What are the most common problems on the 2019 Cadillac XT5?

NHTSA has 32 owner complaint(s) on record for the 2019 Cadillac XT5. Steering is the most-reported problem area on the 2019 Cadillac XT5, cited in 8 of 32 filed complaints (25%).

Problems › Cadillac › 2019 XT5

2019 Cadillac XT5 Problems & Owner Complaints

32 NHTSA owner complaints

3 crash 2 fire 3 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~4.0 complaints per year on the road — ranking 3 of 8 Cadillac XT5 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

Thinking about buying a specific Cadillac XT5?

This page shows problems reported across all 2019 Cadillac XT5s. Before you buy that one car, enter its VIN: get a free open-recall check, then unlock the full $19 safety report: every complaint, safety ratings & a downloadable PDF for that exact vehicle.

Checking a specific 2019 Cadillac XT5? Enter its VIN

Free recall check · optional $19 full safety report before you buy

What owners report

Steering is the most-reported problem area on the 2019 Cadillac XT5, cited in 8 of 32 filed complaints (25%).

Engine is next (6 complaints, 19%), followed by Service Brakes (5), Air Bags (4), Electrical System (3).

Across all complaints, 3 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 3 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 2 crash, 2 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2019 Cadillac XT5, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 32.

Steering 8

“The computer or electrical box to steer keeps shorting out and the vehicle us unable to turn.”
NHTSA complaint #11740143, 2026

“We got the message that our steering may be impacted and then our temperature gauge wasn’t working nor the stop/start feature. Trip to service dealer resulted in a $1,186.14 repair for the replacement of the thermostat. This car only has 37,269 miles. We were told by service tech this is a common issue in GM models and this year of car. This was a financial hardship on us and our well maintained, and rarely used, vehicle. How can GM know this is an issue and not offer remedy thru a recall?”
NHTSA complaint #11709474, 2026

“Steering assist disengaged, low power mode, no temperature read and check engine light. All occurred at 61k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11649851, 2025

Engine 6 1 fire

“AS I WAS DRIVING I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL. A FEW SECONDS LATER SAW A FIRE/SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR. I PULLED OVER AND TOOK A LOOK. CONFIRMED MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I CALLED 911 WHO CONNECTED ME TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I THEN RAN TO THE GAS STATION AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I THEN USED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. I MADE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY WHO ORDERED A TOW TRUCK TO TRANSPORT THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP.”
NHTSA complaint #11206631, 2019 · fire

“The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while leaving the driveway, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact thought that the catalytic converter had been stolen. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the catalytic converter was severed at the connection point and cracked, and removed. The contact stated that coils were damaged, and the thermostat housi…”
NHTSA complaint #11709970, 2026

“The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to a stop and park on the side of the highway. The contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,800.”
NHTSA complaint #11646345, 2025

Service Brakes 5 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact's wife owned a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while the wife was driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would vibrate upon depression without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact then stated that while his wife was driving at 55 MPH, the brakes failed to operate upon depression without warning. The contact wife stated that a loud, grinding sound emitted from the vehicle during the failure. To avoid crashing into another vehicle, the contact's wife intentionally drove into the highway's side guardrail…”
NHTSA complaint #11617965, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 20 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. A message "Steering Power Reduced" was displayed before the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that one day prior to the failure, the low power steering fluid warning light was illuminated, and the brake fluid was refilled. The contact stated after picking their children from school, the failure occurred. The contact who is an independent mechanic, was able to replicate the failure. The vehicle was taken…”
NHTSA complaint #11629101, 2024

“Service stability track light came on. Brought to Mechanic hooked up to computer. No code shown. Mechanic says car is fine. Keep it off for 15 minutes and the computer will reset. Driving on the highway Emergency brake came on by itself and stopped the vehicle all caution lights lit up on on the dashboard. Service engine light came on brought it back to the mechanic again no codes shown drove it for three days has been running fine and on the fourth day vehicle will not start.”
NHTSA complaint #11501784, 2023

Unknown Or Other 5 1 fire

“Per the owners manual, the vehicle is supposed to be equipped with four reinforced jacking points for the vehicle supplied jack. The two front reinforced points were never installed. Besides, there being no way to jack up the vehicle, it some one unknowingly attempt to jack up the car, it could fall off the jack and injure or kill someone. I went to the dealer, and upon inspection they agreed that the points were missing. I contacted GM, but after one call, no one responded back to me.”
NHTSA complaint #11516855, 2023

“I was driving 70 MPH near Chattanooga, TN when I heard an explosion. The front panel(of 2) of my sunroof completely shattered. There were no cars within 1000 feet. There was no overpass I was driving under. Though I can't say for sure I am 99.9% sure that there was no object that created this, rather the glass in the sunroof is defective. I have not had vehicle inspected. The manufacturer is not taking responsibility. There were no warning signs. Glass shattered all over me and my car. There were no injuries other than a cut finger. Thankfully no other passengers were in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11443433, 2021

Air Bags 4 2 crash 2 injury

“The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a parking lot. The contact then shifted the transmission into drive (D), and the engine revved loudly. The contact slightly depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The steering wheel inadvertently veered to the left. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle then drove on top of another vehicle that was parked in front. The contact stated that he was unable to control the vehicle until after the crash. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was unharmed, b…”
NHTSA complaint #11682097, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK AT APPROX 35 MPH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE STRIKING VEHICLE DID NOT APPLY THE BRAKES SO THE FULL FORCE OF THE VEHICLE HIT. THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, LEAVING ME WITH A CONCUSSION AS MY HEAD STRUCK THE DRIVER'S DOOR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A GREEN LIGHT ON A CITY STREET. THE STRIKING VEHICLE RAN THE OPPOSING LIGHT, CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11402680, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I keep getting a warning to service the Safety Restraint System. I have taken my car in several times to be fixed and have paid a lot of money and it is still not fixed. The dealership says they fixed it but then it happens again. This has been going on for about 3-4 months now. At this point I do not know what else to do. I feel this is a safety concern because I cannot drive down the road without the alerts going off in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11587791, 2024

Electrical System 3 1 fire

“The passenger interior side door at the bottom towards the back near the backseat, beginning driver seat caught fire. A small tiny hole began melting, and there was flames coming out of it. Within minutes. My entire car was engulfed in flames when the fire department came they said it seemed like it was fuses that began the Fire. I bought this car used from Carmax literally only two weeks ago and had only driven it. maybe 100 miles it’s a 2020. I don’t understand how this happened and I’m concerned about other Cadillacs of this model having the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11645897, 2025 · fire

“2019 CADILLAC XT 5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO STOP/START FEATURE ON VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE AN OFF OPTION FOR THE STOP/START FEATURE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE VEHICLE HAVE THE SOFTWARE UPDATED TO INCLUDE SUCH A FEATURE.”
NHTSA complaint #11476113, 2022

Before you buy this car, see its exact open recalls + full $19 report Enter the VIN of the 2019 Cadillac XT5 you're looking at, free recall check first

Structure 2 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 CADILLAC XT5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A LOUD NOISE SUDDENLY OCCURRED. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT SECTION OF THE GLASS SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RITCHEY CADILLAC(932 N. NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.*PM* CONSUMER STATED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE LOSS.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11282617, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 2 1 crash 1 injury

“MY VEHICLE HAS SHOWN THE SERVICE STABILITRAK, TCS OFF, AND TRANSMISSION UNABLE TO SHIFT SOON WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES; AND AFTER CERTAIN TIMES THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT AND I AM NOT ABLE TO GO PAST 50-60 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #11355726, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 2

“WE BOUGHT XT5 ON 12/04/18, ON 02/19/19, BROUGHT IN FOR TRANSMISSION AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. 06/10/19, BROUGHT IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE. 06/16/19, ON THE WAY BACK FROM KNOXVILLE ON FREEWAY I-40, WHILE IT WAS RAINING HARD, ALL LIGHTS INSIDE AND OUT AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS DIDN'T WORK. WIPERS WERE STANDING UP RIGHT IN FRONT OF DRIVER AND STOP, NEVER MOVE BACK DOWN. WE WERE SURROUNDED WITH HIGH SPEED CARS AND TRUCKS, AND SEMIS, IN THE RAIN AND COULDN'T SEE THE FRONT WITH NO WIPERS, AND INSIDE THE CAR WAS PIT BLACK. WE MUST DRIVE FOR AROUND A MILE BEFORE GETTING TO A NEXT EXIT. GOT OFF…”
NHTSA complaint #11221257, 2019

“WHEN DRIVING WHEN RAINING, THE PASSENGERS WIPER CLEANS THREE QUARTERS OF THE WINDSHIELD AND DEPOSITS THE WATER DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE DRIVERS LINE OF SIGHT AND REMAINS THERE UNTIL THE DRIVERS WIPER COMES BACK TO REMOVE IT CAUSING AN EXTREME LOSS OF VISIBILITY ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT.”
NHTSA complaint #11165589, 2018

Wheels 2 1 fire

“Went to Genesis Cadillac for oil change and they recommended the replacement of both my rear toe links. As stated on their service bill Caused by loose rear toe links. GM has been selectively recalling certain makes, models and model years recalling toe link for replacement. Most recently March 10, 2026 Buick Regals 2012 and 2013. Seems GM is aware of rear toe link issues but doesnt want to have a mass recall. Selects vehicles that are low quantity still driven. Everyone else needs to pay for defective rear toe links Even my brothers 2020 XT5 was recommended to replace rear toe links o…”
NHTSA complaint #11723846, 2026

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

Exterior Lighting 1

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the Forward Collision-Avoidance System malfunctioned, which resulted in the contact having to manually brake to avoid an accident. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11452124, 2022

Seats 1

“Tech pulled seat cover and found the seat heater had gotten too hot and cooked the heater element, cushion, and seat cover.”
NHTSA complaint #11501016, 2023

Visibility 1

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2019 Cadillac XT5 draws about 4.0 complaints per year on the road, ranking 3 of 8 among the Cadillac XT5 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

Before you buy this Cadillac XT5

Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.

Free open-recall check Decode the VIN + see every open NHTSA recall, no account, no charge Get the $19 full safety report All complaints, safety ratings & a downloadable PDF for this exact car

Free VIN & recall check All vehicle problem pages

Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.