2019 Cadillac XT4 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Cadillac XT4, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1035.7%
- Powertrain (other)621.4%
- Exterior lighting414.3%
- Electrical310.7%
- Fuel system27.1%
- Suspension13.6%
- Driver assistance13.6%
- Brakes13.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my suv in for diagnostics to a certified GM dealership at least twice while still under warranty. The check engine light was on, the car was behaving abnormally as well as making unusual concerning noises. The dealership sent me away saying no codes showed up and they couldn’t find a problem.The light would come on and off sporadically. I took screen shots of my dashboard every time the light came on. Within months of my warranty expiring xI was traveling to IL 1.5 hours from home on I-90 during heavy traffic. Suddenly the dashboard provided extensive messages ex: engine overheating, idle engine, etc and I could not get the rpm’s over 68, then 65; then 60; then 58 etc. I pulled over to let the engine cool on the side of a four lane bumper to bumper interstate environment alone. I had to have the car towed back from Elgin on my dime and took it into the same dealership where this time I spent 1700 on what I recall being told “engine coolant repair” as they claim small leak. Less than a month later the check engine light came back on so I took it back to the dealership. My Cadillac app was registering the same alertmas before the fix : engine coolant system. Dealership said it was a blown head gasket (something about cyl 1) sep from what they worked on for the 1700 and ate wanting over 3700 for this repair. My car was I believe months out of manufacturer warranty though I complained multiple times of concerns and because it is a “separate” issue from May repair and no year warranty from them either . 7 day wait for replacement part alone. I had car towed directly from dealership it was at to a mom n pop auto repair center in town awaiting full diagnostics, preserving “evidence” I learned online my particular suv (2019 Cadillac xt4 premium luxury) is known to have engine and other issues that don’t register codes and likely over 90% chance related to misdiagnosis or a band aid repair. *i have screenshots of dash, “my caddy”app alerts, etc*
Recently went to my local Sewell dealership for my routine oil change. With an oil change they do a complimentary multipoint inspection. During the inspection they noticed that my camshaft carrier was leaking and needed to be resealed. The resealing of the camshaft carrier would be around $4,000. I don’t have that kind of money laying around especially in this economy. I just got a new place and I can’t Afford to spend $4,0000 right now. I did some research online and apparently this is a common issue with Cadillac cars. I reached out to other Cadillac owners and they advised me to submit a complaint with the NTHSA due to the frequency of this issue across Cadillac cars. Will there be some type of reimbursement/recall to fix this issue because if it happening across multiple Cadillac cars no matter the make or model, this should be on GM/Cadillac to fix and not the consumer.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my suv in for diagnostics to a certified GM dealership at least twice while still under warranty. The check engine light was on, the car was behaving abnormally as well as making unusual concerning noises. The dealership sent me away saying no codes showed up and they couldn’t find a problem.The light would come on and off sporadically. I took screen shots of my dashboard every time the light came on. Within months of my warranty expiring xI was traveling to IL 1.5 hours from home on I-90 during heavy traffic. Suddenly the dashboard provided extensive messages ex: engine overheating, idle engine, etc and I could not get the rpm’s over 68, then 65; then 60; then 58 etc. I pulled over to let the engine cool on the side of a four lane bumper to bumper interstate environment alone. I had to have the car towed back from Elgin on my dime and took it into the same dealership where this time I spent 1700 on what I recall being told “engine coolant repair” as they claim small leak. Less than a month later the check engine light came back on so I took it back to the dealership. My Cadillac app was registering the same alertmas before the fix : engine coolant system. Dealership said it was a blown head gasket (something about cyl 1) sep from what they worked on for the 1700 and ate wanting over 3700 for this repair. My car was I believe months out of manufacturer warranty though I complained multiple times of concerns and because it is a “separate” issue from May repair and no year warranty from them either . 7 day wait for replacement part alone. I had car towed directly from dealership it was at to a mom n pop auto repair center in town awaiting full diagnostics, preserving “evidence” I learned online my particular suv (2019 Cadillac xt4 premium luxury) is known to have engine and other issues that don’t register codes and likely over 90% chance related to misdiagnosis or a band aid repair. *i have screenshots of dash, “my caddy”app alerts, etc*
In September, my vehicle would not start. I had it boosted and it started right up. The very same afternoon , it would not start and had it boosted. Drove it for 2 days without issue and on day 3 it would not start and boosting was unsuccessful. The vehicle could not be put in neutral and needed to be towed. The car spent several weeks at the dealer and I was told it was the battery which I replaced the key FOBS needed to be reprogrammed and then the wiring harness was chewed up. After several weeks at the show and over $1,000 later the car was returned. A month or so later , the car wouldn’t start, could not get boosted and had to be towed back to the dealership. After 2.5 weeks , I was told it was corrosion on the wiring harness. I’m concerned that these issues will persist and I could end up stalling in the middle of the highway, Vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The passenger side DRL/turn signal is dim causing the vehicle visability to be reduced and other drivers unable to see turn indications, increasing the risk of crash. The design of the unit places undue heat near the circuit board causing the unit to fail. The driver's side does not have this issue. This is a known issue with many post on forums on it.
The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact exited the vehicle and became aware that the daytime running light was out on the driver’s and passenger’s side. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my suv in for diagnostics to a certified GM dealership at least twice while still under warranty. The check engine light was on, the car was behaving abnormally as well as making unusual concerning noises. The dealership sent me away saying no codes showed up and they couldn’t find a problem.The light would come on and off sporadically. I took screen shots of my dashboard every time the light came on. Within months of my warranty expiring xI was traveling to IL 1.5 hours from home on I-90 during heavy traffic. Suddenly the dashboard provided extensive messages ex: engine overheating, idle engine, etc and I could not get the rpm’s over 68, then 65; then 60; then 58 etc. I pulled over to let the engine cool on the side of a four lane bumper to bumper interstate environment alone. I had to have the car towed back from Elgin on my dime and took it into the same dealership where this time I spent 1700 on what I recall being told “engine coolant repair” as they claim small leak. Less than a month later the check engine light came back on so I took it back to the dealership. My Cadillac app was registering the same alertmas before the fix : engine coolant system. Dealership said it was a blown head gasket (something about cyl 1) sep from what they worked on for the 1700 and ate wanting over 3700 for this repair. My car was I believe months out of manufacturer warranty though I complained multiple times of concerns and because it is a “separate” issue from May repair and no year warranty from them either . 7 day wait for replacement part alone. I had car towed directly from dealership it was at to a mom n pop auto repair center in town awaiting full diagnostics, preserving “evidence” I learned online my particular suv (2019 Cadillac xt4 premium luxury) is known to have engine and other issues that don’t register codes and likely over 90% chance related to misdiagnosis or a band aid repair. *i have screenshots of dash, “my caddy”app alerts, etc*
My water pump failed do to a cover that fell off during driving on a rainy day and water got inside the chip board and fried my water pump and car engine reduced speed all suddenly almost got hit on the back by another vehicle do to speed reduced and stalled do to engine overheating
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OCCUR AFTER A DEALER WARRANTY INSTALLED ENGINE. THE DTC CODE WAS "PO496". THIS TURNED OUT TO BE A PARGE PUMP FAILURE. VEHICLE IS 4 YEARS AND 9 MONTHS OLD, MILAGE AT 34285. DEALER SAYING THAT PART IS NOT COVERED ANY LONGER UNDER WARRANTIES OF ANY TYPE. THE REPAIR COST ME $671.89. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY EARLY FAILURE OF AN EMMISIONS CONTROL COMPONENT.
2019 CADILLAC XT-4 [XXX] MILEAGE IN FIRST SERVICE ATTEMPT 27500 4/28/2023 BROUGHT THE XT-4 IN FOR SERVICE IN WILLIAMSBURG VIRGINIA AND FOR AN OIL DRIP PROBLEM. OIL LEAKING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE MOTOR FACING THE PASSENGER SIDE. DEALER REPLACED NUMEROUOS GASKETS AND ENGINE COVERS AND RETURNED THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE SERVICE AND STATE INSPECTION WORK. REPAIRS MADE UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. ENGINE CONTINUED TO LEAK AND WAS BROUGHT BACK INTO THE DEALERSHIP 05/02/2023. DEALER SAID THAT THE OIL PAN WAS CRACKED AND THEY REPLACED IT UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. ENGINE CONTINUES TO LEAK, AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 05/08/2023 FOR MORE REPAIRS ALONG WITH A FAILED BATTERY. ENGINE IS STILL BEING WORKED ON AS OF 05/12/2023. DEALER SAYING THAT ENGINE HAS A LEAKING HEAD GASKET AND THAT GM IS STARTING TO REALIZE THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE. REPAIR REQUIRES SPECIALIZED TOOLING FOR INSTALLING THE HEAD GASKET. STARTING TO RUN INTO 10 DAYS NOW WITH THE LOSS OF USE OF THE XT-4. OIL LEAK IS AFFECTING THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE STALLING AND CHUGGING AND MAY BE MAKING ITS WAY INTO THE PASSENGER FRONT RIGHT BRAKING SYSTEM. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT DRIVER SIDE. DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS MAKING LEFT TURNS THE SQUEAKING IS PRESENT. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING OR HEAR ANY SQUEAKING. I ASKED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO TAKE A RIDE WITH ME AND HE HEARD THE SQUEAKING NOISE. TODAY THE NOISE IS STILL PRESENT NOW THERE'S THE SQUEAKING AND FIBRATION COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT PUT A TICKET IN TO GM TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THE ISSUE. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR PURCHASED WITH 11 MILES. IT APPEARS TO BE THE SUSPENSION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The throttle and accelerator pedal is very HOT- highly sensitive, resulting in jerky lunging upon start off in 1st gear from a dead or 1 mph stop. The vehicle has been into the dealer 2 times for this issue with the same repair comments, vehicle meets all factory specs and all XT 4 react this way- well that's not safe. If that's the case, then this is a design defect which is unsafe as the accelerator pedal reacts to quickly with a non-smooth action and lunging which could cause a rear end collision. Other car evaluators have also indicated the XT6 has a jerky accelerator, just like what I am reporting. It may be the TPS -Throttle Position sensor in combination with the APS-Accelerator Position sensor. Sometimes it is so violent it throws occupants backward into the seats. Dealer says within spec. GM needs to solve this issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2019 CADILLAC XT-4 [XXX] MILEAGE IN FIRST SERVICE ATTEMPT 27500 4/28/2023 BROUGHT THE XT-4 IN FOR SERVICE IN WILLIAMSBURG VIRGINIA AND FOR AN OIL DRIP PROBLEM. OIL LEAKING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE MOTOR FACING THE PASSENGER SIDE. DEALER REPLACED NUMEROUOS GASKETS AND ENGINE COVERS AND RETURNED THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE SERVICE AND STATE INSPECTION WORK. REPAIRS MADE UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. ENGINE CONTINUED TO LEAK AND WAS BROUGHT BACK INTO THE DEALERSHIP 05/02/2023. DEALER SAID THAT THE OIL PAN WAS CRACKED AND THEY REPLACED IT UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. ENGINE CONTINUES TO LEAK, AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 05/08/2023 FOR MORE REPAIRS ALONG WITH A FAILED BATTERY. ENGINE IS STILL BEING WORKED ON AS OF 05/12/2023. DEALER SAYING THAT ENGINE HAS A LEAKING HEAD GASKET AND THAT GM IS STARTING TO REALIZE THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE. REPAIR REQUIRES SPECIALIZED TOOLING FOR INSTALLING THE HEAD GASKET. STARTING TO RUN INTO 10 DAYS NOW WITH THE LOSS OF USE OF THE XT-4. OIL LEAK IS AFFECTING THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE STALLING AND CHUGGING AND MAY BE MAKING ITS WAY INTO THE PASSENGER FRONT RIGHT BRAKING SYSTEM. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .