YearToAvoid

2021 Cadillac XT5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

0/100

#9 most-complained of 9 XT5 years

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 has a complaint index of 0, the lowest among all 9 model years covered, and ranks 9th of 9 (best). It has 16 complaints and 2 recalls, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.

Complaints
16
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
21
20 city / 24.5 hwy

Top 2021 Cadillac XT5 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other4 (25%)
  2. Electrical System3 (19%)
  3. Engine3 (19%)
  4. Steering3 (19%)
  5. Visibility & Wipers3 (19%)
  6. Brakes2 (13%)
  7. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (13%)
  8. Fuel System2 (13%)
  9. Lane Departure1 (6%)

What owners report

  • Power steering has suddenly shut down while driving, sometimes resolving overnight and later fixed with a software update.
  • The fuel pump control module has failed without warning, leaving the vehicle unable to be shifted into neutral for towing.
  • The rearview or back-over prevention camera has intermittently stopped working with no warning light.
  • Drivers report engine surge and unresponsive braking, where the vehicle pushes forward even under firm brake pressure.
  • Some owners describe a laggy throttle response with poor acceleration despite the vehicle's rated horsepower.
  • The infotainment touchscreen has gone black and stopped responding while driving, at a reported mileage of 113,240.
2021 Cadillac XT5 complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2021Feb 2023Mar 2024Jan 2025Mar 2025Oct 2025Jun 2026Aug 2026
23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Jul 2023 (3).

2021 Cadillac XT5 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V709000Sep 22, 2022Collision Avoidance & Cameras95,231 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.

    Risk: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.

  2. NHTSA 21V422000Jun 3, 2021Fuel System572 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.

    Risk: Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.

2021 Cadillac XT5 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
24.5 MPG
Combined
21 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,625
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
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.

2021 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
2019Caution6332021.5
2020Best1323522
2021Best016221
2022Good3810321
2023Good2515421

All Cadillac XT5 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Cadillac XT5 reliable?
Among the 9 model years with data, the 2021 XT5 has the lowest complaint index at 0 and is ranked 9th of 9, meaning it is the best year based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
Does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 XT5: one for fuel supply lines that may be improperly seated, and one for rearview camera coaxial cable connectors on vehicles with Surround Vision.
What is the top complaint area for the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
Electrical System is the top problem area, tied with Engine, Steering, and Visibility & Wipers at 3 complaints each (19% share) out of 16 total complaints.
What mileage do 2021 XT5 problems typically show up at?
Median mileage at failure varies by system: Electrical System issues appeared at 113,240 miles, Engine issues at 30,000 miles, and Visibility & Wipers issues at 41,000 miles.
How does the 2021 XT5 compare to other years?
The 2021 XT5 has a complaint index of 0, far below the 2017 (88), 2018 (75), and 2025 (100) model years, which are rated Avoid, making 2021 the strongest year in the lineup.

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.