Cadillac XT5 loss of power problems

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · UT

On April 8, 2026, my 2020 Cadillac XT5 experienced a sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lights, no overheating indications, no abnormal engine noises, and no performance issues that would have alerted me to a developing problem. Without warning, the engine failed and the vehicle immediately lost power, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed. Fortunately, I was not traveling on a freeway or in heavy traffic at the time of the failure. Had this occurred at highway speeds or while crossing an intersection, the sudden loss of propulsion could have significantly increased the risk of a crash. This unexpected loss of power increased my risk a potential highway hazard. The vehicle was subsequently inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Cadillac dealership. The dealership determined that the engine suffered an internal mechanical failure, including rod bearing failure and metal contamination throughout the engine. The dealership advised that the engine required complete replacement. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced. There was no owner misuse, neglect, overheating event, or other known condition that would explain such a catastrophic failure. The engine failed unexpectedly and without any prior warning to the driver. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden engine failure resulting in immediate loss of power presents a significant safety concern. I believe the federal safety agency should investigate whether similar failures have occurred in other 2020 Cadillac XT5 vehicles and whether a manufacturing or design defect may exist that could place other drivers at risk.

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Engine, Steering · MI

To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to formally report a safety concern involving my 2018 Cadillac XT5, VIN [XXX] . Recently, my vehicle displayed a “Steering Assist Reduced” message on the dashboard while driving. This warning significantly increases the physical effort required to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds, and I believe it presents a genuine safety hazard.Upon taking the vehicle to an authorized Cadillac dealership, I was informed that the vehicle had stored diagnostic trouble code P0128 (Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature). The dealer explained that a malfunctioning thermostat caused the steering assist reduction message to appear. However, at no point did the vehicle illuminate a Check Engine Light, despite the presence of an emissions‑related fault code.I am concerned for several reasons:A critical engine fault (P0128) did not trigger a Check Engine Light, leaving me unaware of any underlying issue. The vehicle reduced power steering assist as a result of an unrelated thermostat malfunction, creating a sudden and unexpected increase in steering effort. This behavior poses a safety risk, particularly in situations requiring quick steering response or low‑speed maneuvering.Cadillac has issued Service Bulletin 17NA158, which acknowledges that thermostat or coolant‑temperature‑related issues can trigger steering assist warnings. This suggests the manufacturer is aware of the problem, yet no recall or corrective action has been issued.Given that steering assist reduction directly affects vehicle control, I believe this issue warrants investigation. A driver should not lose steering assist because of a thermostat fault, nor should a vehicle fail to illuminate a Check Engine Light when a diagnostic code is present.I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this matter to determine whether a safety‑related defect exists in the 2018 Cadillac XT5 and similar GM vehicles. Sumitting this for my mother. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI

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 Nov 27, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NY

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!

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 Jun 24, 2024 · Driver assistance, Engine · OH

Engine problem loss of power intermittently no reverse. They replaced clutch parts seals, piston, rings, plates, and plates. Had Vehicle for about 22 days. Driving home after repairs completed. Cluster display- instrument panel went out. Called Dealer and Cadillac assistance. Says there nothing they can do until Cadillac releases a fix. I believe vehicle is a safety risk for the second time with no remedy for instrument panel not functioning. Thank you Greg

Filed May 23, 2024 · Transmission · FL

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.

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Engine, Steering · LA

While traveling home to Louisiana from a vacation, I noticed the engine temperature what stuck on Cold. We also were experiencing loss of power steering, and loss of AC in the car. We stopped at AutoZone in Destin, FL where they completed their FixFinder which reported the thermostat needed to be replaced, being it was stuck in the open position and wasn't properly gauging the engine temperature. Some of the engine fluids were extremely low due to overcompensation because of the thermometer issue. Seeing as we were traveling and not near our local mechanic or dealership, we called around to various auto shops to see who could fit us in same day. The only available shop, without having to spend an additional night in FL, was Pep Boys in Fort Walton, FL. They also let us know they did not have the thermostat compatible with my engine in stock, so that would need to be purchased at AutoZone if we wanted the car fixed same day; which is what I did. While we were at Pep Boys, there was another Cadillac xt5 there for repairs to their AC. It turned out, they were having the exact same issue I was having, but it hadn't escalated to the power steering yet. The mechanic googled the two issues and found there are known issues with the engine thermostat in this make/model, but there has never been a recall issued for it. Now Cadillac is refusing to reimburse me for the repairs because I was still within my Powertrain warranty (under 73k miles) but because we were in a hurry to get home from vacation to get back to work, we did not take the car to a GMC dealership, so the Powertrain warranty is apparently useless here. My extended warranty is also useless because the Powertrain warranty is still in effect.

Filed May 3, 2022 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA

While driving at low speed lost all power steering . Was able to get it back home . When checked again later power steering was working . While driving later that day brakes engaged to a sudden slamming stop , red abs engaged light flashed then went away . Both incidents could’ve caused accidents. I’m scared to drive this car anymore. A week prior I thought the gears weren’t engaging / transmission seemed to be slipping ? 6 months prior braking engaged on freeway , also scary .. dealer said it needed a update and would be fine . 5 months ago I was unable to reverse out of my driveway , dealer also said it was in need of a update . I never received notice I was in need of any updates before these problems occurred .

Filed Mar 22, 2022 · Steering · VA

Update - Original event was the power steering automation system failure which left the vehicle with no power steering system. When car rested over night the system operated properly. Took it to dealer today and they could not find any mechanical failures or wiring failures. A software update for the power steering module was available and they did the software update. Loss of power steering when driving is a very serious event, as the vehicle is almost impossible to steer. A woman or weak elderly person could not move the wheel at all, which could easily result in a serious accident if driven at high speed or on a windy road when the system failed. Since Cadillac had already developed the software update, why was that not made a recall. Why wait until it fails and results in an accident? Cadillac clearly knew that was a possibility. I think the federal safety agency should demand a recall to update all the 2021 XT5 vehicles.