2019 Cadillac XT5 Owner Complaints

The computer or electrical box to steer keeps shorting out and the vehicle us unable to turn.

NHTSA ID

11740143

Incident

May 18, 2026

Went to Genesis Cadillac for oil change and they recommended the replacement of both my rear toe links. As stated on their service bill Caused by loose rear toe links. GM has been selectively recalling certain makes, models and model years recalling toe link for replacement. Most recently March 10, 2026 Buick Regals 2012 and 2013. Seems GM is aware of rear toe link issues but doesnt want to have a mass recall. Selects vehicles that are low quantity still driven. Everyone else needs to pay for defective rear toe links Even my brothers 2020 XT5 was recommended to replace rear toe links on his vehicle when he went for an oil change.

NHTSA ID

11723846

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while leaving the driveway, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact thought that the catalytic converter had been stolen. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the catalytic converter was severed at the connection point and cracked, and removed. The contact stated that coils were damaged, and the thermostat housing was cracked. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was contacted, who determined that the catalytic converter had been replaced, but the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11709970

Incident

Jan 8, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

We got the message that our steering may be impacted and then our temperature gauge wasn’t working nor the stop/start feature. Trip to service dealer resulted in a $1,186.14 repair for the replacement of the thermostat. This car only has 37,269 miles. We were told by service tech this is a common issue in GM models and this year of car. This was a financial hardship on us and our well maintained, and rarely used, vehicle. How can GM know this is an issue and not offer remedy thru a recall?

NHTSA ID

11709474

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a parking lot. The contact then shifted the transmission into drive (D), and the engine revved loudly. The contact slightly depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The steering wheel inadvertently veered to the left. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle then drove on top of another vehicle that was parked in front. The contact stated that he was unable to control the vehicle until after the crash. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was unharmed, but his wife's hand was injured in the crash. Medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site, but it sustained damage, and the front driver’s side door was jammed. The vehicle was taken to a body shop. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11682097

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

Mileage

45,000 mi

Steering assist disengaged, low power mode, no temperature read and check engine light. All occurred at 61k miles.

NHTSA ID

11649851

Incident

Mar 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to a stop and park on the side of the highway. The contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,800.

NHTSA ID

11646345

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

Mileage

95,800 mi

The passenger interior side door at the bottom towards the back near the backseat, beginning driver seat caught fire. A small tiny hole began melting, and there was flames coming out of it. Within minutes. My entire car was engulfed in flames when the fire department came they said it seemed like it was fuses that began the Fire. I bought this car used from Carmax literally only two weeks ago and had only driven it. maybe 100 miles it’s a 2020. I don’t understand how this happened and I’m concerned about other Cadillacs of this model having the same issue.

NHTSA ID

11645897

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 20 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. A message "Steering Power Reduced" was displayed before the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that one day prior to the failure, the low power steering fluid warning light was illuminated, and the brake fluid was refilled. The contact stated after picking their children from school, the failure occurred. The contact who is an independent mechanic, was able to replicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local Auto Zone where the brake fluid was refilled only days after the brake fluid had been refilled. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle remained at the dealer for further investigation. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,300.

NHTSA ID

11629101

Incident

Dec 3, 2024

Mileage

27,300 mi

The contact's wife owned a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while the wife was driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would vibrate upon depression without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact then stated that while his wife was driving at 55 MPH, the brakes failed to operate upon depression without warning. The contact wife stated that a loud, grinding sound emitted from the vehicle during the failure. To avoid crashing into another vehicle, the contact's wife intentionally drove into the highway's side guardrail. After the vehicle hit the guardrail, the vehicle spun into oncoming traffic before coasting into a ditch by the highway median. The air bags deployed upon impact as the front driver-side tire detached from the vehicle; the rear driver-side tire was left dangling off the vehicle. The contact's wife was taken to the hospital via an ambulance where she was kept overnight for observation. Several test were performed but no major injuries were discovered, the contact's wife was treated for soreness around the chest and a scratch to the left shoulder. A police report was filed. The guardrail was damaged as a result of the accident. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The vehicle was deemed a total loss as a result of the accident. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ID

11617965

Incident

Sep 11, 2024

Mileage

64,000 mi

I keep getting a warning to service the Safety Restraint System. I have taken my car in several times to be fixed and have paid a lot of money and it is still not fixed. The dealership says they fixed it but then it happens again. This has been going on for about 3-4 months now. At this point I do not know what else to do. I feel this is a safety concern because I cannot drive down the road without the alerts going off in the car.

NHTSA ID

11587791

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

Georgia

NHTSA ID

11571297

Incident

Jan 11, 2024

Was driving the other day and the message steering assist reduced, AC fan was blowing but no A/C then engine light came on. Made appointment next day with my Cadillac local dealer and service writer said he knew what the problem was. After he plugged into my car, then into his computer it read - bad thermostat. Fortunately, mine was covered under the powertrain warranty, however, he said there were 4 other vehicles just like mine (XT5) in there for the same issue. This is a well known issue with Cadillac and for those of us who have a warranty that's good. Otherwise, it is $1,200 to fix!!! Ouch!! Not sure why Cadillac hasn't issued a recall on this problem and very disappointed in them for not doing so.

NHTSA ID

11564253

Incident

Jan 5, 2024

Message Displayed on 2019 Cadillac XT-5 "Steering Assist is Reduced - Drive With Care". No check engine light, and no apparent loss of steering. Noted that Temperature Gauge and Air Conditioning ceased to work. Suspiciously, a 2017 Cadillac XT-5 that I also own, the identical displayed message came on, with identical same mechanical issue, and just learned that an acquaintance with a newer Chevy Blazer just experienced the identical issue also. All vehicles are equipped with OnStar. Coincidence, OR any possibility that GM or OnStar computers have been hacked into, as OnStar has ability to control various functions of vehicles. To correct the issue (possibly only temporary) was to remove the negative battery cable for a short time, and reattach.

NHTSA ID

11562723

Incident

Dec 29, 2023

While traveling home to Louisiana from a vacation, I noticed the engine temperature what stuck on Cold. We also were experiencing loss of power steering, and loss of AC in the car. We stopped at AutoZone in Destin, FL where they completed their FixFinder which reported the thermostat needed to be replaced, being it was stuck in the open position and wasn't properly gauging the engine temperature. Some of the engine fluids were extremely low due to overcompensation because of the thermometer issue. Seeing as we were traveling and not near our local mechanic or dealership, we called around to various auto shops to see who could fit us in same day. The only available shop, without having to spend an additional night in FL, was Pep Boys in Fort Walton, FL. They also let us know they did not have the thermostat compatible with my engine in stock, so that would need to be purchased at AutoZone if we wanted the car fixed same day; which is what I did. While we were at Pep Boys, there was another Cadillac xt5 there for repairs to their AC. It turned out, they were having the exact same issue I was having, but it hadn't escalated to the power steering yet. The mechanic googled the two issues and found there are known issues with the engine thermostat in this make/model, but there has never been a recall issued for it. Now Cadillac is refusing to reimburse me for the repairs because I was still within my Powertrain warranty (under 73k miles) but because we were in a hurry to get home from vacation to get back to work, we did not take the car to a GMC dealership, so the Powertrain warranty is apparently useless here. My extended warranty is also useless because the Powertrain warranty is still in effect.

NHTSA ID

11551573

Incident

Oct 11, 2023

My vehicle is receiving a notice "Steer Assist is Reduced Drive with Care". Per discussion with the dealership this is a result of a thermostat issue causing an issue with the grease temperature in the steering. Based on a bulletin to the dealerships from 2017 this is a known issue and continues to be a known issue for multiple GM vehicles. GM can not supply new thermostats to dealerships and they are just resetting the warning. Steering is a critical issue and GM is aware of an issue and is not recalling or repairing timely.

NHTSA ID

11524476

Incident

Apr 10, 2023

Per the owners manual, the vehicle is supposed to be equipped with four reinforced jacking points for the vehicle supplied jack. The two front reinforced points were never installed. Besides, there being no way to jack up the vehicle, it some one unknowingly attempt to jack up the car, it could fall off the jack and injure or kill someone. I went to the dealer, and upon inspection they agreed that the points were missing. I contacted GM, but after one call, no one responded back to me.

NHTSA ID

11516855

Incident

Apr 10, 2023

Service stability track light came on. Brought to Mechanic hooked up to computer. No code shown. Mechanic says car is fine. Keep it off for 15 minutes and the computer will reset. Driving on the highway Emergency brake came on by itself and stopped the vehicle all caution lights lit up on on the dashboard. Service engine light came on brought it back to the mechanic again no codes shown drove it for three days has been running fine and on the fourth day vehicle will not start.

NHTSA ID

11501784

Incident

Jan 14, 2023

Tech pulled seat cover and found the seat heater had gotten too hot and cooked the heater element, cushion, and seat cover.

NHTSA ID

11501016

Incident

Jan 10, 2023

2019 CADILLAC XT 5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO STOP/START FEATURE ON VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE AN OFF OPTION FOR THE STOP/START FEATURE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE VEHICLE HAVE THE SOFTWARE UPDATED TO INCLUDE SUCH A FEATURE.

NHTSA ID

11476113

Incident

Jul 27, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the Forward Collision-Avoidance System malfunctioned, which resulted in the contact having to manually brake to avoid an accident. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11452124

Incident

Feb 7, 2022

Mileage

35,000 mi

I was driving 70 MPH near Chattanooga, TN when I heard an explosion. The front panel(of 2) of my sunroof completely shattered. There were no cars within 1000 feet. There was no overpass I was driving under. Though I can't say for sure I am 99.9% sure that there was no object that created this, rather the glass in the sunroof is defective. I have not had vehicle inspected. The manufacturer is not taking responsibility. There were no warning signs. Glass shattered all over me and my car. There were no injuries other than a cut finger. Thankfully no other passengers were in the car.

NHTSA ID

11443433

Incident

Dec 9, 2021

MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK AT APPROX 35 MPH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE STRIKING VEHICLE DID NOT APPLY THE BRAKES SO THE FULL FORCE OF THE VEHICLE HIT. THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, LEAVING ME WITH A CONCUSSION AS MY HEAD STRUCK THE DRIVER'S DOOR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A GREEN LIGHT ON A CITY STREET. THE STRIKING VEHICLE RAN THE OPPOSING LIGHT, CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID

11402680

Incident

Mar 6, 2021

Mileage

12,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS SHOWN THE SERVICE STABILITRAK, TCS OFF, AND TRANSMISSION UNABLE TO SHIFT SOON WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES; AND AFTER CERTAIN TIMES THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT AND I AM NOT ABLE TO GO PAST 50-60 MPH.

NHTSA ID

11355726

Incident

Jul 20, 2020

Mileage

7,040 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 CADILLAC XT5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A LOUD NOISE SUDDENLY OCCURRED. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT SECTION OF THE GLASS SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RITCHEY CADILLAC(932 N. NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.*PM* CONSUMER STATED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE LOSS.*JB

NHTSA ID

11282617

Incident

Nov 23, 2019

Mileage

9,500 mi