2021 CADILLAC XT5

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
โœ“Good Reliability

This 2021 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the CADILLAC brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Powertrain issues affect both daily reliability and long-term ownership costs. Unexpected stalling creates inconvenience at best and safety hazards at worst.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:powertrain reliability
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.6)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

84/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-0.5
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 CADILLAC XT5

Model Year2021
MakeCADILLAC
ModelXT5
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar21
RECALLRecall Issued
May21
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

6 complaints (60% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 10 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
2(20%)
๐ŸŸกMedium
2(20%)
๐ŸŸขLow
6(60%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 20k-40k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 28,334 miles.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 4 of 10 complaints (40% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (25%)
20k-40k
2 reports (50%)
40k-60k
1 reports (25%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEBACK OVER PREVENTION

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 21V422000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

Campaign: 22V709000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
โœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

10 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 XT5.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning60%
Acceleration Issues20%
Surge10%
Explode10%
Shatter10%
Battery10%
Injury10%
Hesitate10%
Accident10%
Crash/Accident10%
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

When braking โ€” both at low speeds and when slowing from highway speeds (40+ mph) โ€” vehicle feels like engine revs and is still pushing against the brakes. Requires very firm pedal pressure to hold car in place; if brake pressure is eased, vehicle surges forward until it finally settles after several seconds. Concern is intermittent but repeatable. I had a near collision on 10/3/2025 due to this issue. I have been in constant contact with the dealership on this, including the service manager, as well as Cadillac Care. The dealership has test driven the vehicle several times and has been unable to replicate the problem. However, I do have an audio recording of the engineโ€™s idle speed at various points during one incident.

Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car exhaust was making vibration sound brought into dealership and the muffler is broke on the inside. Cadillac repair said itโ€™s not a common occurrence and was not covered under any warranty. Stated it could have broke on the inside due to vibrations. The muffler shouldnโ€™t have just broke inside due to vibrations if the integrity of it has to of been compromised especially if the car isnโ€™t that old and thereโ€™s no damage.

Otherโš ๏ธ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driving down the highway yesterday, I believe that the sunroof on my Cadillac XT4 exploded. It was a hot day and I heard a loud bang. My sunroof shattered and no rocks or other external debris to be found.

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped, and was shifted into park but failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump control module and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,536.

Engine/Powertrainโš ๏ธ High
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel pump module failed twice. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The first time I was driving the second time the car was parked and did not start. See below for details. Safety: Thankfully i was not driving 70+MPH down a busy highway when the car shut down. Given the past recall, the number of Cadillac owners experiencing the problem and that it's happened to me TWICE within three years, it's only a matter of time before serious injury or death occurs. First time: [XXX], Milage: 15,063 i was driving down a small-town highway doing 55 when the car stopped working. All power went off, no acceleration, difficulty steering. I was able to safely get to a side road. Had it towed to local Chevy dealer for repair. They diagnosed the issue: Bad fuel pump driver control module. Second time: [XXX], Milage: 34, 6112 The car was parked at my house and failed to start. Had it towed to local Cadillac dealership for repair. They diagnosed the issue: Bad fuel pump driver control module. Additional information I've found a previous recall on the fuel pump module from 2021 on Cadillac SUVs [XXX] I've found many forum posts of Cadillac users experiencing the same problem. This is just one link for XT4 and the last post from a user with the exact same problem was March 6, 2025, and another on Feb 4, 2025. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

The 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.

Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ต Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing and exiting the residential driveway, the back over prevention sensor activated. The contact stated the back over prevention warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there were no obstacles behind the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was retrieved and shortly after exiting the dealer's lot, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact also stated that the vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken back to the original dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When I turn on the vehicle, it will have no sound - audio, turn signal, and most importantly and concerning, seatbelt warning chime. the electrical issues also extend to the hvac sustain have been trying to get this resolved with two dealerships and Cadillac directly for 1.5 almost 2 years. The issues began about three weeks after my lease began. Cadillac directly and the dealerships have done nothing to resolve this and have continuously kicked it down the road with no resolution. I am not comfortable driving a vehicle in which seatbelt deatures are compromised.

Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ต Low
AIR BAGS

Safety 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.

Electrical๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the contact rear-ended a vehicle in front. The contact crashed the vehicle at approximately 5 mph; however, the collision caused severe front end damage to the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy and all electrical safety features failed to operate after the collision. There were no injuries reported and a police report was filed. The radiator began to leak as a result of the accident, therefore, the vehicle was towed to an independent body shop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 CADILLAC XT5?

Yes, the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 has 2 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA.

Is the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 safe to drive?

The 2021 CADILLAC XT5 has 2 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 CADILLAC XT5 has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local CADILLAC dealer.

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

๐Ÿ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 60%.

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Fuel system, gasoline

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm fuel system, gasoline recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all fuel system, gasoline recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V422000
2

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:22V709000
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your CADILLAC dealer to verify recall completion status.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 2 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your CADILLAC dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.