Total Complaints
86 filings
CADILLAC XT5 · model year
86 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2018CADILLACXT5 carries 86 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 XT5 is engine with 13 filings, followed by unknown or other (12) and electrical system (11). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2018 XT5, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
86 filings
Crashes Reported
4 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 13 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10 |
| STEERING | 10 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| TIRES | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 2 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| SEATS | 2 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 1 |
To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to formally report a safety concern involving my 2018 Cadillac XT5, VIN [XXX] . Recently, my vehicle displayed a âSteering Assist Reducedâ message on the dashboard while driving. This warning significantly increases the physical effort required to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds, and I believe it presents a genuine safety hazard.Upon taking the vehicle to an authorized Cadillac dealership, I was informed that the vehicle had stored diagnostic trouble code P0128 (Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature). The dealer explained that a malfunctioning thermostat caused the steering assist reduction message to appear. However, at no point did the vehicle illuminate a Check Engine Light, despite the presence of an emissionsârelated fault code.I am concerned for several reasons:A critical engine fault (P0128) did not trigger a Check Engine Light, leaving me unaware of any underlying issue. The vehicle reduced power
To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to formally report a safety concern involving my 2018 Cadillac XT5, VIN [XXX] . Recently, my vehicle displayed a âSteering Assist Reducedâ message on the dashboard while driving. This warning significantly increases the physical effort required to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds, and I believe it presents a genuine safety hazard.Upon taking the vehicle to an authorized Cadillac dealership, I was informed that the vehicle had stored diagnostic trouble code P0128 (Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature). The dealer explained that a malfunctioning thermostat caused the steering assist reduction message to appear. However, at no point did the vehicle illuminate a Check Engine Light, despite the presence of an emissionsârelated fault code.I am concerned for several reasons:A critical engine fault (P0128) did not trigger a Check Engine Light, leaving me unaware of any underlying issue. The vehicle reduced power
Brakes failure. Approaching a busy intersection and facing a red light, I slowed and prepared to stop the vehicle. Nothing happened with regard to braking; instead, the engine seemed to rev up as it continued through the red-lighted intersection with 2 lanes of busy cross traffic from both directions. That there was not a collision is a miracle. I also noticed some flashing displays on the display screen, though hard to take time to read them while avoiding a crash and still trying to stop the car, but I believe they referenced "parking assist." My husband came and drove the car to the dealership (about 3 mi.), and during that drive, there was no braking issue but a Parking Assist readout suddenly appeared, and he was able to return the screen to the map; then a few minutes later, while driving under 20 mph near the dealership there was a notice about "maximum speed" being reached and "parking assist" being somehow reactivated. Vehicle currently at dealership for
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle required several attempts before restarting. After the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Mileage: 40,000
While waiting at a light, then the car shut off. Lossing all power. I could not get out of the vehicle, no hazards, no lights, nothing. After several pulls of the door handle I was able to open the door but the hazard light was not able to come one. After 4 attempts to engage break to push start the vehicle on ethe brake locked up and would not disengage. Total screen black out, no power no hazards. After some time, the brake released screen activated and I was able to press the brake and try to start the car again. It did not work but was now able to turn on hazards. After 15 mins, I tried again and it cranked up normal. I had new battery in June 2025 and 60K Maintenance services in Aug 2025. This happen in Oct 2025.
While waiting at a light, then the car shut off. Lossing all power. I could not get out of the vehicle, no hazards, no lights, nothing. After several pulls of the door handle I was able to open the door but the hazard light was not able to come one. After 4 attempts to engage break to push start the vehicle on ethe brake locked up and would not disengage. Total screen black out, no power no hazards. After some time, the brake released screen activated and I was able to press the brake and try to start the car again. It did not work but was now able to turn on hazards. After 15 mins, I tried again and it cranked up normal. I had new battery in June 2025 and 60K Maintenance services in Aug 2025. This happen in Oct 2025.
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, the front driver's side seat independently moved forward and backward. The contact stated that the driver's side rearview mirror independently folded inwards. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was persistent and scary. The contact stated that during the failure, the driver's seat independently moved forward, and the contact was pushed up to the dashboard. The contact stated that when the front driver's seat independently moved backwards, the contact was pushed to the rear of the vehicle, and the foot failed to remain on the brake pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Cadillac XT5 had a âsteering assist is reducedâ message on the driver information center. P0128 Code
Cadillac XT5 had a âsteering assist is reducedâ message on the driver information center. P0128 Code
Cadillac XT5 had a âsteering assist is reducedâ message on the driver information center. P0128 Code
2018 xt5 code p128 steering assist is reduced drive with care its only has 37.282 miles on it steering got hard to control
Message on dashboard "steering assistance reduced drive with caution". Messages appeared April 2025 and July 2025. Previously electric module needed to be replaced. Steering message caused me to be very cautious. Radiator had to be replaced because of leak. Both issues repaired at dealership. Vehicle has less than 40,000 miles.
Message on dashboard "steering assistance reduced drive with caution". Messages appeared April 2025 and July 2025. Previously electric module needed to be replaced. Steering message caused me to be very cautious. Radiator had to be replaced because of leak. Both issues repaired at dealership. Vehicle has less than 40,000 miles.
Message on dashboard "steering assistance reduced drive with caution". Messages appeared April 2025 and July 2025. Previously electric module needed to be replaced. Steering message caused me to be very cautious. Radiator had to be replaced because of leak. Both issues repaired at dealership. Vehicle has less than 40,000 miles.
My 2018 Cadillac XT5 has a serious water intrusion issueâwater is leaking into the interior cabin through the sunroof or roof seams. This appears to be the result of a known manufacturer defect covered in GMâs Technical Service Bulletin TSB 19-NA-167. The leak has caused significant water accumulation on the floor, raising concerns about mold, electrical failure, and corrosion. I brought the vehicle to a Cadillac dealership, and they confirmed the issue. The total repair estimate is around $7,900. Cadillac offered partial goodwill coverage, but I am still being required to pay $3,400 plus tax out of pocket. I have authorized the repairs but am seeking reimbursement for the portion Cadillac is not covering, as this is not normal wear and tearâit is a clear defect in manufacturing that poses safety and health risks. GM should be fully covering this issue for affected vehicles.
Engine thermostat defective, which causes the computer to speed up radiator fans, and causes temperature gauge to read zero. Dealer replaced under warranty at 68,000 miles and same problem reoccurred at 90,000 miles. Common problem on Cadillac XT5âs (all years)
Engine thermostat defective, which causes the computer to speed up radiator fans, and causes temperature gauge to read zero. Dealer replaced under warranty at 68,000 miles and same problem reoccurred at 90,000 miles. Common problem on Cadillac XT5âs (all years)
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Mileage: 86,000
Rear toe arms are malfunctioning barely drive vehicle on 54342 mileage on vehicle. Having to do with steering jeopardize Leicester on my and my family. VMy vehicle has been inspected. This issue has been inspected by Cadillac mechanics and indicated needs immediate attention. No indicator lights were illuminated to inform me of danger. I am impalled about this situation and I shouldnât be charged for this mechanical default.
I received a Steering Assist is Reduced message and the cooling fan ramped up to full speed. In contacting Cadillac, it seems that it is a below temperature error for the thermostat. Unsure what the thermostat has to do with steering. Also in researching this, this is a wide spread issue and needs to be a recall. My XT5 has 48000 miles on it and the powertrain warranty expired 3 months ago. I believe this should be a recall and should be repaired by the manufacture as it could cause a safety issue while driving.
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
Rear-View Camera Failure
Roof Skin Separation While Driving
IEE Passenger Sensing System Mats
REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENT FAILURE
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.