadillac XT6 Years
Best Cadillac XT6 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
2021
(Current Model)
Cadillac XT6 Years to Avoid
No Cadillac XT6 years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 72 and 76 across 7 scored model years.
Cadillac XT6 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
Cadillac XT6 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Cadillac XT6 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Cadillac XT6?
Does the 2021 Cadillac XT6 have rear camera problems?
Has the 2021 Cadillac XT6 been recalled?
Is the 2021 Cadillac XT6 better than the 2020 or 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 Cadillac XT6 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Cadillac XT6
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 does best on recall impact (80/100) 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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