Owners have reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Cadillac XT5. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints10
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving unexpected transmission behavior. Complaints often describe the vehicle independently shifting into park while in motion, sometimes accompanied by a warning light, and occurring at various speeds. Another common issue involves the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, resulting in a loss of power and inability to operate hazard lights, which is noted in both stationary and moving scenarios. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, with some reports mentioning problems at as low as 2,900 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one incident involved a crash when the vehicle moved in reverse without input, and another describes a vehicle shutting off on the freeway, posing risks to the driver and surrounding traffic. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints10
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 commonly report issues related to the "Steering Assist Reduced" warning message, which often appears alongside the P0128 diagnostic code indicating a thermostat problem. This issue typically results in increased steering effort, particularly at low speeds, and has been observed in vehicles with mileage under 40,000. Some reports describe severe incidents, including a crash where steering malfunctioned, leading to loss of vehicle control and injuries. Additionally, a persistent popping noise in the steering column is mentioned, which some owners report was initially dismissed by service centers. These patterns suggest potential safety concerns, especially for used car buyers considering models with similar mileage and symptoms.
Owner complaints9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with several complaints involving the vehicle stalling or shutting down unexpectedly, often at varying speeds. Symptoms described include all warning lights illuminating, loss of power steering, and complete loss of vehicle control. Some owners mention repeated failures of components such as the body control module and emission starter module, with occurrences noted as early as 2,000 miles and up to 95,000 miles. A significant safety concern is highlighted by a report of a vehicle fire, resulting in total loss, and other complaints describe temporary loss of brakes and acceleration control. These issues may pose serious safety risks, particularly if they occur while driving at higher speeds.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints7
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 frequently report issues related to engine stalling and loss of power, often occurring around 40,000 miles. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle stalling at various speeds, with some instances requiring several attempts to restart the engine. Additionally, there are reports of the check engine light illuminating, sometimes leading to diagnoses of engine failure requiring replacement. Another common issue involves rapid oil percentage drop, with some owners noting an unresolved engine control software recall. These issues can potentially pose safety risks, especially if the vehicle loses power while driving.
Owner complaints6
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 frequently report issues with the service brakes, including brake failure and parking brake malfunctions. Complaints describe situations where brakes do not respond, sometimes coinciding with unexpected activation of parking assist features. Multiple reports mention the parking brake failing to release, leading to immobilization of the vehicle. Additionally, several owners note squeaking brake pads, particularly noticeable at low speeds or after periods of inactivity. These issues occur at various mileage ranges, and in some cases, have resulted in near-miss incidents at intersections, indicating potential safety implications.
Owner complaints6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 frequently report issues related to water intrusion and backup camera malfunctions. Water leaks into the cabin through the sunroof or roof seams, often resulting in significant water accumulation, potential mold, and electrical concerns, with repair costs reported around $7,900. Backup camera guidelines intermittently fail to display when shifting into reverse, affecting driver assistance and potentially leading to minor incidents, such as backing into bushes. Additionally, there are reports of premature tire wear at low mileage, with some owners needing replacements as early as 16,000 to 26,000 miles. These issues may impact safety and maintenance costs for prospective buyers.
Owner complaints2
STRUCTURE
Owners report issues related to the structure of the 2018 Cadillac XT5, specifically involving the alignment of the front seat tracks. A common problem described is that if the tracks are not perfectly aligned with the base, sharp metal becomes exposed, which has resulted in two reported injuries from cuts when exiting the vehicle. The complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but the safety implication is significant, especially for individuals with conditions like hemophilia, as noted in the reports. Buyers should be aware of the potential for injury from exposed metal in the seat area, which the manufacturer reportedly states is functioning as designed.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 report issues with the vehicle's exterior lighting, particularly the headlights. Complaints frequently mention that the headlights are extremely dim, with one owner specifying that the low beam headlights fail to illuminate beyond 50 feet. This issue is reported at a low mileage of approximately 300 miles. There are no reports of crashes or loss of control associated with these lighting issues, but the limited visibility at night could pose a safety risk. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these reported lighting limitations.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 report issues with unintended acceleration, with one incident resulting in a crash after exiting a car wash. Symptoms described include the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly at high speeds and difficulty stopping even when the brakes are applied. In one case, the owner suspects the issue may relate to cruise control settings, though cruise control was not actively engaged. These incidents occur at low speeds, such as when exiting a stop or driving on private property. Safety implications are significant, with one crash causing damage to a building and potential risks in traffic settings, highlighting the importance for prospective buyers to consider these reports.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners report two main visibility issues with the 2018 Cadillac XT5. First, multiple owners describe a failure of the rearview camera guidelines to display when the vehicle is put into reverse, occurring more than half the time. This issue persists despite dealer interventions intended to reduce its frequency. Second, complaints frequently mention inadequate headlamp performance, with halogen projector headlamps providing insufficient illumination for safe nighttime or inclement weather driving. These visibility issues are noted without specific mileage or timeline patterns, but they may impact safety during reverse maneuvers and night driving.
