Power Train Problems of Cadillac XT5 - part 1

While driving at highway speeds, I needed to accelerate hard in order to pass another vehicle and while accelerating there was a downshift and increase in rpm. After passing, the rpm remained high even after I took foot off accelerator and it seemed the transmission did not shift back out of lower gear, keeping the car traveling at a high rate of speed, endangering myself and other traffic. Applying the brakes would not cause the engine to slow down and the engine kept working hard and traveling fast, causing strain on the brakes to slow down. I pulled over and initially shifted to neutral, but the engine was still revving high (4000 rpm observed). Then I placed the car in park which did not change the high rpm. Then I shut off engine and let it rest. Then I turned auto back on and all was normal. The problem has not yet been reported to dealer but will occur in coming days. There were no prior symptoms, problems, or warning lights on dash display prior to this occurring.

See all problems of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Xt5. The contact stated that while in drive and attempting to shift into reverse (r), the gear shifter knob fractured. The gear shifter shifted into park(p) and failed to respond as needed. The contact held the fractured piece in place to move the gear shifter. The message "gear conditions not met" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where dtc: p07b4, p07ba, p17a4, p17a8 were retrieved. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,756.

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The radiator had a leak that required replacement in my 2020 Cadillac Xt5. The car only had 30,000 miles. Because of that gm replaced the radiator for $600 instead of the standard cost of $2,000. This is the 3rd Cadillac of my relatives of similar age that had a radiator leak. The service manager admitted they are replacing at least 7 of these every week. In my opinion this is a manufacturing defect and should be replaced at no cost instead of a negotiated lower price. My concern is that gm is repairing these vehicles with the same parts that have failed so many times. It will likely happen again in less that 5 years. A second issue is the transmission was shuddering during acceleration. Gm replaced the torque converter under warranty. But I have read this is also a common problem with gm cars for several years. I think gm should have to come up with a solution and contact owners for a recall.

I purchased this used car in the end of July 2025. Within the last month the service transmission light came on. Within a 24-hour period, the message changed to, "service transmission unable to shift soon". Also alarm bells go off when I first start the car and sometimes during driving. The car feels like it drives correctly and smoothly with no shifting issues. Sometimes when that second message and check engine light icon being comes on, there seems to be a third message that is trying to pop up behind it but it does not. It seems like there is a glitch in the system. This was very concerning and scary for me. My research shows me that this has been a chronic problem for my make and model and year of car. I've also heard it can be even time to check and or change the transmission fluid. That needs to be a different message all together without causing alarm that the transmission itself is not functioning properly. I have not driven this for 10 days because many repair shops in dealerships are telling me not to risk it and of course want me to bring this in for a diagnosis. It is costly and hard to discern and trust who to go to for the correct information. The dealership should be responsible for a recall and replacing this sensor or modular so people do not have a cause for alarm if it is something as simple as needing to change the transmission fluid. There is also no dipstick on this vehicle so no local fluid fill station can check this. Many people have complained and are at a loss. I see there is a bulletin on this subject but no recall. Please take action and turn this situation into a recall once and for all to help. The little folks like me stay more safe and better informed about the health and longevity of our vehicles. Thank you for your time in reading this.

See all problems of the 2017 Cadillac XT5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Xt5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 - 15 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. There was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to return the vehicle to the dealer for more diagnostic testing, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 23,000.

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The car has a shudder/vibrate and what feels like jerking at certain speeds. I have a 2023 Xt5 premium luxury 3. 6 however, I have taken multiple times to big o tires had tires replaced, brakes, lower control arms, I still had a vibration issue. Took back to big o due to tire balance issue but came back tires and balance and alignment were fine. I was told that big o, hooked the car up to a tps machine and stated my torque convertor needs replaced. My car only has 51,500 miles. They stated that the shudder is between gears 3 & 4. I understand my car powertrain and drive train are under the 70,000 mile warranty. But I keep hearing this is major issue with the 2023 Xt5. Making me think I have a lemon since the issue is already happening on such a new car.

See all problems of the 2023 Cadillac XT5 🔎.

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.

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.

I have a 2017 Cadillac Xt5 which the transmission is kicking and has a shattering issue car was just over the warranty and was told I have to pay for a replacement car had 70k miles and was told from a mechanic that there was a recall on these cars when I checked my VIN the car is not under recall but is presenting the same issue as the ones under recall. . I took it to amoco replace fluid and car still has issue. Iam trying to see my options on how to go about it. .

When driving on the interstate traveling roughly 70 miles an hour went to accelerate and vehicle transmission made a hard shift and clunk. Then rpms all transmission started slipping attempted to use paddle shifter to change gear felt transmission engage a different gear than instantly disengage felt like vehicle was in neutral vehicle would not even allow me to drive at any speed had to coast with flashers on until I was able to find a safe area to pull onto the shoulder. Was told by the dealer, lots of metal found in the transmission. Transmission codes were. P0700, p0796, p2732, p18ab, p18ad , p187d vehicle was making whining sound like a cracked valve body inside the transmission. Requested failure analysis from gm Cadillac, and still have not received results was told by the dealer it was like the transmission was worn out. There was a lot of clutch material. No warning, signs or symptoms of the failure. Have had the vehicle back for three weeks and the new transmission is shuttering, feels like it’s slipping slightly sometimes and having issues already still waiting on an opening to bring the vehicle back to dealership again. The nine speed transmission is having issues like the rest of gm’s transmissions and the only one that has not received a huge recall like the rest. Cadillac rep stated when that issue occurs under 3000 miles they typically replace the transmission. No transmission will receive failure analysis if it is replaced like I think. Had appointment at Cadillac. Dealership today scheduled supposed to drop vehicle off and receive a loaner vehicle when I arrived found out they did not have a loaner vehicle told them I felt like it was not safe to drive with the transmission acting up and notified Cadillac rep I felt it was not safe to drive Cadillac wrap was not helpful. And did not offer any real assistance. Had to bring car back twice already due to exhaust leak after transmission was replaced. Cadillac rep. Never responds to any email sent.

Driving vehicle when it lost all power and stopped. On a main road . No lights, no start. No emergency flashers ! vehicle had to be towed to dealer ! vehicle was stuck on main road in traffic. And could not be moved because since it had no power at all was stuck in park!.

The coolant thermostat was broken and gave two check engine codes p0128 and p0128p. Ac was not functioning when the thermostat was not working, which can be dangerous in summer. It is also a very common problem with Cadillac Xt5 and GMC acadia.

First it was adaptive shifting three days after having it, then it was the thermostat, now it’s needing a new right rear hub assembly but my main concern is the shuttering when I am accelerating. The ride is not smooth. There is a chatter happening when I drive it. It makes me very nervous. I have went to one mechanic to diagnose so far and he said to have the transmission flushed first but it may need the torque converter replaced.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Xt5. The contact stated driving at various speeds, he noticed that the floorboard was vibrating. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven and the transmission fluid was replaced; however, the failure recurred more increasingly. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v172000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

The vehicle made a loud racing noise like a truck and won’t move forward. I was driving on a busy street. I pulled over and turned the vehicle off, then restarted several times the check transmission light finally came on. I called for a tow and it was taken to the dealership after several days, I was advised that some of the components to the transmission were put in the the vehicle incorrectly.

Vehicle was shifting erratically and drastically delayed in the lower gears. Additionally, the vehicle was lurching and bucking. I was advised it may be the ring gear. The vehicle has 1034 miles.

The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Xt5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a vehicle ahead, the forward warning collision system failed to activate, requiring the contact to swerve in order to avoid a collision. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the sensors, informing the contact that the sensors needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with manual mode activated, upon reaching 9th gear, the vehicle lost significant motive power and was unable to continue to accelerate. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 9,200.

Brand new 2024 Xt5, 9 speed transmission, loss of power. Had to be towed to Cadillac dealership. I had vehicle for two weeks and as of this day almost three weeks latter no parts to fix. Gm has been notified with no answer. It seems the recall needs to be extended to 2024 gm vehicles.

The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Xt5. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle lost motive power with the rpm at 5,000. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had slowed down for traffic and was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and became an intermittent failure. Additionally, the vehicle was jerking into gear. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.

Check engine light (power reduced steering drive safely) notice came on. Code reads p0128, coolant below thermostat regulating temperature. This is an on going issue with Cadillac. It’s definitely a defect because if you go on youtube you will see it’s not just my vehicle even on low miles vehicles. Then you are left with no choice but to get repaired at the dealer only to be ripped off. 180 for diagnostic testing at dealer to find out this is an ongoing issue across the us.

The thermostat is malfunctioning. Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles. Driving vehicle and dash warning" steering assist is reduced drive with care", also the temperature gauge was showing cold and this was after driving for over 30 minutes. Contacted local dealer and was informed this is a known problem with the thermostat sticking open. If this had been in the summer the a/c would not have worked. I was informed I could bring in the vehicle to have the codes cleared and the parts would have to be ordered. Due to backlog of parts, it was unknown when the parts would be available. In searching internet there are a significant number of owners who have experienced the same issue. In consulting the mechanic, I use, I was informed this is an issue with the motor in my vehicle. The same motor is in other GMC products, and he has 3 vehicles in his shop with the same issue waiting parts.

I was driving on the freeway, came to a stop as traffic increased, then the car shut off m. I had no power, could not get out of the vehicle, no hazards, no tail lights, nothing. I had a complete panic attack, I thought I was going to die. I called onstar from my cell, they could even locate me. After 30 mins, calling 911, texting the representative from the dealership in which I purchased the car, it turned back on. Either the car was shut off with a signal or there is a serious hazardous issue that needs to be addressed.

When you put the car in gear it jumps. Now leaking transmission fluid, and transmission needs to be replaced. This has been ongoing and I explained this numerous times in the past 4 years.

When you put the car in park, reverse, drive it jumps forward or back.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Xt5. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle veered to the side of the road. Additionally, the gear shifter malfunctioned and the light to indicate that the vehicle was parked, was inoperable. The abs, check engine, powertrain malfunction, and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that unknown part needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Thermostat gets stuck, gives a steering wheel assist alert. Ac not working and motor sounds like it is in overdrive. Engine temp stays cold.

Excessive play in transmission. Clunking sound when driving all the time. . Seems loose in park mode also.

See all problems of the 2022 Cadillac XT5 🔎.

11/12/2022 / at highway speed vehicle became unresponsive to throttle. Engine would increase in rpms as indicated on tach and speedometer would show increased speed, but acceleration was not noticeable and a gear grinding sound was heard. Unable to move vehicle in any direction. Vehicle towed to dealer and was told the left front axel pulled out of transmission. Dealer was asked to return defective drive shaft to gm but was never sent. All this with only 147 miles on odometer. 01/14/2023 / second time this happened was at 453 miles on odometer and was on interstate. After discussion’s with service manager was told that on January 6 2022 an engineering bulletin was issued addressing this issue (#pie0732a) that states (if you have a 2023 vehicle (acadia, blazer, enclave, traverse, Xt5, xt6) built between September 15 and october31,2022 with this condition, please replace the transmission and axle. ) a statement was made that gm was not replacing all transmissions on all affected vehicles only those with have the drive shaft fall out. This presents a safety to consumers by allowing a defective vehicle on the roads that could loose power and or control in a moment of emergency that could cause a crash.

Check engine code p0128. Driver assistance, air conditioning and steering affect.

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Xt5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard abnormal noises coming from the vehicle. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 34,817.

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Xt5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would fail to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while in 4th gear or after a complete stop. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they have been unable to duplicate the failure and stated that they had never heard of such a failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Xt5. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the gear shifter would not shift out of the park position. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 19,000.

Transmission while at a red light/complete stop car will jerk out of nowhere for no reason. It also did it while driving down hill at a steady speed of 70 mph. Could have been a bad accident if a big rig or other vehicles would have been behind me.

For about 2 years now we have been receiving a service transmission soon warning from our 2017 Cadillac Xt5 but every time we take it in to Cadillac they state that they can't duplicate the warning. I have pictures documenting almost every time the message has come up except for two time including the most recent as I didn't have my phone on me at the time. It has been to Cadillac 3 or 4 times for this. The most recent time we received this message there was a message following that stated your transmission will not be able to shift soon while on the xpressway and we were drive 65 mph with our kids in the car, I was not able to get pictures this time as my husband was driving and I didn't have my phone on me. We have taken it to Cadillac and they say they can't duplicate the message and they received no code warnings. We have been hearing strange sound during gear shifts and the transmission sounds like it is working really hard around the times whenever we received these messages. The car also handles very differently and difficultly during this time. We are highly concerned as this could cause a major accident if the transmission doesn't shift while driving especially while on the highway.

Stabilize warning keeps coming on and says to set parking break as well. Reading about this, it is a very common warning that causes the stability sensors to fail and increase likelihood of a crash for something that is supposed to be a saftey feature on this vehicle. This creates an unnecessary saftey hazard that Cadillac will not admit to or fix. This seems to only happen when sitting still at a stop light or stop sign.