Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac XT5 vs Toyota Camry
How the Cadillac XT5 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Cadillac XT5 vs Toyota Camry: The XT5 averages 30 complaints per year with 19 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The XT5 has fewer crash-related complaints (18 vs. 171) and injuries (15 vs. 158). Both have powertrain and engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac XT5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac XT5
The Cadillac XT5 is a luxury SUV that averages about 30 complaints per year over the past decade, with 19 recalls. Owners frequently report serious powertrain and engine failures, sometimes with no warning. Electrical gremlins and steering issues also appear in the data. While total complaints are lower than the Camry's, the nature of the failures—like sudden engine failure or unintended acceleration—can be alarming.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but that reflects its enormous sales volume. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key stuck problems. There are also complaints about advanced safety systems malfunctioning. Despite the higher count, the Camry has a strong reputation for longevity, though the data shows it is not immune to defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac XT5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 301 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 30.1 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Cadillac XT5
- 01POWER TRAIN61
- 02ENGINE59
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER58
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM50
- 05STEERING42
Owners report unpredictable transmission behavior, including sudden gear shifts and complete engine failure while driving, often without warning lights. This can leave a driver stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Complaints include sudden engine failure with no prior symptoms, as well as transmission shifting issues that trigger the check engine light. These failures can be costly and may occur at relatively low mileage.
Some owners describe unintended acceleration when shifting into reverse, causing collisions. Others report instrument cluster malfunctions. These electrical glitches can affect basic control of the vehicle.
Steering-related complaints are among the top five, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should be aware that steering issues can compromise control and should be inspected.
“I am reporting an imminent, life-threatening safety defect regarding a Cadillac XT5, purchased 1/10/26 and repurchased by the dealership on 5/16/2026. While driving, this vehicle experiences an unpredictable and intermittent defect causing the transmission to…”
“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 a…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, pointing to transmission or engine management problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response—pressing the accelerator and waiting several seconds for the car to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system but is described as abnormal.
Multiple advanced systems—including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This could reduce driver assistance and safety features without warning.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Cadillac XT5 — 19 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Cadillac XT5 and 2024-2025 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The instrument panel may not illuminate when the hazard warning lights, high beams, or turn signals are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
The risk: Without the illuminated reminder, the driver could fail to turn off the lights when no longer needed. Hazard warning lights, high beams, or turn signals that remain activated unintentionally can confuse other drivers, increasing the risk o…
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Cadillac's customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447940.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The certification label located on the driver's side B-pillar contains tire size information that may be illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Sa…
The risk: Illegible tire size information may result in the wrong tires being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the vehicle certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's n…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.
The risk: Separation between the half-shaft and transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the right-front half-shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac XT5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac XT5 has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales. In practice, the XT5's complaints often involve severe powertrain and engine failures, while the Camry's issues are more varied but include critical safety system malfunctions. Neither is problem-free, but the XT5's lower frequency may appeal to those who prioritize fewer reported incidents.
Key differences
- The Cadillac XT5 averages about 30 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206 per year, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- XT5 owners report sudden engine failure and transmission problems, whereas Camry owners report key stuck issues and delayed throttle response.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 18) and injuries (158 vs. 15), though this may reflect the larger number of Camrys on the road.
- Both have electrical system complaints, but the XT5's include unintended acceleration in reverse, while the Camry's involve multiple driver-assist systems failing at once.
- Check for any signs of transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or sudden gear changes during a test drive, as these are commonly reported.
- Ask for service records related to engine repairs or replacements, and listen for any unusual engine noises or warning lights.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park to ensure it does not stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration.
- Verify that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for the XT5, and the ignition system and brakes for the Camry.
- During a test drive, specifically test the issues reported: for the XT5, accelerate and shift gears; for the Camry, try removing the key in Park and test the parking brake.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any related to powertrain or electrical repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent shop familiar with the model's common problems.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Cadillac XT5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 6 | 163 |
| 2024 | 10 | 50 |
| 2023 | 15 | 64 |
| 2022 | 10 | 61 |
| 2021 | 14 | 157 |
| 2020 | 23 | 274 |
| 2019 | 32 | 395 |
| 2018 | 66 | 744 |
| 2017 | 124 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Cadillac XT5 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac XT5 vs Toyota Camry
- Cadillac XT5 total complaints
- 301
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Cadillac XT5 total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac XT5 avg complaints/year
- 30.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac XT5
- Cadillac XT5 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN