2022 Cadillac XT5 Problems: 10 Known Issues

On the 2021-2024 Cadillac XT5, gM bulletin 20-NA-136 (May 2024) gives a diagnostic and repair strategy for 9T65 nine-speed automatics (RPO M3W/M3V) in 2021-2024 XT5 and related GM crossovers that set transmission DTCs with less than 12,000 miles on the odometer. It points technicians to PIP5974 for a clutch snap-ring pop-out that can set P0746/P0747. Depending on which solenoid-related codes reproduce on a road test and on fluid condition, the bulletin calls for replacing the solenoid body and/or control valve body, and for removing the transmission to inspect the clutches when the fluid is dark and burnt. The earlier replacement pilot program has ended.

On the 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 3.6L V6 (LGX), recall 23V172 / GM N222389310 covers selected 2022–2023 XT5 vehicles with a dimensionally incorrect transmission sun gear. The June 2023 filing identifies 1,023 XT5s built April 1–December 19, 2022; the 2.0L four-cylinder is excluded. A driver-side half-shaft can disengage, causing loss of propulsion or mechanical Park and a crash or roll-away risk. Grinding or clicking from the front may occur. Vehicle eligibility is determined from manufacturing and transmission records, not the model year alone.

On the 2017-2025 Cadillac XT5, the Cadillac XT5 uses an 8-speed (2017-2019) or 9-speed (2020+) automatic transmission. The 8-speed is an Aisin-built AF50-8 (RPO MRC), not one of the GM 8L45/8L90 units covered by GM's torque converter shudder bulletin 18-NA-355. The 9-speed (GM 9T60/9T65) 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 VI fluid.

On the 2017-2025 Cadillac XT5 3.6L V6 (LGX), 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 2017-2022 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 2022 Cadillac XT5, a safety recall covers certain 2022 Cadillac XT5 models for a fuel tank rollover valve that may not provide a proper seal in the event of a rollover crash. The valve sits in the fuel tank assembly and is meant to close the tank off when the vehicle is inverted or on its side. GM found that it may be dislodged or missing on affected vehicles, so the seal it is supposed to make will not happen. The result, per NHTSA's consequence statement, is a fuel leak during a rollover crash and an increased fire risk. Owners should treat this as a latent safety defect rather than a fault to watch for: nothing about how the XT5 starts, drives, idles or fills up will reveal it, and it matters only in the one crash scenario the valve exists to handle. That makes a VIN check the only practical way to know where a given XT5 stands.

On the 2022 Cadillac XT5, this is an assembly-process recall rather than a design defect. On certain 2022 Cadillac XT5 crossovers, the left-rear suspension toe link may have been tightened improperly, so the fastener that secures it can be loose — or, per the remedy language, missing. GM warns that a loose toe link can separate, and that separation causes a loss of vehicle control with an increased risk of a crash, which is why this one carries a high severity rather than being a wait-until-your-next-service item. NHTSA filed it as campaign 22V427000 under SUSPENSION:REAR; GM's internal number is N222364330. The 2022 Cadillac XT6 and 2022 GMC Acadia fall under the same campaign. NHTSA lists 736 vehicles in the campaign across all three models.

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.

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 power liftgate can also operate erratically: GM bulletin 20-NA-232 (2017-2021 XT5) covers a liftgate that stops after opening only slightly or will not power-close, with DTC B153F set, caused by misaligned terminals in the liftgate object-sensor connector rather than a failed strut. In cold weather, the struts may not have enough force to lift the gate at all.