Cadillac XT4 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Cadillac XT4 options? We analyzed 7 model years (2019–2025) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac XT4 has 106 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls across model years 2019–2025. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2024 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- XT4
- Model years analyzed
- 2019–2025 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 106
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2024 (31 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (10 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
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.
Crash test ratings
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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe CADILLAC XT4 has 106 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.
- 106 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
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SEATS
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
TIRES
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
SERVICE BRAKES
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2019–2025. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 106 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
106 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 contact owns a 2022 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and lost motive power. The messages "Service Stabili-trak" and "Intake and Exhaust Valve To Optimize Performance And Efficiency, Please Schedule Service Now" were displayed. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who performed an unknown repair, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The digital instrument cluster will at random times go dark while driving. Took car to the dealership and they say there is no recall or service bulletin. This has happened so many times and i lose speedometer, fuel level and all other critical information all while driving. This is a safety issue and should be something done to resolve this as its dangerous.
When backing up the vehicle, the front brakes squeak as if the wear sensor is engaging. The noise goes away and does not reappear for the remainder of the drive cycle. I took it to the dealer and the pads are not in need of replacement. The service writer stated that it is a 'characteristic' of the vehicle and GM is aware of the problem. They have not issued a service bulletin for this. They also refuse to replace any parts relating to this problem. A search of the internet reveals this is a common problem with XT4's over several years. A simple solution appears to be to lubricate the pads where they seat into the caliper.
I purchased this car used in early 2024. Shortly after buying it, the brakes began squeaking while backing out of the garage in the morning. This is the only time day this occurs. It has been a constant complaint since. I took it to Suburban Cadillac in Troy, Michigan where I purchased the car. They said it is a characteristic of the car and GM is aware of it. Their only suggestion was to spend $1,800 to replace all four brakes and rotors. This causes anxiety as the noise is the same as if the brakes are worn out. The shop at the dealer checked the pads and they all had 8 to 9 mm left. Also, the mileage on the car is about 22,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac XT4 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pro Contact TX, Tire Size: 235/60/R18, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side rear tires experienced a blowout. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the tire was replaced, but six months later the driver’s side tire experienced a blowout, which caused significant damages to the driver’s side fender wheel well. The manufacturer was contacted but denied any financial assistance due to the purchase of the aftermarket tires. The contact replaced all four tires due to the concerns of another blowout. The approximate failure mileage was 9,114.
Vehicle Safety Complaint I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2025 Cadillac XT4 because of a serious transmission failure that created a significant safety hazard. While driving on the interstate at approximately 60 mph, the transmission suddenly malfunctioned and the vehicle lost its ability to operate normally. The transmission appeared to disengage unexpectedly, causing a sudden loss of power and creating a dangerous situation in fast-moving traffic. I was concerned that my vehicle could have been struck by other vehicles because it was no longer responding as expected. The vehicle had to be towed to an authorized Cadillac dealership for inspection and repair. After diagnosing the problem, the dealership informed me that the entire transmission required replacement. This is a major component failure on a nearly new vehicle with relatively low mileage. A complete transmission replacement on a new vehicle, combined with a sudden failure at highway speed, raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this model. A transmission should not fail unexpectedly under normal driving conditions, especially in a new vehicle. (They changed gearbox in 14 days) I am reporting this incident because I believe it represents a potential safety defect that could place other drivers and passengers at risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether similar transmission failures have been reported in the 2025 Cadillac XT4 and determine whether this issue warrants further investigation or a safety recall. In addition to the highway transmission failure, I have experienced another serious safety concern. When shifting the vehicle from Park into Drive or Reverse, the transmission sometimes does not engage immediately. Instead, there is a delay of several seconds, followed by a sudden and unexpected engagement that causes the vehicle to lunge forward or backward. This sudden movement is completely outside of my control and creates a significant safety risk.
Read 14 more owner reports
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)
DTRL failed and signal burned/melted I was unable to pass state inspection
there is a recall on the 2021 cadillac xt4, fuel pump control module, N252516900, but my vin is not included. My vehicle seems to be having the same issue. The dealer has been unable to diagnose as it has been happening very sporadic and I don't drive often. Issue first occurred, vehicle would not start in June 2025, clicking noise, happened few times in December and now seems to occur more frequent. car will initially start but will stall and fail to start. vehicle usually starts and engine light stays on, but then engine light will go off within hours. Dealer indicated no error codes were stored. had onstar run a diagnostic today when I had issues and identified a fuel management system issue. In researching I located the recall notice and ran my vin.
UNKNOWN
Vehicle stalled on the road,coming to a total stop,very dangerous because of the trafic.Vehicle cranks but not start.Fuel pump power control module failed,code p203f.Take to Vera Cadillac dealer for repair .This happened 2 times ,at 13765 milles and 29342 milles
Driving down the highway yesterday, I believe that the sunroof on my Cadillac XT4 exploded. It was a hot day and I heard a loud bang. My sunroof shattered and no rocks or other external debris to be found.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped, and was shifted into park but failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump control module and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,536.
Showing 20 of 106 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Cadillac XT4
These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Cadillac XT4, in plain English.
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 106 complaints on record across 7 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 106 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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How does the Cadillac XT4 stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
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.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Cadillac XT4 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac XT4 reliable?
Below Average. The Cadillac XT4 has 106 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Cadillac XT4 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2024 (31 complaints), 2019 (20 complaints), 2020 (17 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Cadillac XT4 problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (24 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (20 complaints).
Does the Cadillac XT4 have recalls?
Yes — 12 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Cadillac XT4. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.