2021 Cadillac Xt5 Safety Report
2021 Cadillac XT5 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Cadillac Xt5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (11) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Cadillac Xt5 with 8 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Cadillac Xt5 before buying across this generation. |
Cadillac Xt5 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Cadillac Xt5 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Cadillac Xt5 | 8 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Cadillac Xt5 | 19 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Cadillac Xt5 | 12 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Cadillac Xt5 | 31 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Cadillac Xt5 | 10 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Cadillac Xt5 | 62 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Cadillac Xt5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Cadillac Xt5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Cadillac onlyElectrical System,Back Over Prevention
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Back Over Prevention issues Cadillac onlyUnknown Or Other,Service Brakes,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes,Engine issues Cadillac onlyElectrical System,Engine,Fuel System, Gasoline
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine,Fuel System, Gasoline issues Cadillac onlyFuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Cadillac onlyEngine And Engine Cooling,Power Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling,Power Train issues Cadillac onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5
Reliability Score
The 2021 Cadillac Xt5 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back Over Prevention System The back over prevention system, which includes a camera, has been reported to have issues. This system is critical for safety, especially in low visibility conditions. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Issues with the electrical system, including the infotainment screen and seatbelt warning chime, have been reported. These issues can affect the overall safety and functionality of the vehicle. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System There have been reports of fuel system issues, such as hose and line failures, which can lead to fuel leaks and potential safety hazards. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine And Power Train Engine and power train issues have been reported, including sudden engine revving and power loss, which can affect the vehicle's performance and safety. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Cadillac Xt5:
Issues with the back over prevention system, including the camera, have been reported.
Problems with the infotainment screen and seatbelt warning chime have been reported.
Fuel system issues, such as hose and line failures, have been reported.
Engine and power train issues, including sudden engine revving, have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5 by NHTSA:
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Cadillac Xt5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
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 and failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed; however, t...
When braking — both at low speeds and when slowing from highway speeds (40+ mph) — 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 is...
Car exhaust was making vibration sound brought into dealership and the muffler is broke on the inside. Cadillac repair said it’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 shouldn’t have just broke inside due to vibrations if the integrity of it has to of been compromised especially if the car isn’t that ...
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.
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 w...
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 happe...
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 w...
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 conta...
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 not...
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.
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 report...
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Opened 2022-07-22 · Closed 2022-11-21
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22-006) to assess alleged failures of the rear-view camera (RVC) in Model Year (MY) 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The complaints report that the screen for the RVC is black, sometimes with a red triangle and a circle with a line through it. To date, ODI has received a total of 18 complaints and several EWR Field Reports with allegations of the RVC image failing to display when t...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Cadillac Xt5
Has the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 have?
The 2021 CADILLAC XT5 has 11 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 CADILLAC XT5?
The 2021 CADILLAC XT5 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 CADILLAC XT5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 involve unknown or other (2 complaints), electrical system,back over prevention (1 complaints), unknown or other,service brakes,engine (1 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,engine,fuel system, gasoline, fuel/propulsion system, engine and engine cooling,power train.
How many crash reports does the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 out of 11 total complaints (9.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 CADILLAC XT5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CADILLAC XT5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 CADILLAC XT5?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CADILLAC XT5.
Should I buy a 2021 CADILLAC XT5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 is generally recommended. It has 11 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 CADILLAC XT5?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE (1 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (1 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 CADILLAC XT5?
Be cautious of potential electrical system failures and back over prevention system issues. Regularly check these systems for proper functionality. The 2021 CADILLAC XT5 has 11 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 CADILLAC XT5?
The 2021 CADILLAC XT5 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 11 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Back Over Prevention System and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2021 CADILLAC XT5?
Known issues with the 2021 CADILLAC XT5 include: Back Over Prevention System, Electrical System, Fuel System, Engine and Power Train. These are based on patterns found across 11 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
The most common issues are with the back over prevention system and the electrical system, including the infotainment screen and seatbelt warning chime.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
Yes, there are recalls for the back over prevention system and fuel system issues. Check for recall notifications from the manufacturer.
What should I do if I experience electrical system issues?
If you experience electrical system issues, have the vehicle inspected by a professional to ensure all systems are functioning properly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential electrical system failures and back over prevention system issues. Regularly check these systems for proper functionality.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Cadillac Xt5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Cadillac Xt5. The data includes 11 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Cadillac Xt5 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13