What problems does the Cadillac XT5 have? This blog describes all the important things to look out for when looking for an XT5. But let's start with a quick answer.
The 2017-2018 Cadillac XT5 had problems with the AF50-8 gearbox, which shifted with difficulty, did not shift to a certain gear, or the gearbox failed completely. There were also electrical problems, a faulty air conditioner, and brake fluid leakage issues. The 2020 model year had issues with broken sunroofs and engine stalling.
However, that certainly doesn't tell the full story of the problems the various model years of the XT5 faced. In the article below, we take a detailed look at all the XT5 model years. We will also discuss what caused these issues and if there were any recalls. Read more!
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1. Problematic change
The Cadillac XT5 was first released in 2017. It came with a brand new GM transmission called the AF50-8. This new 8-speed automatic transmission has proven to be a very challenging drive for owners and has generated approximately 15 complaints on the NTHSA website for the 2017 model year.
Owners have even complained of premature gearbox failure as detailed in the complaint below:
The all new electronic transmission was moving up and down weirdly right after I bought the vehicle. Cadillac was told in a customer satisfaction survey within a month of purchase. After five months and 1,800 miles, the transmission completely broke down.
brown
In addition, owners reported that the start-stop system in the cars did not work properly. The car will come to a complete stop and shut down the engine to avoid unnecessary idling, then start too slow again and move forward when the accelerator is pressed.
The problems became so severe that Cadillac eventually recalled (N182163380) nearly 1,700 XT5s sold between 2017 and 2018. Cadillac stated that the affected vehicles had faulty transmission control module software that required reprogramming.
The newer XT5 models seem to have been free of the same transmission issues, meaning it's safe to say that Cadillac has successfully addressed this issue.
2. Electrical problems
Common problem for model year 2017 XT5 and othersCadillac models such as ASTamong other things, he was plagued by random electrical problems. Owners complained of a complete loss of power while driving, doors locking or unlocking on their own, and an incomplete infotainment system.
Fortunately, these problems did not affect the later XT5 models. However, the complaints weren't bad enough for Cadillac to issue a review or a review bulletin for the 2017 model year. So XT5 owners with issues should sort this out themselves.
A universal solution has not yet been found. However, since the car loses all power on some drives, there is most likely a problem with a prematurely discharged battery. If the problem is not with the battery, it is worth checking the alternator or fuses to make sure they are clean, have power and show no signs of premature wear.
3. Air conditioning not working
There is a known issue with the HVAC system on some 2017 Cadillac XT5 models. The owners complained about the HVAC system, stating:
My car's system works sometimes, but usually it's weak. The only way to get the fans to run high on Auto is to raise the temperature to 60 and hope for the best. Fan speeds are barely noticeable at 70-71 degree settings, though you'd have to work hard to reach that temperature range.
brown
Thankfully, Cadillac responded to this ordeal relatively quickly and issued a service bulletin for the 2017 XT5 (N172088670). They claimed that 108 XT5 (and GMC Acadia) units were built with a faulty HVAC control module that could disable the HVAC system completely from time to time.
They also claimed that this problem caused the display to continue to function (causing the driver to think the system had been altered) while the actuators did not change position or function. The HVAC remote control was replaced at no charge.
4. Motor stuck
Owners of 2020 models have been complaining about engine stalling on their newer models. This problem was caused by insufficient fuel supply to the engine. Cadillac delved into the problem and found that the problem was caused by one of the fuel pump nozzles, which still had plastic residue blocking the amount of fuel that could come out of the nozzle.
This resulted in not enough fuel being delivered to the engine, causing the engine to stall. Cadillac issued a call for this purpose on the number 20V639000. They also replaced the fuel pump module on the affected 2020 cars which resolved the issue.
4. Brake fluid leak
The 2017 model year XT5 had a recall related to the front brake calipers. These calipers had a broken or misaligned brake piston seal which could have caused the brake fluid to leak. Leaking brake fluid means owners are at risk of unexpected loss of braking power.
Cadillac issued a recall recall in late 2016 under number 16V802000 (the 2017 model year was already sold at the time) to replace the brake calipers. These were replaced free of charge and the problems have since ceased for all model years.
5. Roof rail air bag failure
A small number of 2020 XT5 models have been recalled under part number 20V446000 due to possible partial deployment of the roof rail airbag. The issue is described in the rollback as follows:
The diffuser portion of the roof rail airbag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly latched into the inflator and may become detached from the inflator during airbag deployment.
brown
Possibly damaged RRAB modules can be placed on the right or left side of the vehicle. The affected RRAB modules were replaced during the recall, which apparently resolved the issue.
6. Premature tire wear
Owners of XT5 models of various years have complained that their tires wear out after 20,000 - 30,000 miles, even though the tires should last 40,000 - 50,000 miles. For the 2017-2018 model year, the Michelin Premier LTX appears to have received mixed reviews from owners.
However, for the 2020 model year, issues led to two separate recalls. However, they were not Michelin tires. Used Continental tires from this model year were found to have been over-cured during production.
This can cause sudden braking of the tire frame and premature tread wear, which can lead to loss of control and a puncture. These recalls were issued under the numbers 21V115000 and 20V684000. During the service action, the tires were replaced free of charge.
7. The tailgate does not work
2017-2020 XT5 owners have complained that the tailgate won't open after a while. The tailgate seems to accidentally fail, meaning it can no longer be opened or closed. Doing it manually is also a hassle as these cars are not designed for that.
We're pretty sure Cadillac never issued a recall or service bulletin for this, which meant the owners had to figure it out themselves. In the end it turned out to be a flooded pilot valve control module. You can find this module by picking up the spare tire in the trunk and looking inside the bumper.
Cadillac never designed drainage holes in the area where the tailgate control module is located. So if water gets inside, it stays and causes an electrical failure. Replacing the tailgate control module is not too difficult, but these modules cost around $250.Cadillacs are already expensive to maintainYou don't want to add these cost types together.
Also remember to drill your own holes or, as some homeowners have done, use alternative means such as these:
I keep a roll of paper towels in the spare wheel, hoping that any water that gets inside will soak up.
brown
8. The moon roof will explode
A recent issue with the 2017-2018 XT5 was that the sunroof seemed to randomly explode on some vehicles. As shown in the image below, this can cause dangerous situations for the driver and passengers.
The problem with this fault was that Cadillac never acknowledged the problem, and the owners struggled to prove that the sunroof wasn't hit by something else. In addition, there seemed to be no connection between the weather and the ride. The owners also report that nothing touched the sunroof when it broke; in some cases the car was even in the garage.
Because the Cadillac XT5's panoramic moonroof can cost over $1,100 without installation, owners had to pay out-of-pocket or find out through insurance.
Fuentes
- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10145172-9999.pdf
- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10126037-9999.pdf
- https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/replacement-tires-2019-xt5-235-55-x20.1113462/
stefan k
Hi! My name is Stefan; I am the owner and main author of TheDriverAdviser.com.
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FAQs
What is the most common problem with the Cadillac XT5? ›
Rear camera, powertrain, and exploding sunroof issues are the main causes of complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners. Launched as a 2017 model year SUV, the luxury crossover Cadillac XT5 replaced the Cadillac SRX.
Are there any issues with the Cadillac XT5? ›Electrical system issues causing the vehicle to lose power. Issues with braking and collision alerts. Parking assistant software issue. Clicking noise from the front dash.
Do Cadillac XT5 have transmission problems? ›Cadillac's parent company, General Motors, has issued a recall for certain units of the 2023 Cadillac XT6 along with the 2022 and 2023 Cadillac XT5, to address an issue with the transmission sun gear. The problem: the transmission in affected vehicles may have been built with an incorrect sun gear.
What is the poor man's Cadillac? ›The LaSalle was intended to be a less-expensive Cadillac and a bridge point to the Buick brand. The LaSalle ended up too close to the other Cadillac models and it was abandoned. Credit: General Motors archive.
Is the XT5 going to be discontinued? ›Thanks to market dynamics, GM China will lead the design of the new model, with the XT5 set to be discontinued in the US after the 2024 model year.
How many miles does a Cadillac XT5 last? ›Key Takeaway If you follow a solid maintenance schedule, your Cadillac can last up to 200,000 miles or roughly 20+ years.
What is the transmission problem on the 2023 Cadillac XT5? ›GM has issued a product recall for certain units of the 2023 Cadillac XT5 due to a problem with the right-front half-shaft assemblies. The problem: defective right-front (or passenger's side) half-shaft assemblies have the potential to decouple from the transmission under certain load conditions.
How reliable is Cadillac XT5? ›Based on this data, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 received a reliability score of 89/100, ranking the luxury crossover as the second most-reliable vehicle in its competing class. It was bested only by its corporate cousin, the Buick Envision, which scored 90/100.
Can you still drive with power steering assist fault? ›Vehicles that are designed with a power steering pump should only be used when the power steering is operational. When the power steering stops working, you should refrain from operating the vehicle until the pump is replaced.
How much does it cost to fix a power steering assist? ›How much should I expect to pay? While the price of this repair can vary, expect to pay between $500 and $800 to get your power steering pump replaced. Depending on your car, the cost could exceed that price, or fall below it.
What causes weak power steering? ›
Improper Fluid Levels
Too much and your valves and seals could collapse under the pressure. Not enough and the fluid can't exert the force needed to turn your car. Replacing your fluid on time will help prevent this issue, but any leaks can cause a loss of fluid that will ultimately lead to power steering failure.
Ideally, you should have your Cadillac transmission fluid cleanse & exchange service done at least once every 15,000 miles.
What does XT5 mean on a Cadillac? ›The Cadillac XT5 (short for Crossover Touring 5) is a compact luxury / D-segment crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors.
Is Cadillac XT5 high maintenance? ›A Cadillac XT5 will cost about $9,329 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury sedan models by $2,632. There is also a 27.02% chance that a XT5 will require a major repair during that time.
What does a Cadillac say about a person? ›CADILLAC. You think of yourself as socially skilled and courteous. You work in quality assurance, safety, or consulting.
What Cadillac did gangsters drive? ›The Bulletproof 1928 Cadillac Once Owned by Infamous Gangster Al Capone Is Listed for a Cool $1M. Tommy guns and bootleg whiskey not included. If you're obsessed with old-school gangsters and have some serious cash to burn, this could be the holy grail of automobilia.
Why do rappers like Cadillac? ›For rappers like Big K.R.I.T. (who I'm a big fan of), the Cadillac serves as a kind of spiritual liaison, a sort of non-speaking Virgilian guide that allows him to travel and converse between himself and the larger “South”, his Southern ancestors, and the broad geographical area of “South”.
What is Cadillac replacing the XT5 with? ›The current-generation Cadillac XT5 will be discontinued following the end of the 2024 model year. To note, the Cadillac Lyriq is considered an indirect successor to the XT5, at least with regard to segment positioning, specifically the luxury crossover D-segment.
Will there be a 2023 XT5? ›The 2023 Cadillac XT5 is available now. Full pricing is below; AWD adds $2,000 to the price of the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims.
Where is the 2023 Cadillac XT5 built? ›According to GM Authority sources, production of the 2023 Cadillac XT5 will begin on June 10th, 2022. The crossover will once again be produced at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee, the same facility that produces the Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac Lyriq EV crossovers.
How many miles between oil changes on a Cadillac XT5? ›
Cadillac Oil Change Frequency
Planning on getting an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles is a good rule of thumb, but there are certain driving situations that can affect how often to change the car oil.
The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car
Mileage: Good mileage for a used car can be anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. What is good mileage on a used Cadillac? If it's been well taken care of, even 125,000 miles is generally acceptable.
With proper maintenance and repairs, a Cadillac CTS can easily surpass 150,000 miles, with many users still seeing strong performance well beyond 200,000 miles without any serious problems, which makes it a great investment for your next vehicle should it meet your needs.
What is the warning signs of transmission failure? ›Some common symptoms of a failing transmission include unusual noises, slipping, grinding, and jerking when engaging and shifting gears. A failing transmission can lead to various issues ranging from your vehicle making loud noises, behaving erratically on the road, or being undrivable.
What is the latest Cadillac recall? ›General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
What is the gas mileage for a 2023 Cadillac XT5? ›The 2023 Cadillac XT5 mpg specifications can get up to 22 in the city and 29 on the highway.
Does the Cadillac XT5 require premium gas? ›Does the Cadillac XT5 take premium gas? Nope. You're clear to use regular unleaded or midgrade fuels rated between 87 and 91 octane levels.
What is the difference between an XT5 premium and an XT5 luxury? ›Exterior Features
As the 2022 Cadillac XT5 trim models move up, this midsize luxury SUV gets increasingly stylish. Standard features include LED headlamps and remote ignition. The Premium Luxury adds a panoramic sunroof and hands-free power liftgate.
Driving the 2024 Cadillac XT5
It's available with a 310-horsepower V6 with the same transmission. We enjoyed our time behind the wheel of the XT5. We found the ride smooth and comfortable compared to any non-luxury SUV, but some of its competitors are a bit more serene.
While it is technically possible to drive the car with a failing electric power steering system, it is not going to get any better. The vehicle will need to be serviced as soon as possible. The module is still pulling excess power from the battery and robbing the rest of the vehicle.
How do I reset my electric power steering? ›
All you need to do is turn off your engine, then restart it so the light can reset. In most cases, it should come back on, and this only indicates that it may have thought it suspected a problem due to a mistake in the computer system.
What is one of the most common failures in the power steering system? ›One of the most common problems power steering systems have is leaks. The high pressure of the system combined with the soft hoses carrying the fluid makes it relatively susceptible to leaks. A low fluid level can cause a whining power steering pump and even a loss of fluid pressure and a loss of steering assistance.
What should you do if your power assisted steering fails suddenly? ›If you lose your power steering be prepared to hang on to the wheel with all of your strength to turn it. Stop as soon as possible. If the power steering has failed because the engine has cut out you may need extra pressure on the brakes to stop the car.
How do I know if my electric power steering is failing? ›One of the most common signs you have steering wheel failure is that it is hard to turn the steering wheel. In most cases, this is usually caused by a lack of power steering fluid or a leak in the system. It could also mean that you have a worn-out power steering pump that needs replacing.
What are the 3 things that can cause hard steering? ›- Tire Pressure. Surprisingly, bad air pressure could be a cause for steering wheel hard to turn. ...
- Bad Steering Rack. ...
- Damaged Serpentine Belt. ...
- Fluid Leakage. ...
- Pump Malfunction. ...
- Thick Fluid. ...
- Check air pressure of your car tires. ...
- Check power steering condition and fluid level.
- You have a tough time turning the steering wheel. ...
- You feel a vibration in the steering wheel or your vehicle shudders when turning. ...
- You feel excessive play in steering wheel. ...
- Your vehicle pulls or wanders to one side. ...
- You hear noises when you turn the wheel.
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's no harm in changing your fluid early.
How often should you get an auto transmission flush? ›Depending on what the manufacturer recommends, you may need to get a transmission flush every 30,000 miles or two years. In some cases, your owner's manual may suggest waiting until your car reaches 100,000 miles.
How do you check the transmission fluid on a Cadillac XT5? ›- Turn the engine on for a few minutes before proceeding, since the engine should be warmed up to properly check the level. ...
- Find the transmission fluid dipstick. ...
- Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, moving it around between your thumb and forefinger. ...
- Use a rag to wipe off the dipstick.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) OPERATION♦ On AWD models, the vehicle can operate in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Press the MODE button to select Tour (front-wheel drive), AWD, Sport, or Off-Road mode. If the vehicle is turned off while in Tour or AWD mode, it will stay in that mode the next time the vehicle is started.
What does the 400 on back of an XT5 mean? ›
The meaning behind the number 400 correlates to 3.6-liter V-6's 271 lb-ft of torque, which is basically 367-newton meters of torque in which Cadillac rounds it up to 400. How much is the 2021 Cadillac XT6? The Cadillac XT6 is a mid-size crossover that can seat up to 7 passengers. The 2021 XT6 MSRP starts at $47,995.
What is the Buick version of the Cadillac XT5? ›The 2023 Cadillac XT5 and 2023 Buick Envision are both exhilarating and energy-efficient five-passenger SUVs. You'll find a host of innovative features like driver assistance technology, economical engines, and modern cabin amenities available for both SUVs.
Why are Cadillac oil changes so expensive? ›Yes. Cadillac oil change costs are more costly than those of other cars. Cadillac is a luxury car that requires the best oil and filters to perform at the best level. Also, many mechanics will charge additional costs since it's a luxury car.
How often does a Cadillac need an oil change? ›Many Cadillac models have an oil change frequency between 7,000 and 10,000 miles. However, it's always best to check your owner's manual for specifics for your model and make.
Does Cadillac XT5 use synthetic oil? ›Castrol - EDGE® High Mileage 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5 Quart (Part No. 15906E)
What is the lifespan of a Cadillac XT5? ›Key Takeaway If you follow a solid maintenance schedule, your Cadillac can last up to 200,000 miles or roughly 20+ years.
How reliable are Cadillac XT5? ›Is the 2023 Cadillac XT5 Reliable? The 2023 Cadillac XT5 has a predicted reliability score of 86 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How many miles between oil changes on Cadillac XT5? ›Cadillac XT5 service intervals start at 15,000 miles and continue through 90,000 miles. Additionally, your vehicle will be due for an oil change about every 7,500 miles.
What year did Cadillacs stay away from? ›In addition, CoPilot recommends avoiding the 2006 through 2009 and 2014 CTS model years.
What is the transmission warning on a Cadillac XT5? ›It alerts you that the transmission temperature is high, which is usually due to low transmission fluid or engine coolant.