2021 Cadillac XT5Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 2021 Cadillac XT5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-709 the manufacturer reports only 88% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Cadillac XT5 has problems

21 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system60
Steering50
Engine40
Visibility20
Fuel/propulsion system20
Service brakes20
Back over prevention20
Visibility/wiper10
Engine and engine cooling10
1 other systems10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2021 Cadillac XT5 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

88%repaired · 2024 Q4

Sensing system: camera

Recall 22V-709 · Sep 22, 2022 · 95,231 vehicles · 83,818 repaired

Risk. An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

97%repaired · 2023 Q2

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 21V-422 · Jun 3, 2021 · 572 vehicles · 553 repaired

Risk. Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.

Best & worst years

2021 vs. every other XT5 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the XT5 median. How we score

'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2021 Cadillac XT5 safety ratings

2021 Cadillac XT5 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2021 Cadillac XT5 frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2021 Cadillac XT5 side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2021 Cadillac XT5 side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Standard
  • Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2021 Cadillac XT5, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Rear-View Camera FailurePE22006 · closed Nov 21, 2022
    Led to recall 22V-709
In owners' words

What XT5 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Sudden Engine Shutdown and Loss of Steering Assistance in Traffic — 2021 Cadillac XT5 While operating our 2021 Cadillac XT5 in traffic, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly stopped running. The engine shut down, the instrument panel went dark except for a warning stating "Low Battery," and…
Complaint 11771715 · Oct 16, 2026
The Side Detection System warning light came on. I found that other vehicles in our blind spots were not be recognized by the system. The warning lights were not being activated on the side mirrors. The system was repaired at the dealership at a cost of $865.43. When speaking withe the service…
Complaint 11760426 · Aug 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the infotainment screen was touched but went black and failed to respond. The vehicle was turned off and restarted at the next traffic light, and the infotainment screen was touched and remained black…
Complaint 11722196 · Mar 5, 2026 · 113,240 miles

Own a 2021 XT5?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.