YearToAvoid

2017 Cadillac XT5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2017 Cadillac XT5 ranks 2nd worst of 9 model years with a Complaint Index of 88 and 124 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems lead at 25% of complaints, followed by transmission and electrical issues, plus one brake recall.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
88/100
#2 of 9 XT5 years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
124
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
6
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2021
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
21.5
18.5 city / 26.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Top 2017 Cadillac XT5 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine31 (25%)
  2. Other28 (23%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain26 (21%)
  4. Electrical System24 (19%)
  5. Brakes18 (15%)
  6. Steering15 (12%)
  7. Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (10%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers6 (5%)
  9. Structure & Body5 (4%)
  10. Airbags4 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Brakes have reportedly failed to slow or stop the vehicle, with the pedal going to the floor even after pumping it several times.
  • Some owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating or shutting off while driving at low speed, sometimes requiring multiple restarts.
  • The parking brake has activated on its own during highway driving, triggering check engine, stabilitrack, and brake assist warning lights.
  • The low-speed automatic front braking feature reportedly failed to engage despite dealer visits to diagnose it.
  • Owners report the windshield reflecting dashboard lights into the driver's view in sunlight, obscuring visibility.
  • Electrical glitches have been reported, including garage remote buttons not working and lane-assist seat vibration failing.
2017 Cadillac XT5 complaints: complaints filed per quarter92016 Q22017 Q42019 Q12020 Q42022 Q12023 Q32024 Q42026 Q1
124 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2017 Q3 (9).

2017 Cadillac XT5 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V802000Nov 4, 2016Brakes1,844 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cadillac XT5 vehicles manufactured April 16, 2016, to May 9, 2016, and 2017 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 19, 2016, to April 22, 2016. The front brake calipers may have a torn or misaligned caliper piston seal which may allow brake fluid to leak.

    Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake calipers, replacing the brake caliper assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 16096.

2017 Cadillac XT5 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18.5 MPG
Highway
26.5 MPG
Combined
21.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,025
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other XT5 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201720182019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Avoid88124121.5
2018Avoid7566021.5
2019Caution6332021.5

All Cadillac XT5 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Cadillac XT5 reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2017 XT5 has a Complaint Index of 88, the second-worst of 9 model years, with 124 complaints and a verdict of Avoid. Engine, transmission, and electrical issues make up the bulk of reports.
What is the top problem area for the 2017 Cadillac XT5?
Engine complaints lead at 25% of all reports (31 complaints), with a median failure mileage of 13,000. Transmission and powertrain issues follow at 21%.
Does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 16V802000) covering front brake caliper assemblies on certain 2017 XT5 vehicles built between April and May 2016.
How does the 2017 XT5 compare to other model years?
The 2017 XT5 has a Complaint Index of 88, worse than 2018 (75), 2019 (63), and later years like 2020 (25) and 2021 (0), which are rated Good and Best respectively.
What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Cadillac XT5?
EPA rates the 2017 XT5 at 21.5 mpg combined (18.5 city / 26.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,025.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.