Cadillac XTS Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used Cadillac XTS options? We analyzed 7 model years (2013β2019) 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 XTS you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac XTS has 216 owner complaints and 15 safety recalls across model years 2013β2019. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2013 drew the most complaints; 2019 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- XTS
- Model years analyzed
- 2013β2019 (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
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.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β 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
PoorThe 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.
- 216 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 15 federal recall campaigns
- 5 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: Jun 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
15 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
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2013β2019. 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.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
216 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.
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 Iβve 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.
The passenger present module in seat isnβt working with air bag. Per Cadillac passenger seat module is inside the seat and needs replaced.
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.
BRAKES FAILED TO COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE ONCE WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND AGAIN WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT
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
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.
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).
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.
Cue screen spiderd Causing you to not control radio at times Iβm 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 Iβve had at the dealership they have seen the video and theyβre telling me itβs possibly an electrical issue but it needs to be fixed before he causes an accident
THIS IS MY 2N CUE SYSTEM STEREO, OTHER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE SCREEN IS NOW CRACKING AND AFFECTING VISIBILITY AND FUNCTION
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.
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.
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.
TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO GEAR AFTER SHIFTER IS MOVED WITH ENGINE RUNNING. DASHBOARD INDICATOR SHOWS SELECTED GEARS, BUT TRANSMISSION DOESN'T ENGAGE.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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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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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Keep researching before you buy
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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.