On April 8, 2026, my 2020 Cadillac XT5 experienced a sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lights, no overheating indications, no abnormal engine noises, and no performance issues that would have alerted me to a developing problem. Without warning, the engine failed and the vehicle immediately lost power, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed. Fortunately, I was not traveling on a freeway or in heavy traffic at the time of the failure. Had this occurred at highway speeds or while crossing an intersection, the sudden loss of propulsion could have significantly increased the risk of a crash. This unexpected loss of power increased my risk a potential highway hazard. The vehicle was subsequently inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Cadillac dealership. The dealership determined that the engine suffered an internal mechanical failure, including rod bearing failure and metal contamination throughout the engine. The dealership advised that the engine required complete replacement. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced. There was no owner misuse, neglect, overheating event, or other known condition that would explain such a catastrophic failure. The engine failed unexpectedly and without any prior warning to the driver. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden engine failure resulting in immediate loss of power presents a significant safety concern. I believe NHTSA should investigate whether similar failures have occurred in other 2020 Cadillac XT5 vehicles and whether a manufacturing or design defect may exist that could place other drivers at risk.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11750727 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

WHEN BACKING OUT OF GARAGE THE BACKUP CAMERA STOPS WORKING IN THE SUN LIGHT MUST WAIT 2 MINUTES FOR IT TO START WORKING IN SUN LIGHT. WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE BLIND TO THE REAR FOR AT LEAST 2 MINUTES. NO OTHER CAR I NOW OF DOES THIS. BEEN TO TWO CADILAC DEALER IN TO DIFFERENT STATES BOTH SAID NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11696053 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

While driving at low speed lost all power steering . Was able to get it back home . When checked again later power steering was working . While driving later that day brakes engaged to a sudden slamming stop , red abs engaged light flashed then went away . Both incidents could’ve caused accidents. I’m scared to drive this car anymore. A week prior I thought the gears weren’t engaging / transmission seemed to be slipping ? 6 months prior braking engaged on freeway , also scary .. dealer said it needed a update and would be fine . 5 months ago I was unable to reverse out of my driveway , dealer also said it was in need of a update . I never received notice I was in need of any updates before these problems occurred .

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11463281 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

After a rainy highway speed 50 mile trip I stopped to get a Lotto ticket at my local store. I shut the vehicle off. It took me approximately 2 to 3 minutes to buy the Lottery ticket. I started the vehicle and noticed that my power steering was not operating. I could barely move the steering wheel ( it seemed locked) and I barely made my 10 mile trip to my house using secondary dirt roads . I called my dealer and was told that sometimes after an overnight of non use the problem would go away. The next morning I started the vehicle and the power steering was back to normal. I took it to my local Cadillac dealer and they scoped it and found no defect codes recorded. I was very fortunate that the incident didn’t occur while driving at I-75 . At high speeds without steering it would have resulted in possible multiple serious injuries or deaths. I hope that their is a possible fix to the steering loss but my dealer has no clues at this time. Mileage on my vehicle is approximately 14500 miles. I currently have no confidence in this vehicle and will not have my 75 year wife drive it. My age is 77. Another serious incident that I had with this vehicle when it was new was the automatic forward collision braking . I was making a left turn and for no reason the car suddenly braked hard and stalled. I was fortunate that the oncoming traffic stopped and gave me a chance to restart and move away from the intersection. The problem was resolved by my dealer by reducing the sensitivity of the forward collision braking.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11529902 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact’s father owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while attempting to use the driver's side rear seat belt, the seat belt failed to buckle securely. The contact had not attempted to use the rear passenger’s side seat belt. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11711510 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 30,475. It was later discovered, upon checking with a local AutoZone, that the mileage was 49,579.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11734280 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov