Cadillac XT5 problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The biggest XT5 recall is 22V-709: on 2020–2021 models with Surround Vision the rearview camera can fail. 2022–2023 models have a transmission sun gear recall that can disengage a half-shaft, and 2020 models have tire and fuel pump recalls. The 2017 launch year had a front brake caliper leak recall.

CarWhere lists 11 documented XT5 issues, including 11 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

XT5 generations at a glance

Cadillac XT5 generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
First generation2017–presentRearview camera may fail with Surround Vision (recall 22V-709) · Transmission built with incorrect sun gear (recalls 23V-172 and 23V-043) · Overcured Continental tires (recalls 21V-115 and 20V-684) · Fuel pump nozzle burr can cause stalling (recall 20V-639) · Roof-rail air bag inflator crimp (recall 20V-446) · Left-rear toe link may loosen (recall 22V-427) · Fuel supply lines may be improperly seated (recall 21V-422) · Windshield may lack urethane sealant (recall 23V-681) · Driver's front air bag cushion may tear (recall 24V-311) · Instrument panel indicators may not light (recall 24V-459) · Front brake calipers may leak fluid (recall 16V-802)

First generation XT5 problems (2017–present)

Rearview camera may fail with Surround Vision (recall 22V-709) (2020–2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2020–2021
Years:
2020–2021
Powertrain:
All

Recall 22V-709 covers about 95,231 2020–2021 XT5, XT6 and GMC Acadia models with the optional Surround Vision feature whose rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, so the camera fails or works intermittently. Dealers replace the cables.

Symptoms

  • Intermittent or missing rear camera image

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 22V709 (2022-09) · 95,231 vehicles

Sources: [1][2]

Transmission built with incorrect sun gear (recalls 23V-172 and 23V-043) (2022–2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2022–2023
Years:
2022–2023
Powertrain:
9-speed automatic

Recall 23V-172 covers 2022–2023 XT5 models among about 8,744 GM crossovers whose transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, letting the driver-side half-shaft disengage. That can cause a loss of drive power or a rollaway in Park. Dealers replace the sun gears. A separate 10-vehicle recall, 23V-043, covered 2023 XT5 and Acadia models whose right-front half-shaft may not be properly connected.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive
  • Vehicle moving after being placed in Park

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order
  • Use the parking brake every time until the repair is done

NHTSA recall: 23V172 (2023-03) · 8,744 vehicles

Sources: [3][4][2]

Overcured Continental tires (recalls 21V-115 and 20V-684) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2020
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All

Two recalls cover 2020 XT5 models fitted with Continental tires that were cured too long in production: 20V-684 (about 7,516 vehicles) and 21V-115 (about 33,838 vehicles and aftermarket tires). The tires can develop a sidewall break or belt-edge separation. Dealers inspect and replace affected tires.

Symptoms

  • Sidewall bulge or cracking
  • Tread separation or sudden air loss

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order
  • Check the tire DOT codes if the original tires are still fitted

NHTSA recall: 21V115 (2021-02) · 33,838 vehicles

Sources: [5][6][2]

Fuel pump nozzle burr can cause stalling (recall 20V-639) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2020
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
Gas engines

GM recalled about 2,781 2020 XT5, XT6, Enclave, Traverse and Acadia models because the fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr from manufacturing that blocks the nozzle and starves the engine of fuel. The engine can stall without warning. Dealers replace the fuel pump module.

Symptoms

  • Engine stall or hesitation
  • Hard starting at low fuel levels

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 20V639 (2020-10) · 2,781 vehicles

Sources: [7][2]

Roof-rail air bag inflator crimp (recall 20V-446) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2020
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All

Recall 20V-446 covers 769 2020 GM vehicles, XT5 and XT6 among them, whose roof-rail air bag inflator diffuser may not have been properly crimped and could separate during deployment. Dealers replace the affected air bag modules.

Symptoms

  • No visible symptom

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 20V446 (2020-07) · 769 vehicles

Sources: [8][2]

Left-rear toe link may loosen (recall 22V-427) (2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2022
Years:
2022
Powertrain:
All

GM recalled 736 2022 XT5, XT6 and Acadia models because the left-rear suspension toe link may have been tightened improperly and could loosen or separate, which can cause a loss of control. Dealers inspect the rear suspension and replace the fastener if loose or missing.

Symptoms

  • Clunk from the left rear
  • Wandering or unusual rear-end steering feel

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 22V427 (2022-06) · 736 vehicles

Sources: [9][2]

Fuel supply lines may be improperly seated (recall 21V-422) (2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2021
Years:
2021
Powertrain:
Gas engines

Recall 21V-422 covers 572 2021 XT5, XT6 and Acadia models whose fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated, allowing a fuel leak and a fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace the lines as needed. A related 2022 recall, 22V-446, covers AWD models whose fuel tank rollover valve may not seal.

Symptoms

  • Fuel smell
  • Fuel drips under the vehicle

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 21V422 (2021-06) · 572 vehicles

Sources: [10][11][2]

Windshield may lack urethane sealant (recall 23V-681) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2024
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All

GM recalled 42 vehicles, 2024 XT5 and XT6 and 2023 Acadia models, whose windshield may have been installed without the urethane sealant that bonds it to the body, so it could detach in a crash. Dealers apply primer and sealant or replace the windshield.

Symptoms

  • Wind noise or water leaks at the windshield edge

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 23V681 (2023-10) · 42 vehicles

Sources: [12][2]

Driver's front air bag cushion may tear (recall 24V-311) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2024
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All

Recall 24V-311 covers 74 2024 XT5 models whose driver's front air bag cushion may tear during deployment and not protect as intended. Dealers replace the driver air bag module.

Symptoms

  • No visible symptom

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 24V311 (2024-05) · 74 vehicles

Sources: [13][2]

Instrument panel indicators may not light (recall 24V-459) (2023–2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2023–2025
Years:
2023–2025
Powertrain:
All

Recall 24V-459 covers about 6,942 2023–2025 XT5 and 2024–2025 XT6 models whose instrument panel may not illuminate the indicators for the hazard lights, high beams or turn signals, which fails FMVSS 101 and 108. Dealers update the instrument panel software.

Symptoms

  • No cluster indicator when hazards, high beams or turn signals are on

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 24V459 (2024-06) · 6,942 vehicles

Sources: [14][2]

Front brake calipers may leak fluid (recall 16V-802) (2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2017–present) – 2017
Years:
2017
Powertrain:
All

GM recalled 1,844 2017 XT5 models built April 16 to May 9, 2016 (and some 2017 Acadias) because the front brake caliper piston seal may be torn or misaligned and leak brake fluid, reducing braking. Dealers inspect and replace calipers as needed.

Symptoms

  • Low brake fluid warning
  • Soft brake pedal
  • Fluid on the inside of a front wheel

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 16V802 (2016-11) · 1,844 vehicles

Sources: [15][2]

Related XT5 research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a XT5 was ordered before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Cadillac XT5 VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.

Cadillac build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Cadillac XT5 problems?

The most widespread documented XT5 issues are recalls: the Surround Vision rear camera on 2020–2021 models (22V-709), a transmission sun gear on 2022–2023 models (23V-172) and Continental tire and fuel pump recalls on 2020 models.

Which XT5 year has the most recalls?

In NHTSA's recall dataset, the 2020 model year appears in the most XT5 campaigns, including the rear camera, both tire recalls, the fuel pump and the roof-rail air bag.

Is there an XT5 transmission recall?

Yes. Recall 23V-172 covers 2022–2023 XT5 models whose transmission may have an incorrect sun gear; dealers replace the sun gears. A 10-vehicle recall, 23V-043, covered a half-shaft connection on 2023 models.

Does the 2017 XT5 have recalls?

Recall 16V-802 covered 1,844 early-build 2017 XT5 models for front brake calipers that may leak fluid.

How do I check an XT5 for open recalls?

Enter the VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Cadillac dealer, and request repair orders for any completed recalls.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 22V-709: Rearview Camera May Fail — NHTSA
  2. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: XT5 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA
  3. NHTSA recall 23V-172: Transmission Built with Incorrect Sun Gear — NHTSA
  4. NHTSA recall 23V-043: Half-Shaft May Separate from Transmission — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recall 21V-115: Tire Failure may Cause Sudden Air Loss — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recall 20V-684: Tires may have been Overcured — NHTSA
  7. NHTSA recall 20V-639: Insufficient Fuel Supply may Cause Engine Stall — NHTSA
  8. NHTSA recall 20V-446: Roof Rail Air Bag May Not Deploy — NHTSA
  9. NHTSA recall 22V-427: Rear Suspension Toe Link May Separate — NHTSA
  10. NHTSA recall 21V-422: Fuel Supply Lines Improperly Installed — NHTSA
  11. NHTSA recall 22V-446: Fuel Tank Rollover Valve May Not Properly Seal — NHTSA
  12. NHTSA recall 23V-681: Windshield Not Sealed Properly — NHTSA
  13. NHTSA recall 24V-311: Driver's Front Air Bag May Tear — NHTSA
  14. NHTSA recall 24V-459: Instrument Panel May Fail to Illuminate/FMVSS 101 — NHTSA
  15. NHTSA recall 16V-802: Front Brake Calipers may Leak Brake Fluid — NHTSA

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