2017 Cadillac XT5: loss of power steering

Filed May 16, 2025 · Steering · 78,146 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist had failed. The contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 78,146.

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Engine · TX

This model Cadillac XT5 has early failures of engine cooling systems thermostats. The thermostat sticks open causing lower engine temperatures and higher emissions. The first sign you have an issue is a reduced power steering assist message on the instrument display. The engine control module stores a p0128 code as current. Continue driving the vehicle the ECM will shut off AC compressor engagement, so no AC. The next thing that happens is you lose temperature gauge. So you are now driving vehicle with reduced power steering assist, no AC and no way of knowing if the engine is overheating. This is a known issue with the refer to GM bulletin # 17-NA-158 posted May 2017. There has been a such a demand for this thermostat, that parts back orders are common. The volume of failures should be addressed as a recall including refunds to owners who have had to pay for this repair. The fact that a colder running engine typically runs richer based on ECM programming, causes higher emissions. GM hasn’t been helping people with this repair for out of warranty vehicles. Our 2017 XT5 failed at 38,000 miles. Cadillac only offered to pay 30% of the repair leaving a balance of $585.00! This was all because GM’s failed part.

Filed Dec 30, 2023 · Steering · FL

Message Displayed on 2017 Cadillac XT-5 "Steering Assist is Reduced - Drive With Care". No check engine light, and no apparent loss of steering. Noted that Temperature Gauge and Air Conditioning ceased to work. Suspiciously, a 2019 Cadillac XT-5 that I also own, the identical displayed message came on, with identical same mechanical issue, and just learned that an acquaintance with a newer Chevy Blazer just experienced the identical issue also. All vehicles are equipped with OnStar. Coincidence, OR any possibility that GM or OnStar computers have been hacked into, as OnStar has ability to control various functions of vehicles. To correct the issue (possibly only temporary) was to remove the negative battery cable for a short time, and reattach.

Filed Sep 27, 2022 · Engine · 43,806 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle overheated and stalled. The power steering assist was reduced with the drive with care message displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about the thermostat failure, engine, and DTC: P0128. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage 43,806.

Filed Aug 4, 2021 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MI

XT5 bumper-to-bumper warranty expired on 6-1-21. Both key fobs suddenly quit working on 7-17-21. Took to dealer 7-21-21. Cost me $300. Got it back on 7-26-21. Drove vehicle for the first time after getting it back on 7-28-21. Key fob quit working again briefly then started after I kept trying for a few minutes. After driving for 5 miles, the car completely died on very busy road - no steering, no dash lights, break lights - then the car suddenly braked really hard and i almost got rear-ended. 4-way flashers wouldn't work so I had no way to warn other drivers coming up behind me. I also was a sitting duck as I couldn't exit the vehicle since the doors wouldn't unlock and windows wouldn't go down. The temperature was in the 80s and I quickly began to overheat. I tried to signal other drivers who were beeping their horns and swerving around me until several pulled over to help. After approx. 10-15 minutes, as I was calling 911, the doors unlocked and I got the 4-ways to come on though they were working erratically. I called the dealership and they came and picked up the car. They've had it for a week and don't know what's wrong with it. This is a potentially deadly safety issue; I could have died or caused someone else to be injured or die due to the car suddenly losing ALL power while driving in heavy traffic with no warning, then braking hard and very unexpectedly, along with the inability to warn other drivers due to the inoperable 4-ways I also could have succumbed to hyperthermia as there was no way to escape from an extremely hot car. It appears that after doing some basic research, that this is not an isolated problem with the 2013-2017 XT5s. There are numerous reports of incidents similar or identical to mine found on various Cadillac owners online forums. Additionally, a common complaint is that this problem has not yet been solved yet by General Motors and their dealerships are at a loss to resolve this issue (they haven't been able to fix mine yet!)