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Vehicle Stats/Cadillac/XTS Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Jun 2026Methodology

Cadillac XTS Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β€” NHTSA data

Comparing used Cadillac XTS options? We analyzed 7 model years (2013–2019) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

216
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
15
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
5
Crash-Related
crash complaints
6
Fire-Related
fire complaints
2
Injuries Reported
across all years
Poor
Reliability Signal
overall trend

Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Cadillac XTS you plan to buy.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac XTS has 216 owner complaints and 15 safety recalls across model years 2013–2019. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2013 drew the most complaints; 2019 drew the fewest.

Cadillac XTS β€” key reliability facts
Make
Cadillac
Model
XTS
Model years analyzed
2013–2019 (7 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
216
Safety recall campaigns
15
Crash-related complaints
5
Fire-related complaints
6
Worst model year (by complaints)
2013 (103 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2019 (5 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Β· Data last refreshed Jun 24, 2026
This XTS has 15 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free β†’

By model year

Cadillac XTS: 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 β€” lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2013 Cadillac XTS103 complaints2014 Cadillac XTS49 complaints2017 Cadillac XTS24 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
2019 Cadillac XTS5 complaints2015 Cadillac XTS13 complaints2016 Cadillac XTS22 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β€” lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2013 Cadillac XTS? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year β€” averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free β†’

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP 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.

20182018 Cadillac XTS 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
4/5
20172017 Cadillac XTS 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
4/5
How to read NCAP stars
5 stars β€” Excellent
4 stars β€” Good
3 stars β€” Average
2 stars β€” Below average
1 star β€” Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The CADILLAC XTS has 216 NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls on record. 5 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 216 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 15 federal recall campaigns
  • 5 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • 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
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2013
103
2014
49
2015
13
2016
22
2017
24
2019
5

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jun 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

15 recalls found

Safety 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.

Campaign #14V541000September 9, 2014

Safety Recall

Component: PARKING BRAKE
Campaign #14V541000September 9, 2014

Safety Recall

Component: PARKING BRAKE
Campaign #14V541000September 9, 2014

Safety Recall

Component: PARKING BRAKE
Campaign #14V409000February 7, 2014

Safety Recall

Component: STEERING
Campaign #18V576000

Safety Recall

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Campaign #18V899000

Safety Recall

Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Campaign #15V666000

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Campaign #26V329000

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign #18V576000

Safety Recall

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Campaign #14V518000

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Campaign #14V116000

Safety Recall

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Campaign #14V518000

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Campaign #14V116000

Safety Recall

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Campaign #13V220000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Campaign #12V525000

Safety Recall

Component: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2013–2019. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

Most-reported problem areas

Based on component keywords extracted from all 216 NHTSA complaints.

1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
78 complaints
2
SUSPENSION
40 complaints
3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
39 complaints
4
SERVICE BRAKES
17 complaints
5
ENGINE
16 complaints
6
STEERING
11 complaints
7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
11 complaints
8
WHEELS
10 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

216 total

These 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.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINEJun 2025

currently experiencing transmission shuddering β€” likely due to a torque converter issue. This was confirmed by an experienced mechanic at the dealership of Cadillac. After doing deep research I’ve learned is documented in Technical Service Bulletins such as TSB 18-NA-355 and 19-NA-121. The shuddering has caused the vehicle to slow down or speed up when at cruising speeds. There were no warning lights nor messages, but I've started to experience the issue/symptoms for about a month now. Which came out of nowhere. Recently, I replaced the transmission cooler line and performed a drain and fill, but the shudder continues.

AIR BAGS,SEATSOct 2024

The passenger present module in seat isn’t working with air bag. Per Cadillac passenger seat module is inside the seat and needs replaced.

TIRESOct 2024

The tire tech at Walmart was attempting to remove the tire when the side wall just blew out on my Yokohama 245 /40 20 tire.

CrashSERVICE BRAKESJan 2021

BRAKES FAILED TO COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE ONCE WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND AGAIN WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT

UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2019

THE BACKUP CAMERA GUIDE LINES CAN BARELY BE SEEN AND IN ANY SUN LIGHT CANNOT BE SEEN AT ALL. AT NIGHT , ALL YOU CAN SEE IS WHAT LOOKS LIKE SNOW. CADILLAC SAYS IT IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO FIX. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSED THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND CADILLAC REFUSES TO FIX IT

UNKNOWN OR OTHEROct 2024

The CUE system has totally quit so we are unable to change radio stations, get driving instructions, talk on the telephone etc. After reading online, this is a problem that Cadillac is not addressing and just tells us we have to replace it at our cost. Very disappointed that this hasn't been addressed in the past as many cars have been affected.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEJun 2023

Forward collision system has not been working properly for the past 3 years the car has been in for service for this problem the last time was March 1st 2023. I nearly had 3 accidents due to the system not working. The last contact was Holman Cadillac I was told by the service manager he would set up appt with the factory service rep and he has not gotten back to me by today's date June 12th 2023. Looking forward to hearing from someone about this problem I feel I am getting the runaround! Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

POWER TRAINFeb 2023

Please note GM PIP5146A...Chatter or Bind Feel on turns... AKA transmission shudder. According to Cadillac dealer in Durham, NC. The car needs it's rear differential replaced; 90,000 miles.. That is happening now. Ally, the extended warranty company, sent a technician to inspect the part. I don't know if the original part is still available. I 1st noticed the problem in Fall 2019. Shop invoice, 62,187miles, reflects differential fluid & filter change which temporarily, partially mitigated the problem for a few years. It never disappeared. I am not sure what the worse case safety scenario is. I never let it get that far.

EQUIPMENTOct 2022

Cue screen spiderd Causing you to not control radio at times I’m driving and my radio is on 12 and the volume and can out of nowhere jump up to like 60 you cannot turn it down even if you hold the button on the steering wheel This has happened multiple times I’ve had at the dealership they have seen the video and they’re telling me it’s possibly an electrical issue but it needs to be fixed before he causes an accident

UNKNOWN OR OTHERMar 2021

THIS IS MY 2N CUE SYSTEM STEREO, OTHER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE SCREEN IS NOW CRACKING AND AFFECTING VISIBILITY AND FUNCTION

VISIBILITYJul 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC XTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHATTERED GLASS ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. FRANKEL & CHESAPEAKE CADILLAC (10240 YORK RD, COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030, (410) 773-9246) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND HAD NOT YET SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,220.

STEERINGMay 2019

DRIVING THROUGH THE HILLS AND CURVES OF ARKANSAS I LOST POWER STEERING. I HAD TROUBLE FINDING A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF AND CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)Apr 2019

SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM ALERT IN DIC. WHILE DRIVING IN CITY, MULTIPLE ALERTS IN DASH BOARD AND INTERMITTENT BLACK OUT OF ALL GAGES AND INDICTORS TOTALLY UNPREDICTABLE, UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE.

POWER TRAINDec 2018

TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO GEAR AFTER SHIFTER IS MOVED WITH ENGINE RUNNING. DASHBOARD INDICATOR SHOWS SELECTED GEARS, BUT TRANSMISSION DOESN'T ENGAGE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDec 2017

THE CUE TOUCHSCREEN IS NOT WORKING. ALL WARNINGS AND SAFETY CO CERN'S WILL NOT SHOW. TRIED HARD RESET AS CADILLAC ADVISED WITH NO LUCK. CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND CADILLAC SAID THE COST IS OVER $ 1500. THE CAR IS TWO YEARS OLD AND CADILLAC AND GM KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2013 AND DID NOTHING TO REMEDY IT. IT'S A HAZARD AND AFTER SERVICING NONE OF THE WARNINGS CAN BE CHANGED. YOU CAN'T USE HANDS FREE CALLING ETC. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND DISTRACTING TO OPERATE A VEHICLE WITH THE INFORMATION CENTER INOPERABLE. CHECK THE INTERNET FOR THIS PROBLEM AND YOU WILL SEE THERE ARE THOUSANDS IF COMPLAINTS DATING BACK TO 2013. THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO.

1 InjurySUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAug 2017

A FAILURE OF THE SELF-LEVELING REAR AIR SPRING COMPRESSOR OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PARKING LOT. "SERVICE REAR LEVELING SYSTEM" WARNING WAS NOT ACTIVATED / DISPLAYED AS PUBLISHED IN VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL NOR DID ANY AUDIBLE ALERT SOUND, NOTIFYING DRIVER OF ANY IMPENDING PROBLEM. AS THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PASS OVER A SPEED BUMP AT IDLE SPEED, THE AUTOMOBILE SUBSEQUENTLY "BOTTOMED OUT" LEADING TO SIGNIFICANT SPINE INJURY. AUTOMOBILE WAS UN-DRIVEABLE AFTER INCIDENT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS VIA FLAT BED TRUCK. AFTER SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED, THE AUTOMOBILE CONTINUED TO HAVE AUDIBLE CREAKING IN REAR SUSPENSION WHILE TRAVELING OVER BUMPS AND DIPS IN THE ROAD. BOTH L AND R SHOCKS WERE REPLACED AFTER FIRST BEING INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED PER GM/CADILLAC REPAIR PROTOCOL AS REPORTED BY DEALERSHIP.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERFeb 2017

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED AND SHATTERED SENDING GLASS OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC, AS WELL AS GLASS RAINING DOWN INSIDE THE VEHICLE

AIR BAGSDec 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC XTS. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,393.

POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMApr 2025

In 2019, GM released service bulletin 18-NA-358 that confirms the company's knowledge of of defective parts in transmissions. I have a 2017 Cadillac XTS experiencing these symptoms and GM should be responsible for parts failing due to metal shavings. This needs to be a recall. The transmissions are not getting gas, shuddering, and stalling when accelerating. This shuddering has almost caused me to be in many accidents. The vehicle owner should not be responsible for replacing expensive parts and entire transmissions due to metal shavings stalling transmissions.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJan 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck, and the vehicle accelerated excessively. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that the failure occurred once while the contact was driving in a shopping store parking lot and the vehicle crashed into five staged shopping carts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was inspected by an inspector sent by the manufacturer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Showing 20 of 216 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Cadillac XTS

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

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 β€” but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Cadillac XTS has 216 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 XTS has 15 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. 5 of the Cadillac XTS's 216 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β€” a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) 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 β€” 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 XTS vehicles on the road β€” not any specific car. Two Cadillac XTS 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 β€” 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 XTS 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 XTS stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.

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By state

Check a Cadillac XTS 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 XTS.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Cadillac XTS reliability β€” frequently asked questions

Is the Cadillac XTS reliable?

Poor. The Cadillac XTS has 216 NHTSA owner complaints and 15 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Cadillac XTS years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2013 (103 complaints), 2014 (49 complaints), 2017 (24 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 XTS problems?

Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (78 complaints); SUSPENSION (40 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39 complaints).

Does the Cadillac XTS have recalls?

Yes β€” 15 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Cadillac XTS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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