Best and Worst Cadillac XT5 Years: What to Buy & Avoid

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David Lawrence

You’re likely aware that the Cadillac XT5 has been a popular luxury SUV choice since its 2017 debut. What you might not know is that nearly 40% of XT5 owners have reported issues with their vehicle. This staggering statistic raises questions about the model’s reliability, particularly in regards to specific model years. As you delve into the market for a used XT5, it’s vital to understand which years to approach with caution and which ones are considered the most reliable – a distinction that can make all the difference in your ownership experience.

Cadillac XT5 Best And Worst Years

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is the worst year to buy due to electrical glitches, engine troubles, and brake performance issues.
  • The 2020 Cadillac XT5 and newer models are the most reliable years, with fewer complaints and improved performance.
  • Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent mechanical issues, prolong the vehicle’s longevity, and save on repair costs.
  • Common problems in the Cadillac XT5 include electrical, engine, brake, transmission, and electrical system issues.
  • Thorough pre-purchase inspections, checking for recalls, and reviewing the vehicle’s history report are essential when buying a used Cadillac XT5.

Cadillac XT5 Overview and Reliability Concerns

As you consider the Cadillac XT5, it’s essential to understand its history and reliability concerns.

Introduced in 2017, this midsize luxury crossover SUV replaced the SRX, boasting a sleek design, roomy interior, and advanced tech features.

However, some model years have been plagued by electrical problems and engine issues.

When searching for a used Cadillac XT5, be cautious of XT5 years to avoid, which are prone to these faults.

Utilize the CoPilot car shopping app to find reliable models.

Regular maintenance and thorough pre-purchase inspections are crucial to ensuring a comfortable and issue-free ownership experience.

The Worst Years: 2017 Cadillac XT5 Issues

You’ll want to steer clear of the 2017 Cadillac XT5, which is plagued by a multitude of issues.

Electrical glitches are rampant, causing power loss while driving, faulty key fobs, and infotainment system malfunctions.

Additionally, engine troubles, brake problems, and other safety concerns make this model year a reliability nightmare.

Electrical Glitches Abound

The 2017 Cadillac XT5’s electrical system is a minefield of glitches and malfunctions, making it a frustrating and potentially hazardous ride.

You’ll encounter sudden and complete power loss while driving, leaving you stranded.

Key fobs mysteriously fail, and the infotainment system freezes or crashes, disabling navigation and backup cameras.

The auto stop-start feature causes dangerous lurches into intersections and unintended deceleration.

Brake pedals lose resistance and sink to the floor, compromising stopping power.

These electrical issues can lead to unexpected emergency brake activation, putting you and others at risk.

Engine Troubles Persist

Beyond the electrical glitches, the 2017 Cadillac XT5’s engine troubles are equally disturbing, making this luxury SUV a reliability nightmare.

You’ll experience unexplained oil consumption, sudden power loss, and a problematic auto stop-start feature that causes dangerous lurches into intersections.

Some owners reported alarming roaring noises followed by abrupt, unintended deceleration, and in extreme cases, the XT5 completely froze mid-drive, refusing to move even when the accelerator was pressed.

These engine troubles, combined with infotainment system glitches and key fob failures, make the 2017 XT5 a hazardous ride, and its automatic emergency braking feature can’t be relied upon to save you.

Brake Issues Linger

Owners of the 2017 Cadillac XT5 faced another disturbing reality: brake issues that compromised safety and left them feeling helpless.

You may have experienced sudden power loss when pressing the brake pedals, which would sink to the floor with little resistance. A faulty master cylinder was often the culprit, causing unpredictable braking performance.

Alarming roaring noises, unintended deceleration, and brake lockups were common complaints. To make matters worse, advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking failed to activate when needed, making the brake system a significant safety concern.

It’s vital to address these brake issues to guarantee your safety on the road.

2018 and 2019 Cadillac XT5 Problems

You’re likely aware that the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Cadillac XT5 models have their fair share of problems.

The 2017 XT5 suffered from electrical issues, including complete power loss while driving, and engine troubles like sudden power loss on highways.

The 2018 XT5 still had engine woes, including unexpected shutdowns while driving, and electrical system faults continued.

The 2019 XT5 showed some improvement but had faults like faulty thermostats and power loss or transmission hiccups.

When considering a used Cadillac XT5, it’s essential to be aware of these common issues in these luxury SUVs.

Most Reliable Years: 2020 Cadillac XT5 and Beyond

You’ll find that the 2020 Cadillac XT5 and newer models stand out for their reliability, with fewer complaints and improved performance.

The 2020 XT5, for instance, has only five recalls and nine complaints from the NHTSA website, making it a solid choice.

As you delve into these models, you’ll discover that they’ve refined their features and addressed previous issues, resulting in a more dependable driving experience.

Fewer Complaints

The Cadillac XT5’s reliability takes a significant leap forward with the 2020 model year, marking a turning point in the vehicle’s history.

As you search for a used luxury SUV for Sale Near Me, you’ll notice the 2020 XT5 has only five recalls and nine complaints from the NHTSA website, making it one of the most reliable years.

Regular maintenance is crucial to the XT5’s longevity, and thorough pre-purchase inspections are recommended to guarantee a reliable vehicle.

With fewer reported issues, the 2020 and newer XT5 models offer a comfortable interior and decent performance, making them a solid choice.

Improved Performance

Building on its newfound reliability, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 and subsequent models have also seen significant improvements in performance.

As a reliable Cadillac XT5 year, the 2020 model boasts improved engine performance, making it a top pick for those seeking a luxury crossover.

You’ll appreciate the nicer interior and better technology integration, including advanced safety features like driver assistance features.

As one of the best used cars, the 2020 XT5 is a smart preowned choice.

Regular maintenance is still vital to guarantee peak performance, but with a used model like this, you can drive away with confidence.

Identifying the Best Used Cadillac XT5 for Sale

Five years into its production run, the Cadillac XT5 has established itself as a reliable luxury crossover, but some model years stand out as better than others.

If you’re shopping for a used XT5, you’ll want to focus on the 2020 and 2021 models, which boast impressive reliability records with few recalls and complaints.

Avoid the 2017 and 2018 models, plagued by electrical and engine issues.

Regular maintenance and thorough pre-purchase inspections are vital to the XT5’s longevity.

Use the CoPilot car shopping app to find the best used Cadillac XT5 for sale near you, and prioritize these top years for a hassle-free ownership experience.

Popular Car Searches and Used Makes and Models

You’re likely searching for a reliable luxury vehicle, and Cadillac XT5 is one of the many options you’re considering.

Cadillac is a popular make, with over 19,000 XT5s for sale. When searching for a used Cadillac, you’ll find it’s a midsize luxury crossover that offers a mix of size and value.

You can use apps like CoPilot to find the best used cars near you, including other popular models like the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, and Hyundai SUV.

If you’re looking for an SUV for sale near you, consider exploring different makes and models to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Year

When selecting a used Cadillac XT5, the model year can greatly impact your ownership experience.

You’ll want to choose a year that’s known for its reliability and performance. Researching the best years of used Cadillac XT5s can help you make an informed decision.

For instance, the 2020 XT5 is considered one of the most reliable years, with only five recalls and nine complaints from the NHTSA website.

On the other hand, the 2017 XT5 is one to avoid due to its high number of reported issues.

Avoiding Problematic Years for a Smooth Ride

The Cadillac XT5’s model year significantly impacts its overall performance and reliability.

You’ll want to steer clear of the 2017 XT5, the worst year to buy, due to its numerous electrical problems, engine troubles, and brake performance issues.

The 2018 model isn’t much better, with transmission and electrical system problems plaguing it.

Instead, consider the 2020 or 2021 XT5, which have fewer recalls and complaints, making them reliable years.

Regular maintenance and thorough pre-purchase inspections are key to ensuring a smooth ride and longevity.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Cadillac XT6, Cadillac XT4, Cadillac DTS and Cadillac CTS-V. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

About the author
David Lawrence
David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.