2021 Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 is a luxury compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride and a stylish interior. Engine options include a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque) and a 3.6L V6 (310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque), both paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the XT5’s quiet cabin, ample passenger space, and user-friendly infotainment system. Common complaints include the lackluster acceleration of the base engine and the relatively small cargo area compared to competitors.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged I4

• Piston Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported piston failure, leading to engine knocking, misfires, loss of power, and potentially complete engine failure. This issue seems to be more prevalent in vehicles with higher mileage or those that have experienced oil starvation.
  • Solution: The affected piston needs to be replaced. In more severe cases, the entire engine may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

No Issues Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh shifts, particularly when shifting between gears at low speeds. Hesitation upon acceleration is also a reported symptom. This may be related to valve body issues or software calibration.
  • Solution: A software update from the dealer could resolve the issue. In some cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system can sometimes freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect access to navigation, audio, climate control, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Performing a system reset can sometimes resolve the issue. A software update from the dealer may also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software update) - $1,500+ (Infotainment Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain leading to difficulty starting the vehicle. This may be caused by parasitic draw from electrical components.
  • Solution: Diagnostics to identify the source of the draw and replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Tail Light Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: LED tail light flickering or complete failure of one or more tail lights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed tail light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to operate properly, either not heating up at all or becoming excessively hot.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 exhibits a few common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. The most concerning are the potential for engine issues with the 2.0L Turbo, and electrical glitches. The infotainment system can cause headaches, and other reported issues are typically less severe. The cost of repairs can range from minor software updates to potentially significant engine work, so careful inspection and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are recommended.