2017 Cadillac XT5 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 2017 Cadillac XT5, 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
- Powertrain (other)2415.4%
- Engine2314.7%
- Electrical2113.5%
- Driver assistance1610.3%
- Brakes1610.3%
- Steering159.6%
- Other / unspecified106.4%
- Visibility63.8%
- Exterior lighting53.2%
- Suspension53.2%
- Airbags42.6%
- Interior & seats31.9%
- Fuel system21.3%
- Body & structure21.3%
- Seat belts21.3%
- Transmission10.6%
- Tires & wheels10.6%
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased the car on XXX. The car has been returned to the service department within the first 3 days. Sold to me without getting fully inspected. Service department did put new brakes and rotors on and I was told (no paperwork given to me) an oil change was done. On XXX in traffic on a dangerous highway, the car cut off. The car was not able to be jumped with AAA, was towed to [XXX]/GMC Service department. I was told by the Asst Svc Manager, on XXX the Tech told him My car was the starter. The part would have to be ordered and would not be ready to the following week. On July 7th I received a call from the SVC Mgr that the engine blew. I had to pull teeth to get the Mgr to pay for the engine of $8500 and yet he wants me to pay $1500.00. With having a car less than 21 days regardless if I went over the 3k miles and as -is, there was a 90 day warranty when everything should be covered. He has now rescinded because I reported this to BBB, Atty Gen office, NHTSA. This car was never inspected. I requested the On-star reports, Inspection reports for the last year and the Tech's findings and nothing has been provided except one. I requested several times the service report and the General Manager/owner is so upset, he submitted nothing.I have felt intimidation throughout this entire process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased this used car in the end of July 2025. Within the last month the service transmission light came on. Within a 24-hour period, the message changed to, "service transmission unable to shift Soon". Also alarm bells go off when I first start the car and sometimes during driving. The car feels like it drives correctly and smoothly with no shifting issues. Sometimes when that second message and check engine light icon being comes on, there seems to be a third message that is trying to pop up behind it but it does not. It seems like there is a glitch in the system. This was very concerning and scary for me. My research shows me that this has been a chronic problem for my make and model and year of car. I've also heard it can be even time to check and or change the transmission fluid. That needs to be a different message all together without causing alarm that the transmission itself is not functioning properly. I have not driven this for 10 days because many repair shops in dealerships are telling me not to risk it and of course want me to bring this in for a diagnosis. It is costly and hard to discern and trust who to go to for the correct information. The dealership should be responsible for a recall and replacing this sensor or modular so people do not have a cause for alarm if it is something as simple as needing to change the transmission fluid. There is also no dipstick on this vehicle so no local fluid fill station can check this. Many people have complained and are at a loss. I see there is a bulletin on this subject but no recall. Please take action and turn this situation into a recall once and for all to help. The little folks like me stay more safe and better informed about the health and longevity of our vehicles. Thank you for your time in reading this.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had P0128 Code with a warning message " Steering assist is reduced, drive with care". My local mechanic told I need a new thermostat. I have replaced my thermostat and it cost me 700 dollars out of pocket.
Catalytic Converter on my 2017 XT5 had weld crack Oct 2025. Causing loud noise and exhaust to enter cabin of vehicle. This was the second convertor to do this. In 2023 I had to have the other catalytic convertor on this same vehicle changed out by the Sewell Cadillac dealership for the same problem. That time I only had 50,000 miles on the car so the dealership did it for free (after I found that they had to cover up to 80,000 and they acted like they didn't know that and had quoted me $2000). This time in 2025 I had 80,805 miles so I had to pay $1010 to have it replaced by an outside repair shop. The technician says since we had to have them both replaced and the car is only 8 years old, it is probably a design flaw. He told me to report it. I see another complaint for the same thing and I see they did a recall on some from California vehicles for something with the catalytic convertor and a recall on some in 2022 and 2023 vehicles for an issue with the catalytic convertor. I expected better from GM and Cadillac. I wonder how many other Cadillac XT5 owners have had this problem but haven't known to report it. You should contact the Cadillac dealerships and see how many they have changed out.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased the car on XXX. The car has been returned to the service department within the first 3 days. Sold to me without getting fully inspected. Service department did put new brakes and rotors on and I was told (no paperwork given to me) an oil change was done. On XXX in traffic on a dangerous highway, the car cut off. The car was not able to be jumped with AAA, was towed to [XXX]/GMC Service department. I was told by the Asst Svc Manager, on XXX the Tech told him My car was the starter. The part would have to be ordered and would not be ready to the following week. On July 7th I received a call from the SVC Mgr that the engine blew. I had to pull teeth to get the Mgr to pay for the engine of $8500 and yet he wants me to pay $1500.00. With having a car less than 21 days regardless if I went over the 3k miles and as -is, there was a 90 day warranty when everything should be covered. He has now rescinded because I reported this to BBB, Atty Gen office, NHTSA. This car was never inspected. I requested the On-star reports, Inspection reports for the last year and the Tech's findings and nothing has been provided except one. I requested several times the service report and the General Manager/owner is so upset, he submitted nothing.I have felt intimidation throughout this entire process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased this used car in the end of July 2025. Within the last month the service transmission light came on. Within a 24-hour period, the message changed to, "service transmission unable to shift Soon". Also alarm bells go off when I first start the car and sometimes during driving. The car feels like it drives correctly and smoothly with no shifting issues. Sometimes when that second message and check engine light icon being comes on, there seems to be a third message that is trying to pop up behind it but it does not. It seems like there is a glitch in the system. This was very concerning and scary for me. My research shows me that this has been a chronic problem for my make and model and year of car. I've also heard it can be even time to check and or change the transmission fluid. That needs to be a different message all together without causing alarm that the transmission itself is not functioning properly. I have not driven this for 10 days because many repair shops in dealerships are telling me not to risk it and of course want me to bring this in for a diagnosis. It is costly and hard to discern and trust who to go to for the correct information. The dealership should be responsible for a recall and replacing this sensor or modular so people do not have a cause for alarm if it is something as simple as needing to change the transmission fluid. There is also no dipstick on this vehicle so no local fluid fill station can check this. Many people have complained and are at a loss. I see there is a bulletin on this subject but no recall. Please take action and turn this situation into a recall once and for all to help. The little folks like me stay more safe and better informed about the health and longevity of our vehicles. Thank you for your time in reading this.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Check engine code p0128. driver assistance, air conditioning and steering affect.
While driving my vehicle, alert popped up on my dash stating "Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care" futhermore after that my Check Engine Light Turned on and my Engine Heater Stayed cold and would not warm up. Vehicle has been inspected by the Cadillac Dealer and they stated it is all due to the Sensor. However Sensor is on backorder and has taken them 3 week to get the part. They stated it is safe to drive even though all those alerts came up, since he said it appears to be stuck open, however they stated if it gets stuck in a closed state then the engine could overhead which would require having the vehicle towed in. They offer a "limited" warranty on this however since I just was past the warranty period they state you have to pay the full price. Warranty is for 85,000 miles and I am barely above it at 87675.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The thermostat has malfunctioned twice in 2 years. Driving vehicle and dash warning" STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE", also the temperature gauge was showing COLD and this was after driving for over 30 minutes. Contacted local dealer and was informed this is a KNOWN problem with the thermostat sticking open. My brakes are sticking often and my car often jumps hard when i put it in reverse.
Since 6/2022 and again 7/2022, 10/25/22 1/31/23 Constantly stating service error codes for stabiltrak, antilock brakes, and brake assist not functioning and need service urgently. However when I take it to the dealership they find nothing wrong and further investigated at another Cadillac dealership they also state they found nothing. These errors continue to pop up intermittently and my Cadillac app reports them as needing service.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had P0128 Code with a warning message " Steering assist is reduced, drive with care". My local mechanic told I need a new thermostat. I have replaced my thermostat and it cost me 700 dollars out of pocket.
Check engine code p0128. driver assistance, air conditioning and steering affect.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The straps on the seat loosen on their own when pulled, without pressing on the button to loosen them. This would be dangerous in the event of an accident because the straps could loosen and the child would not be secure. The car seat has always been installed in the car seat base (from the manufacturer). The car seat is available for inspection if needed. The car seat has not been inspected by a third party. I reached out to the company, Nuna, to let them know if the issue and they refused to inspect or replace the seat and the only solution they suggested was that I purchase a new seat.
The straps of the car seat loosen on their own, without holding down the button to loosen the harness. It’s unsafe to continue to use this seat as the straps will not stay tightened in the event of a car accident. The seat is available for inspection if needed. No the seat has not been inspected by any third party.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving down the freeway at approx. 65 miles per hour, I heard a very loud sound like an explosion, or a huge balloon exploding, and then heard crackling of glass. It was very scary and dangerous. I had to slow down immediately, and was able to get off the freeway. I pulled into a gas station, and tried to figure out where it came from. I realized that my sunroof was either hit with something or just simply exploded. There was a hole in the center, and the glass was cracked throughout the front sunroof. I could hear the glass pieces moving around on the sunroof shade that was thankfully closed. I bought duct tape and covered the hole and all of the cracks so I could drive it home. I took side streets and drove slowly home.
There is an open service bulletin on my car - 17128 Potential Loss of HVAC Control. This loss of control affects the defrost on the vehicle making it very dangerous to drive when it is raining out as it severally reduces visibility.
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
SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT AND CAR LOST ALL POWER. NO ABILITY TO TURN ON HAZARD LIGHTS OR CALL FOR HELP OR ANYTHING. IN MY OPINION THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE SINCE MY WIFE COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED SINCE THERE WERE NO LIGHTS AT ALL ON THE CAR AND NO WAY TO TURN ON ANY WARNING LIGHTS. THANK GOODNESS THIS HAPPENED WHEN STOPPED AND NOT MOVING. I COULD NOT IMAGINE THE OUTCOME OF LOSING POWER AT SPEED WHEN EVERYTHING IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED.
VEHICLE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, VEHICLE SUDDENLY DIES, GOES DEAD, UNCONTROLLABLE. VEHICLE WILL NOT RESPOND TO ENGINE START BUTTON. WILL NOT RESPOND TO ATTEMPTS TO RESTART, UNABLE TO BRAKE, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE UNCONTROLLABLE, ROLLING INTO CROSS TRAFFIC. ALL ELECTRONICS DO NOT RESPOND, UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS TO GET OUT. CAN NOT UNLOCK DOORS ALL ELECTRONICS FLASHING, DOOR LOCKS RAPIDLY CYCLING LOCKED ALL ELECTRONICS UNCONTROLLABLE. UNABLE TO ACTIVATE HAZZARD LIGHTS. ONSTAR SYSTEM DEAD, UNABLE TO CALL FOR HELP. AFTER APPROX. 30 MIN. VEHICLE SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING RESTARTS ON IT'S OWN AND BEGINS TO FUNCTION.
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
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle while accelerating or decelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. While having the tires replaced, the contact was informed that the rear toe links were loose. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer two years prior for a toe link replacement, but the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Since 6/2022 and again 7/2022, 10/25/22 1/31/23 Constantly stating service error codes for stabiltrak, antilock brakes, and brake assist not functioning and need service urgently. However when I take it to the dealership they find nothing wrong and further investigated at another Cadillac dealership they also state they found nothing. These errors continue to pop up intermittently and my Cadillac app reports them as needing service.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My passenger side, dashboard bowls up in the heat and doesn’t seat properly. My fear for safety is that if I’m in an accident that airbag will not come out due to the dash bubbling because of the defect.. It seems to be an only problem with the platinum editions of the Cadillac XT5’s. There’s no warning lamps and it has not been inspected.
9/17/25 I purchased 2017 Cadillac Xt5 platinum from a dealership. It came with a dash mat which was concealing cosmetic damage to vinyl around air bag on passenger side, and was unglued throughout entire dashboard. I didn't have a vehicle inspection before buying car, nothing reported on Carfax. And I asked dealership why they used Velcro and dashmat to conceal damage. No response.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC XT5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER BUMPS IN THE ROADWAY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING SOUND DETECTED FROM THE FRONT END. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING AND GROWLING NOISE DETECTED FROM THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS. THE DRIVER'S SEAT APPEARED TO HAVE A HOLE. THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN SEVERAL TIMES TO INTEGRITY CADILLAC (6025 INTERNATIONAL DR, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421, (423) 954-7632) AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SEAT AND STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500.
WHEN TAKING TURNS, EITHER LEFT FOR RIGHT, THE DRIVER SEAT MAKES CLICKING NOISES AND THERE IS A FEEL OF THE SEAT SHIFTING TO THE SIDE. THIS IS VERY PREVALENT WHEN GOING THRU ROUND ABOUTS. AT TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND DRIVER REACHING TO CLOSE DRIVER DOOR THE SAME PROBLEM IS APPARENT.
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
STABILIZE WARNING KEEPS COMING ON AND SAYS TO SET PARKING BREAK AS WELL. READING ABOUT THIS, IT IS A VERY COMMON WARNING THAT CAUSES THE STABILITY SENSORS TO FAIL AND INCREASE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH FOR SOMETHING THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFTEY FEATURE ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS CREATES AN UNNECESSARY SAFTEY HAZARD THAT CADILLAC WILL NOT ADMIT TO OR FIX. THIS SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN SITTING STILL AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN.
DIFFICULTY REFUELING THE VEHICLE AT THE GAS PUMP. GAS NOZZLE KEEPS SHUTTING OFF DURING THE REFUELING PROCESS, SO IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO REFILL THE GAS TANK. CADILLAC ISN'T QUITE SURE WHAT IS WRONG AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN A WEEK WAITING ON A PART. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 7,500 MILES ON IT. THIS IS MY FIRST CADILLAC AND PROBABLY MY LAST!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Body Issue- Left and Right Front Doors of Vehicle air popping and Grinding when opened. No Damage or Accidents have occurred to the Vehicle for this Function to have a Error.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC XT5. WHEN DRIVING IN THE SUN AT ANY SPEED, THE WINDSHIELD ACTED LIKE A MIRROR AND CAUSED EVERYTHING ON THE DASHBOARD TO REFLECT ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER'S VISION WAS OBSCURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250. ..UPDATED 11/21/16 *BF UPDATED 12/13/16.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 cadillac XT5 Platinum. Seatbelt CHIME does not activate if the seatbelt is off while driving. Dealer says it is working as it is supposed to in this model year.!!!! Please note that at the dealer we test drove for 3/4 of a mile, and the CHIME went off only after driving 4 blocks and making a right hand turn. It went off again seconds later and 1/2 mile later as we entered the parking lot, as we hit a bump into the parking lot, the chime went off again. My point is that the CHIME should go off at the beginning of the drive to remind the driver that the belt is off, not at the end of a 3/4 mile drive. Their answer is that they tested the seatbelt and no codes were detected. Since the CHIME did go off sometime during the drive, then there is no problem!!!! They CLAIM they tested another 2017 XT5 and it was the same!!! It worked for 8 years, but in the last 2 months, it started to fail with on the driver side. The passenger side later also started to fail, sometimes it will activate if no seatbelt was used, other times it did not. Today June 11, 2026 I tested the car and no chime was active. I also tested the rear seat and buckled & unbuckled while driving - NO CHIME. I tried bouncing up and down on rear seat, and the CHIME went off! So the CHIME works but the car is not sensing when the seatbelt is unbuckled. I have grand children that ride in the rear using a car seat, if one of the seatbelts was unbuckled while driving, the CHIME would warm me that they took the belt off. We drove the car for 5 miles home and bucked and unbuckled the and passenger and the driver side belts at different times, and the CHIME did not go off. The light in the front panel does flash when the seatbelt is unbuckled!. Prior to the belt CHIME giving us problems, the same week the seatbelt on driver side tighten so hard while driving, that my wife got scared & even was afraid it would break her clavicle! We could not reproduce, but reported to dealer.
i was involved in a front end collision with a car that pulled out in front of me without looking. I ended up T-boning the car at approx. 20-25 MPH. Both myself and my wife were wearing our seat belts. Mine held but the passenger one held only the lap belt part. The shoulder part of the SB allowed her face to go crashing into the dashboard. She ended up with abdominal injuries and head trauma. I took it to the dealer and they say the seat belt will need to be replaced as it is defective. (You think). I can pull on the shoulder strap rapidly and it will not 'catch'.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine made a grinding sound, and the vehicle accelerated while the foot was on the brake pedal. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact also had an incident where he accidentally ran into the garage, and the air bags did not deploy; however, the front passenger side of the vehicle was damaged. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The local dealer did not diagnose any failure; however, the vehicle was repaired. No injuries and medical reports were necessary. The contact stated the vehicle does not have an emergency brake. The dealer did not diagnose any failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 37000 MILES AND THE FACTORY INSTALLED TIRES ARE DOWN TO 2/32 OF TREAD. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED EVERY 5000 MILES
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 .