Cadillac XT4 Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used Cadillac XT4 options? We analyzed 8 model years (2019–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Cadillac XT4 you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac XT4 has 92 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls across model years 2019–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2024 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- XT4
- Model years analyzed
- 2019–2026 (8 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 92
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2024 (24 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (8 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
Cadillac XT4: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Below AverageThe CADILLAC XT4 has 92 NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 92 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 12 federal recall campaigns
- 4 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
12 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2019–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 92 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
92 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The Onstar service will not operate. The Onstar system drains the batter so the car will not start. Cadillac cant get the operative part for the Onstar, the telematic module. So the car is sitting at the Cadillac dealer and cant be repaired..
On July 28, 2025, while driving the vehicle on public street, a warning flashed that the brakes have failed. In fact the brakes were totally inoperative. Driver was able to clear traffic and exit the roadway without incident. The Cadillac dealership found no issue with the brakes, but did "update the brake control module." In March, 2026 a crack in the windshield appeared. Safelite Company was unable to replace the windshield, as their computer showed several modular errors, preventing them from recalibrating a new windshield. The car was taken to the local Cadillac Dealer, who was presented with a printout showing the following: Code U1961-92, "fail since clear. Code U164E-00, "fail since clear. Code U1605-00, "fail since clear", Code U1974-00, "fail since clear", U197A-00, "fail since clear", Code U1961-92 "fail since clear". The dealer reported that these error codes are no problem, and declined to take any action. They further advised that if a warning of any issue appears to bring the car in.
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that the vehicle independently started after it was parked and turned off. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the computer system needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Multiple issues: Leaking transmission fluid, multiple issues with on star system, side detection system, lane keep assist. On star issue involves being unable to contact an advisor in the case of an emergency. Apps in car work intermittently, including Google Maps which is imbedded in the vehicle system. Dealership has stated that onstar and map issue is ongoing and multiple complaints have been received about this issue. Transmission leak started appears to have started right after the purchase of the vehicle. Lane Keep assist and side detection system displayed error message stating that the systems needed to be serviced.
The vehicle’s OnStar system, emergency calling features, and built-in navigation/maps do not function properly. The maps do not work, emergency calling is unreliable, and OnStar is unable to accurately locate my vehicle. This is a serious safety concern because these systems are intended to provide immediate emergency assistance and precise location information. I am the primary caregiver for my minor son, who has significant medical conditions like heart failure and requires ongoing cardiac care. In the event of a medical emergency while driving with him, it is critical that emergency services be able to locate us immediately and accurately. Because the vehicle cannot reliably provide location data or emergency communication, emergency responders may not be able to find us if assistance is needed. This creates a dangerous situation and defeats the purpose of the vehicle’s safety systems. The failure of these features makes the vehicle unsafe for transporting my child, and I do not feel safe driving it. The issue appears to involve the vehicle’s communication, software, or electrical systems and remains unresolved despite being reported. The vehicle displayed a dashboard warning stating “Service Emergency Calling,” indicating a failure of the emergency communication system. This warning confirms the emergency calling feature is not operating as designed At this moment the part is on backorder till i don’t know when
Telematics Controller has gone out. Took 2 weeks to get vehicle into dealership. After diagnosis we are told there is no availability on the part and no backorder or visibility as to when it will be available. Functionality of vehicle, value and user safety has been effected as safety and convenience features originally on the vehicle no longer function and cause distraction.
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, with the check engine and an unknown brake warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective brake module. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The contact stated that a week after the vehicle was repaired, the four tires seized while in reverse(R). The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer, and the vehicle was serviced for a defective backup sensor. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard with the same warning lights illuminated. The contact continuously pumped the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and drove into an open parking lot. The contact was able to slow down enough to come to a complete stop and coasted into a parking lot. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed back to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective brake module. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the part for the repair was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 280.
Since we purchased the vehicle, the Heads-Up display is too low, even in its highest adjusted setting. My wife is [XXX] and can only see part of the heads-up display. I am [XXX] ' tall and have to adjust the seat so far up that my head almost touches the roof to see the heads-up display on the highest setting. Dealership reports that no one else has reported the issue and will require taking the entire dash apart to diagnose. It is a safety hazard only being able to see part of the Heads-up display while driving and being so low in the windshield. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Problem with the fuel pump control module. Car broke down in front of my neighbor’s house. Now there is a problem with the transmission. It is slipping and there’s a clunking noise.
Had three different incidents: 1st occurrence was at a red light and vehicle stalled and would not restart. Jumped the vehicle and went on my way. 2nd time was traveling at 40 mph and engine killed. Jumped it again and it started. 3rd time vehicle was parked and would not start. Had it towed to dealership. They determined it was a bad fuel pump power module. This is a dangerous reoccurring issue with the Cadillac XT4 which demands a recall!
High-pitched squeal under light braking at low speeds (under 10 mph), typically occurring during the first few stops of the day...Dealer stated TSB Numbers: 20-NA-002 or MC-10232149-0001 only refers to 2020 model year. Please update this TSB so it includes 2024 model year XT4 vehicles. Dealer unable to replace break pads and charge GM without updated TSB. Note: Issue has been ongoing since purchase of vehicle and both dealers in Michigan (where purchased) and Indiana stated humidity. Recently, Indiana dealer (Lockhart Cadillac Fishers) got more and more vehicles back so now believes it should have a TSB to fix due to noise caused by semi metallic pad issue. Dealer charging $469.78 to apply anti squeal to pads which they know is only a temporary fix (so not recommending it). Dealer cannot help unless GM acknowledges issue.
While driving on the highway at approximately 65-70 mph the Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged for no apparent reason, no vehicles were around or near our vehicle. The sudden and unexpected braking could have cause a major accident resulting in serious injuries or worst had our vehicle been rear ended.
Car suddenly stopped while driving and would not start and stalled. Tried to restart multiple times with failed to restart. Car cranked but did not start after multiple attempts. There were no warning signs or indication before stall. Luckily, incident happened in parking lot way out from it. Traffic behind had to steer to other lane to maneuver. Stalling on public road or freeway could’ve been a safety concern for occupants and others. Dealer diagnosed the issue as faulty fuel pump driver module and replaced the part. Issued was fixed under vehicle manufacturer warranty.
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, IT TURNED GREEN AND I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE FORWARD THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED BRINING THE CAR TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. MY PASSENGER AND I WERE THRUST FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND DASHBOARD RESPECTIVELY. THE CAR BEHIND ME HIT ME. BOTH CARS SUSTAINED DAMAGE. THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME THAT SHOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS SAFETY SYSTEM TO ENGAGE.I BELEIVE THEY CALL THIS PHANTOM BRAKING. BECAUSE I HAD JUST STARTED UP FROM THE LIGHT, MY SPEED WAS SLOW AND WE SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. HOWEVER IF THAT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY I TRAVEL QUITE FREQUENTLY, I WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I AM SO STRESSED ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR, I ASKED CADILLAC TO DISENGAGE IT. GM AND CADILLAC BOTH DID INSPECTIONS AND CADILLAC SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE GM REPORT AND HAVE ASKED FOR AN EXPLANATION. MY UNDERSTANDING WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR LAST YEAR WAS THAT THE "SMART SYSTEM" WAS FOR FORWARD EMERGENCY BRAKING FOR VEHICLES AHEAD NOT BEHIND THE CAR. WHEN I DRIVE OUT OF MY GARAGE AND IT JUST STARTS TO RAIN, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM ABRUPTLY STOPS MY CAR AND I CANNOT GET OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY UNTIL THE CAR GETS FULLY WET. I WAS TOLD THIS CAN HAPPEN SOMETIMES. I ASKED CADILLAC TO ADJUST THE SENSORS AND THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE. SOMETHING IS TERRIBLY WRONG WITH THIS SYSTEM.
On [XXX] my car auto brake unexpected early afternoon on [XXX] . SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 53 mph. A Mack dump truck almost rear ended me. On [XXX] the same thing happened in Philipsburg NJ on [XXX] . CAR WAS BROUGHT TO Faulkner Cadillac in Bethel, Pa. In both cases, there were no cars or objects in my path. About 2 months ago the same thing happened at low speed in Watchung, NJ. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 other times in reverse. Faukner reprogrammed front view camera for the [XXX] incident. It has failed and has nearly caused be to be in 2 very serious accidents. Various other XT4 Cadillac owners have reported similar incidents. I asked my Cadillac dealer to refer this to GM. I’m afraid to drive the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving on the highway, my vehicle suddenly engaged the brakes without any obstacle ahead, creating a dangerous and frightening situation. Immediately after this incident, the Check Engine and Transmission System warnings also appeared. This vehicle is still new, and it is completely unacceptable to experience failures in major systems like AEB, engine, and transmission. I have since learned about TSB #24-NA-053, which describes false AEB activations in XT4 models. My concern is that my vehicle may be affected. This car was purchased without notification of this issue from the dealership regarding the xt4 and obviously it was also not resolved upon my purchase of the car. My report from on star is below: From: OnStar Notifications [XXX] > Date: [XXX] EDT To: [XXX] Subject: Vehicle Diagnostics: These are the results from your recent On-Demand Diagnostic for your 2024 Cadillac XT4 OnStar(R) Dear [XXX] , Here are the results of your recent On-Demand Diagnostic request on your 2024 Cadillac XT4. ModuleDiagnostic CodeDiagnostic InformationRecommended Action ECM - Engine SystemP0700Transmission Control Module Requested Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illumination. The DTC is an informational DTC. The DTC indicates an emission related DTC set in the Transmission Control Module.Service within 7 days SDM - Airbag SystemNoneNo Error Code FoundNone VIU - OnStar SystemNoneNo Error Code FoundNone TCM - Transmission SystemU0447Vehicle network communication code. The network provides a communications link between systems inside the vehicle and when the network is disrupted a code can be set. If vehicle functionality is impacted please seek service soon.Service within 7 days BOI - Bulb Outage IndicatorsNoneNo Error Code FoundNone ABS - Braking and Stability SystemNoneNo E INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving the vehicle on 01 May 2025, the car rapidly decelerated from over 60MPH to under 30 MPH in an instant. The car would not go over 30MPH. The power steering was off, the safety restraint was off, service transmission warning was on, engine light was on,low fuel indicator was on (I had over a half tank of gas), and service stabilitrak was on. The car had to be towed to the dealership. This is the second time this has occurred within the last 45 days. I just purchased the car in the middle of March. This is extremely unsafe as if I was on a highway I would be injured, someone else would be injured or death. I filed a complaint on 20 March 2025 (Complaint No: 11649676).
While backing up I had situations where the automatic brakes would engage although there was no obstruction behind the car. To stop this from happening, I had to turn this feature off. I brought the car in for service (Ed Morse Cadillac in Delray Beach, Florida) and was given a Cadillac Service Bulletin that acknowledged this was a problem with 2023-2025 cadillacs and there was no fix for this problem. They suggest that I do what I had done- turn it off. I feel this is not an adequate response. This is a very important safety feature that helps to insure that motorists will not hit objects while going in reverse, and more importantly will not hit a person or child, possibly causing severe injuries. Cadillac should find a way to fix this issue before someone is killed because of this.
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my vehicle, purchased from Ed Morse Cadillac. The vehicle has unexpectedly shut off while I was driving on multiple occasions (3 times to date). When this occurs, the entire infotainment and dashboard screen goes completely black, and most alarmingly, the brakes become unresponsive or extremely difficult to engage. This creates a highly dangerous situation where I am unable to control or stop the vehicle safely, putting myself and others at serious risk of a crash or injury. This is not a one-time occurrence—it has happened multiple times under normal driving conditions. I have contacted the dealership, but they have ignored my attempts to resolve the issue. This problem clearly involves critical vehicle systems and should be investigated as a potential defect. I am requesting that the NHTSA open an investigation into this issue, as this vehicle poses a danger to public safety.
I am submitting this complaint to report a significant safety system failure in my 2025 Cadillac XT4 during an accident that occurred on April 12, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. During the incident: •The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) did not activate, and I was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. •Neither the driver nor passenger airbags deployed, despite sufficient impact that should have triggered deployment. •OnStar Automatic Crash Response did not activate, nor was I contacted by any emergency response service through the vehicle. None of the vehicle’s safety systems functioned during this event, despite being standard factory-installed features. My XT4 had no warning lights or diagnostic messages indicating any malfunction prior to the crash. This failure closely resembles previous complaints noted in NHTSA filings (e.g., ABS sensor failures, OnStar module failures, and the 2025 XT4 passenger airbag recall). I am extremely concerned that this may point to a broader defect within the model line’s safety infrastructure, including collision sensors, electronic communication systems, or airbag deployment logic. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether a defect exists in the braking or airbag systems, particularly where no safety features activate in a crash. I would be willing to provide repair records, crash photos, and allow the vehicle to be inspected if needed. Thank you for your attention and for helping to ensure driver safety through proper oversight.
Showing 20 of 92 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Cadillac XT4
These pages show model-year patterns across 8years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Cadillac XT4 has 92 complaints on record across 8 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Cadillac XT4 has 12 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 4 of the Cadillac XT4's 92 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Cadillac XT4 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Cadillac XT4 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Cadillac XT4 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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📍 Check a Cadillac XT4 by State
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Cadillac XT4.