The Cadillac XT5 Years To Avoid
We've rounded up three Cadillac XT5 years to avoid. See which ones so you can make a smart preowned decision.
The Cadillac XT5 isn’t exactly a standout in the luxury SUV market, although it offers an appealing mix of size and value. Straddling the line between compact and midsize segments, it presents an enticing choice for those seeking a “just right” solution.
While the XT5 has its strong points, prospective buyers should approach its model years with caution. As Cadillac pivots towards an all-electric future, the XT5’s story takes an unexpected turn, with 2024 possibly marking its final appearance in the U.S. market.
As a savvy buyer, this change makes it crucial for you to identify the Cadillac XT5 years to avoid. Today, we’ll explore which model years of the Cadillac XT5 you should consider avoiding when buying a used unit.
Which Cadillac XT5 Years to Avoid?
The Cadillac XT5 has soldiered on for eight years without a major overhaul, an eternity in the fast-paced world of compact luxury SUVs. While it’s tempting to blame Father Time for the XT5’s shortcomings, the truth is more complex. Many of its weak points have been constant concerns since its debut, suggesting that even in its early years, the XT5 struggled to keep pace with its rivals.
As you consider this Cadillac, it’s worth noting that some of its challenges are less about aging gracefully and more about fundamental design choices that have persisted throughout its lifespan. With that said, we highly recommend avoiding the following XT5 years due to reliability issues and complaints:
- 2017 Cadillac XT5
- 2018 Cadillac XT5
- 2019 Cadillac XT5
2017 Cadillac XT5
If you’re looking for the worst Cadillac XT5 years to avoid, look no further than the debut 2017 model. This model year struggled with various reliability woes according to numerous owner complaints, including:
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE CADILLAC XT5
We’ve rounded up the most reliable Cadillac XT5 year models, along with those that are best avoided in the used car market.
Electrical gremlins
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 seems to be plagued by a range of alarming electrical problems that go beyond mere inconvenience. Owners report sudden and complete power loss while driving, turning these luxury SUVs into uncontrollable, unpredictable hazards on the road. Imagine your vehicle dying mid-highway, with no ability to restart, brake effectively, or even activate hazard lights.
Moreover, key fobs mysteriously fail, leaving drivers locked out or trapped inside. The CUE infotainment system goes haywire, disabling crucial features like navigation and backup cameras. Perhaps most concerning is the apparent inability of dealerships to diagnose or permanently fix these issues, leaving XT5 owners in a constant state of anxiety about when their vehicle might next decide to go rogue.
Engine issues
The 2017 Cadillac XT5’s engine troubles go far beyond minor hiccups. Owners report terrifying incidents of sudden power loss on highways, with vehicles dramatically slowing without warning. Mysterious oil consumption plagued some models, with engines guzzling up to half a quart every 1,000 miles.
The auto stop-start feature, meant to save fuel, becomes a liability on hills, causing dangerous lurches into intersections. Some drivers describe alarming roaring noises followed by abrupt, unintended deceleration. In extreme cases, the XT5 has completely frozen mid-drive, refusing to move even when the accelerator is pressed.
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Brake problems
Multiple reports describe brake pedals suddenly losing resistance and sinking to the floor, severely compromising stopping power.
In some cases, this occurred at low mileage, catching drivers off guard. A common culprit seems to be a faulty master cylinder leaking into the brake booster. Other problems include persistent squealing noises, unexpected brake lockups, and malfunctioning parking brakes. Some owners also noted that advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking failed to activate when needed. While not universal, these brake problems appear frequently enough in owner reports to warrant attention.
2018 Cadillac XT5
The 2018 model year isn’t as problematic as the XT5’s debut, but it’s still one you’d rather avoid due to various mechanical and electrical issues.
Engine woes
Like last year, the 2018 Cadillac XT5 faced its share of engine-related challenges. Owners reported unexpected power loss, with vehicles shutting down completely while driving – a particularly alarming issue on freeways. Some drivers experienced repeated stalling at various speeds, accompanied by a light show on their dashboards. In extreme cases, reports of XT5s catching fire without warning led to total losses.
Engine control software issues prompted a recall, though communication about this seems inconsistent. Other problems included unusual oil consumption patterns and persistent fuel system warnings that proved difficult to resolve. These major engine issues point to potential reliability concerns for some 2018 XT5 owners, especially as the mileage racks up.
THE 2025 CADILLAC XT5: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
It’s been around since 2016 and has proven popular, leading to the release of the 2025 Cadillac XT5. What is there to know about this significant upcoming model year?
Electrical system faults
The 2018 Cadillac XT5 experienced several electrical issues that concerned owners. Drivers reported unexpected vehicle shutdowns, sometimes occurring at highway speeds. Dashboard warnings would activate erratically, with multiple systems malfunctioning at once. Some owners noted inconsistent performance of driver assistance features and unreliable backup camera guide lines.
Furthermore, instances of sudden power loss followed by abrupt deceleration were particularly worrying. These electrical problems ranged from minor annoyances, like sporadic sensor alerts, to serious concerns affecting driveability. While not affecting all vehicles, these electrical quirks highlight potential reliability concerns for the 2018 XT5, especially as they age.
2019 Cadillac XT5
Last but not least, the 2019 is another one of the Cadillac XT5 years to avoid due to various known issues. However, it’s worth pointing out that it received less complaints than the last two model years.
Engine-related problems
Though less common than in earlier models, the 2019 Cadillac XT5 wasn’t immune to engine troubles. Faulty thermostats emerged as a recurring issue, leading to problems, including steering assist reduction and AC failure. Some drivers encountered unexpected power loss or transmission hiccups. In a rare but alarming incident, one XT5 even caught fire. While these issues weren’t widespread, they hint at potential weak spots in the powertrain. For 2019 XT5 owners, staying alert to unusual performance changes could help catch problems early.
Service brake issues
The 2019 Cadillac XT5 faced some brake-related quirks, though not as severe as engine issues. A notable complaint was excessive brake squeal, particularly when backing up after the vehicle had been idle. Some owners reported this noise disappearing after multiple brake applications. In a more serious case, one driver experienced an unexpected emergency brake activation while on the highway. Interestingly, these problems often didn’t trigger diagnostic codes.
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