The Cadillac XT6 Years To Avoid
We've rounded up two Cadillac XT6 years to avoid. See which years (and why you should steer clear based on common issues).
Introduced in 2020, the Cadillac XT6 entered the luxury SUV market as a three-row option below the Escalade. It offers spacious first and second rows, crisp exterior styling, and numerous standard features. However, the XT6 faces challenges in a competitive field and is not exactly class-leading.
Its interior quality doesn’t quite match luxury expectations, and both engine options - a V6 and a turbo-four - may leave some wanting more power. The third row, while present, is snug for adults.
As we examine the Cadillac XT6 years to avoid, we’ll highlight which model years may not be worth the used car prices. We’ll round up the most problematic XT6 years with the most number of complaints and known issues. Let’s take a look.
Which Cadillac XT6 Years To Avoid?
As you consider a Cadillac XT6, keep in mind that it’s a relatively new model with limited long-term reliability data. However, if you’re eyeing a used XT6, you should know that some early years have shown concerning issues. While not every XT6 experiences problems, it won’t hurt to approach certain model years with extra caution.
With that said, below are the XT6 years to avoid:
2020 Cadillac XT6
Debut years can be tricky for any new model, and the 2020 Cadillac XT6 is no exception. Here at CoPilot, we often suggest a cautious approach to first-year productions–and that rings true for the 2020 XT6. Here are the most common issues and complaints about this model year.
THE 2025 CADILLAC XT6: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
Before rushing into an investment in any vehicle like the 2025 Cadillac XT6, it’s vital to know what you’re spending your money on.
Electrical System Issues
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 faced several electrical system issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Owners reported problems with the backup camera failing intermittently, displaying a red triangle and camera icon with a slash through it.
Some experienced issues with the fuel gauge not showing accurate levels, while others encountered malfunctions with the HD surround vision camera recorder. These electrical quirks often proved challenging for dealerships to diagnose and repair, leaving owners frustrated.
In some cases, the problems persisted even after multiple repair attempts, suggesting underlying complexities in the vehicle’s electrical system.
Transmission Problems
While not widespread, transmission concerns are worth noting for those considering a 2020 XT6. Some owners reported that the transmission wouldn’t shift to second gear until reaching around 5500 RPM, causing jerky acceleration.
In other instances, the vehicle failed to downshift when accelerating uphill, leading to potentially dangerous situations. These issues were often difficult to replicate for service technicians, making diagnosis and repairs challenging.
Recalls
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was subject to several NHTSA recalls:
- Rearview Camera Failure: Improperly crimped coaxial cable connectors could cause the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
- Start/Stop Accumulator Issues: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could lead to transmission oil leaks and potential loss of propulsion.
- Fuel Supply Problems: A manufacturing defect in the fuel pump could cause insufficient fuel supply to the engine, potentially resulting in stalling.
- Roof Rail Air Bag Deployment: The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag inflator might separate during deployment, potentially reducing its effectiveness in a crash.
Considering these problems, you might want to think twice about the 2020 Cadillac XT6 when shopping for a used model. Its electrical system quirks, transmission hiccups, and multiple recalls reveal a first-year model struggling with early issues. When evaluating Cadillac XT6 years to avoid, the 2020 model certainly warrants caution.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP
The CoPilot car shopping app is the smartest way to buy a car. Get a curated list of the best cars for sale in your area, as well as notifications if a similar vehicle is listed nearby at a lower price. CoPilot is the smartest way to shop for used cars.
2021 Cadillac XT6
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 received fewer complaints than the 2020 model year, but it’s still considered one of the Cadillac XT6 years to avoid. Let’s look at some of the issues reported:
Electrical Gremlins
Some 2021 XT6 owners experienced various electrical problems. These included unexpected beeping sounds every morning, lane departure systems failing to work properly, lift gate touch-to-open switch failures, and issues with the passenger side blind spot detection. While these reports are relatively rare, they’re still concerning for potential buyers. Such electrical quirks can be frustrating and potentially impact the vehicle’s safety features.
Faulty Fuel System
A more serious issue reported in the 2021 XT6 involves the fuel system. Some owners experienced sudden engine shutoffs while driving, linked to a faulty fuel pump control module. In one case, the problem occurred twice, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly in traffic. This issue is particularly worrying as it can lead to dangerous situations on the road. The fact that it’s a recurring problem for some owners suggests a potential design flaw that needs addressing.
THE CADILLAC XT5 YEARS TO AVOID
As a savvy buyer, this change makes it crucial for you to identify the Cadillac XT5 years to avoid.
Back Over Prevention Issues
Several owners reported problems with the backup camera and parking assist features. In one instance, the parking assist system displayed a “blocked” message, potentially compromising safety when reversing. Another report mentioned the rear-view camera showing the owner’s vehicle instead of the surroundings. These issues directly affect the car’s safety features designed to prevent accidents when backing up.
Which is the Best Year of the Cadillac XT6?
That rounds up the worst XT6 models to steer clear of, but what about the years that you can reliably buy as used? The 2022 XT6 might just be your best bet (for now).
2022 Cadillac XT6
So far, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 has shown improvements over earlier versions. It features an attractive exterior, and roomy cabin, and comes equipped with numerous tech features. The 2022 model added Brembo brakes with red calipers for the Sport trim and new optional 21-inch wheels.
While not problem-free, the 2022 XT6’s issues are less significant than previous years. Some owners faced fuel system problems, including stalling due to fuel pump control module issues. A few isolated reports mentioned sunroof shattering and side-view mirror functionality concerns. However, these complaints aren’t common and don’t greatly affect the vehicle’s overall dependability.
When evaluating Cadillac XT6 years to avoid, the 2022 model appears as a more refined choice. Its enhancements and fewer reported problems make it worth considering if you’re shopping for a luxury three-row SUV.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for a used Cadillac XT6, the right model year can make all the difference. As such, the 2020 and 2021 versions have shown more issues with electrical systems and transmissions. In contrast, the 2022 model offers improvements and fewer reported problems. As you weigh your options, consider how these differences might affect your driving experience and long-term satisfaction.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to provide you with a personalized list of the best car listings.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
