YearToAvoid

2021 Cadillac XT6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

0/100

#6 most-complained of 6 XT6 years

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 ranks 6th of 6 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 0 and 18 NHTSA complaints. It carries 2 recalls but no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported, making it the Best year among XT6 model years.

Complaints
18
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
22
20 city / 26 hwy

Top 2021 Cadillac XT6 problems

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

  1. Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (33%)
  2. Electrical System4 (22%)
  3. Engine4 (22%)
  4. Fuel System4 (22%)
  5. Other3 (17%)
  6. Brakes1 (6%)
  7. Steering1 (6%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)

What owners report

  • Rearview and surround-vision cameras fail to display nearby vehicles or show a blocked-camera message while backing up, sometimes tied to a recall for crimped coaxial cable connectors.
  • Front brakes vibrate and produce a grinding or screeching noise every time the brakes are applied, with dealers reportedly unable to offer a fix.
  • The fuel pump control module fails, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop while driving or making it hard to restart after sitting.
  • Owners describe a delayed engine turnover or the engine cranking and then cutting out shortly after starting, sometimes preventing restart entirely.
  • A dash message reads 'Steering Assist Reduced' along with a missing engine temperature readout and a coolant fan that keeps running after shutoff.
  • Even after the camera recall repair, some owners report the video processing module fails again and needs full replacement.
2021 Cadillac XT6 complaints: complaints filed per month3Jun 2021Jun 2023Dec 2023Apr 2025Dec 2025Mar 2026
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2021 to Jul 2026; peak Sep 2024 (3).

2021 Cadillac XT6 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 XT6 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
26 MPG
Combined
22 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,275
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 XT6 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2020Avoid10036420
2021Best018222
2022Caution6015322
2023Best2013222

All Cadillac XT6 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Cadillac XT6 a good year to buy?
Yes, relative to other XT6 years. It has a complaint index of 0, ranks 6th (best) out of 6 model years, and NHTSA lists no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths for this year.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Cadillac XT6?
NHTSA data shows Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues lead with 6 complaints (33% share), followed by Electrical System, Engine, and Fuel System complaints, each with 4 complaints (22% share).
Does the 2021 Cadillac XT6 have any recalls?
Yes, it has 2 recalls: one for coaxial camera cable connectors (campaign 22V709000) and one for improperly attached fuel supply lines (campaign 21V422000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
At what mileage do 2021 XT6 problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 31,500 miles. Collision Avoidance & Camera complaints have a median mileage of 30,000, and Engine complaints a median of 37,000.
How does the 2021 XT6 compare to the 2020 model?
The 2020 XT6 is rated Avoid with a complaint index of 100 and 36 complaints, while the 2021 model is rated Best with a complaint index of 0 and only 18 complaints.

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.