2020 Cadillac XT5 Problems: 12 Known Issues

On the 2017-2025 Cadillac XT5, the XT5 V6 models use the GM 3.6L V6 (LGX) which has improved timing chains over earlier versions but is not immune to timing chain stretch at higher mileage. The LGX is better than the earlier LFX but still uses three timing chains with plastic guides. Issues typically appear later (100,000-150,000 miles) compared to earlier 3.6L variants. The 2020+ XT5 2.0T models use a different engine (LSY) and are not affected by this issue.

On the 2020-2025 Cadillac XT5 2.0L turbo I4 (LSY), gM 21-NA-240, revised January 2025, addresses oil leaks on LSY-equipped vehicles including the XT5. An improper amount of sealant at the cam carrier can be a cause. Oil from this area can appear to originate at the camshaft carrier, front cover, lower oil pan or timing-chain upper cover. The bulletin does not establish the source of every leak and does not cover the LGX V6.

On the 2017-2020 Cadillac XT5, multiple XT5 owners report the fixed front panel or the sliding panel of the panoramic UltraView sunroof exploding without any impact, typically while driving at 55-70 mph. Owners describe a gunshot-like bang followed by tempered glass falling into the cabin. The failure pattern is consistent with edge stress in the tempered laminate combined with body flex in the large roof opening, and it is reported across 2017-2019 in NHTSA filings with no recall issued.

On the 2017-2025 Cadillac XT5, the power liftgate struts lose their charge and fail to hold the liftgate open, causing it to slowly close or fall. The motorized struts can also operate erratically, stopping mid-travel or failing to open fully. In cold weather, the struts may not have enough force to lift the gate at all.

On the 2020 Cadillac XT5, gM recalled certain 2020 Cadillac XT5 crossovers because their Continental tires were cured for too long during manufacture. The recall record gives two failure paths for an over-cured tire: a break in the sidewall that vents the air suddenly, or a belt edge separation that lets the tread and belt come off. Either can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. The campaign is not limited to factory-fitted tires — it also covers Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for a range of 2018-2021 vehicles, which is worth knowing if the XT5 has been re-shod since new.

On the 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, on 2020-2021 XT5, XT6 and GMC Acadia models optioned with Surround Vision, the coaxial cable connector feeding the rear camera may be improperly crimped. The connection degrades and the rearview image goes black, freezes, or fails to appear when reverse is selected. Separately, non-recall XT5 owners across 2020-2023 report the backup camera taking 15-20 seconds to switch out of night mode and grid lines being nearly invisible in bright sun - a display-calibration complaint distinct from the crimp defect.

On the 2017-2022 Cadillac XT5, gM bulletin 21-NA-183 covers 2017-2022 XT5 (up to a 2022 VIN breakpoint) along with related GM crossovers. Customers may report intermittently inoperative door locks, instrument-panel lamps illuminating, immobilizer concerns, or unwanted horn or hazard-flasher operation, and technicians may find BCM codes B3125, B3130, B3135, B3979 or B3980 along with various U codes. GM attributes the condition to possible water intrusion to the Body Control Module from the HVAC drain hose leaking at its connection to the HVAC module.

On the 2020 Cadillac XT5, gM safety recall N202314760 covers certain 2020 XT5 vehicles equipped with AWD RPO F48 and F46. Burrs inside the fuel-pump mixing tube can prevent transfer from the secondary side of the tank, obstruct fuel flow at low fuel level and cause an unexpected engine stall.

On the 2017-2025 Cadillac XT5, the Cadillac XT5 uses an 8-speed (2017-2019) or 9-speed (2020+) automatic transmission. The 8-speed shares the torque converter shudder issue with other GM 8-speed vehicles. The 9-speed (GM 9T50/9T65) can have harsh shifts, delayed engagement, and shift hunting. Both transmissions have been subject to multiple software calibration updates from GM. The 9-speed is particularly sensitive to fluid condition and requires proper Dexron HP fluid.

On the 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, gM PIP5608F covers 2020-2021 XT5 vehicles with 9-speed transmissions RPO M3G or M3W when torque-converter clutch shudder occurs on re-apply after a shift at 40 mph or below. GM identifies possible excessive assembly lubricant in the fluid and requires confirmation with TCC slip data or the scan-tool command test.

On the 2017-2020 Cadillac XT5 LGX 3.6L V6, the engine thermostat on the 3.6L LGX V6 commonly sticks in the open position, so the engine never reaches its target operating temperature. The ECM sets P0128 and, because the electric power steering assist and A/C compressor operation are both load-managed off engine/coolant state, the driver gets a 'Steering Assist is Reduced - Drive With Care' message and loses A/C, sometimes with noticeably heavier steering effort. Owners across 2017-2019 report this as the single most-repeated XT5 fault in NHTSA filings, often with the replacement thermostat housing on national backorder. It is a cooling-system fault masquerading as a steering and HVAC fault, which is why many owners are first quoted power-steering diagnostics.

On the 2017-2025 Cadillac XT5, the front brake rotors warp prematurely, causing steering wheel vibration and brake pedal pulsation during moderate to hard braking. The issue is attributed to the heavy vehicle weight combined with rotors that are borderline in thickness for the application. Aggressive braking or mountain driving accelerates warping.