DTRL failed and signal burned/melted I was unable to pass state inspection
The worst 2021 Cadillac XT4 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system5
- Electrical3
- Driver assistance2
- Engine2
- Airbags1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system5
- Electrical3
- Driver assistance2
- Engine2
- Airbags1
- Lights1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Seat belts: rear/other: retractor
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
- Risk
- An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
Recall number 21V649000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2021 Cadillac XT4
Defect investigations
Air Bag Malfunction
On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs.Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag inflator housing as the cause of the air bag MIL illumination. Illumination of the air bag MIL under these circumstances may result in a non-deployment of the frontal driver air bag during a frontal collision and increased risk of injury to the driver.GM stated a correlation exists between production delays due to the pandemic shutdown and premature corrosion initiation on the surface of the air bag inflator housing, which, in some cases, caused rust development during a seven (7) month period of vehicle production. In the rare instance when a rust particle dislodges from the driver air bag inflator housing and enters the air bag connector prior to assembly, an intermittent resistance spike at the air bag connector may result. The condition generates excessive resistance in the air bag electrical system when the steering wheel horn cover is manipulated or the steering wheel is turned. This excessive resistance is momentary. A crash commanding air bag deployment would need to occur exactly when the momentary excessive resistance occurs. Thus, there is a very low likelihood the hazard will present a risk during a crash of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment. This failure mechanism occurs early in life and results in an air bag MIL illumination that corresponds to a DTC warning the driver that the vehicle requires service. The vehicle's air bag remains functional while the MIL is illuminated, and the DTC is present.Once the connection of the driver air bag module to the clockspring is made at the plant, or at the dealership for service, there is no longer an opportunity for rust migration into the connection point. The connector is sealed and has gold terminals, eliminating the expectation of fretting corrosion. All subject vehicles passed standard corrosion validation testing for extensive corrosion with no issue of air bag non-deployment.There is a low rate of occurrence: 1.41 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV) for all related occurrences, and 0.04 IPTV for occurrences with a mention of visible rust and/or corrosion on the air bag inflator housing. The average occurrence mileage for the subject vehicles is approximately 2,100. Every occurrence related to the alleged defect experienced an air bag MIL illumination and there are no verified allegations of air bag non-deployment within all data sources.To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate, and the nature of early-life failure, the high detectability of failures, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at under the following identification numbers: 11537927, 11528888, 11525020, 11521401, 11506057, 11493107, 11486767, 11441525, 11433146, 11425658, 11423440, 11385267, 11376429, 11373466, 11366995.
PE21010
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Cadillac XT4 687
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Special Coverage
- This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories
- Unknown or other
- • Improvements to OnStar functionality.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- Unknown or other
- Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue
2021 Cadillac XT4 crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac XT4 SUV AWD | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | 4 | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | 4 |
| Cadillac XT4 SUV FWD | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | 4 | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | 4 |
2021 Cadillac XT4 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 24 | 30 | 26 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 22 | 29 | 24 |
What 2021 Cadillac XT4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
there is a recall on the 2021 cadillac xt4, fuel pump control module, N252516900, but my vin is not included. My vehicle seems to be having the same issue. The dealer has been unable to diagnose as it has been happening very sporadic and I don't drive often. Issue first occurred, vehicle would not start in June 2025, clicking noise, happened few times in December and now seems to occur more frequent. car will initially start but will stall and fail to start. vehicle usually starts and engine light stays on, but then engine light will go off within hours. Dealer indicated no error codes were stored. had onstar run a diagnostic today when I had issues and identified a fuel management system issue. In researching I located the recall notice and ran my vin.
Unknown
Vehicle stalled on the road,coming to a total stop,very dangerous because of the trafic.Vehicle cranks but not start.Fuel pump power control module failed,code p203f.Take to Vera Cadillac dealer for repair .This happened 2 times ,at 13765 milles and 29342 milles
Driving down the highway yesterday, I believe that the sunroof on my Cadillac XT4 exploded. It was a hot day and I heard a loud bang. My sunroof shattered and no rocks or other external debris to be found.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped, and was shifted into park but failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump control module and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,536.
Fuel pump module failed twice. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The first time I was driving the second time the car was parked and did not start. See below for details. Safety: Thankfully i was not driving 70+MPH down a busy highway when the car shut down. Given the past recall, the number of Cadillac owners experiencing the problem and that it's happened to me TWICE within three years, it's only a matter of time before serious injury or death occurs. First time: [XXX], Milage: 15,063 i was driving down a small-town highway doing 55 when the car stopped working. All power went off, no acceleration, difficulty steering. I was able to safely get to a side road. Had it towed to local Chevy dealer for repair. They diagnosed the issue: Bad fuel pump driver control module. Second time: [XXX], Milage: 34, 6112 The car was parked at my house and failed to start. Had it towed to local Cadillac dealership for repair. They diagnosed the issue: Bad fuel pump driver control module. Additional information I've found a previous recall on the fuel pump module from 2021 on Cadillac SUVs [XXX] I've found many forum posts of Cadillac users experiencing the same problem. This is just one link for XT4 and the last post from a user with the exact same problem was March 6, 2025, and another on Feb 4, 2025. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the signal turned green; however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged into motion. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft and transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing and exiting the residential driveway, the back over prevention sensor activated. The contact stated the back over prevention warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there were no obstacles behind the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was retrieved and shortly after exiting the dealer's lot, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact also stated that the vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken back to the original dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
When I turn on the vehicle, it will have no sound - audio, turn signal, and most importantly and concerning, seatbelt warning chime. the electrical issues also extend to the hvac sustain have been trying to get this resolved with two dealerships and Cadillac directly for 1.5 almost 2 years. The issues began about three weeks after my lease began. Cadillac directly and the dealerships have done nothing to resolve this and have continuously kicked it down the road with no resolution. I am not comfortable driving a vehicle in which seatbelt deatures are compromised.
Compare the 2021 Cadillac XT4
Other model years
Questions about the 2021 Cadillac XT4
Is the 2021 Cadillac XT4 reliable?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2021 Cadillac XT4, close to a typical XT4 model year.
What is the 2021 Cadillac XT4 year score?
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac XT4: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Cadillac XT4?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 5 complaints. Next is electrical (3).
How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac XT4 have?
1 recall, covering seat belts.
Is the 2021 Cadillac XT4 safe in a crash?
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: frontal 4, rollover 4 out of 5.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Cadillac XT4 get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Cadillac XT4 range from 24 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24 city and 30 highway.
VIN decoder
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