J.D. Power gave the 2017 Cadillac XT5 a reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average. But the upscale SUV’s consumer complaints and recalls reveal a different story, with reports of transmission fails, electrical malfunctions, and squeaky brakes keeping it from being the pinnacle of luxury.
Key Points
- The 2017 Cadillac XT5, formerly SRX, accrued nearly 70 complaints reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and one recall.
- Poor transmission behaviors including shudders and jerks–and even transmission failure–mar the 2017 XT5’s otherwise good ride quality.
- Reports of electrical problems range from mild glitches with its infotainment system to control module issues that have caused complete power failures.
- Various brake issues are also common, from annoying squeaks to master cylinder failure, and even a recall for leaking brake fluid from the front calipers.
- It may be hard to see the 2017 XT5 as more than a gussied up GMC or Chevy, but its nearly $800 average annual repair cost is a friendly reminder of its luxury price point.
Rough Shifts, Shudders, and Jerks are Common Owner Complaints Lodged Against the 2017 Cadillac XT5’s Transmission
Part of Cadillac’s updates for its XT5 (formerly the SRX) was a new eight-speed automatic transmission mated to GM’s 3.6L V6. However, drivers have expressed disappointment with the eight-speed, despite being complimentary of the vehicle’s ride quality.
Of the nearly 70 complaints registered with the NHTSA for the 2017 Cadillac XT5, one-fifth are for transmission and powertrain issues. Drivers report clunking noises, strange shift behaviors, and even complete transmission failure.
Car and Driver claims auto stop/start and cylinder deactivation could be contributing factors to the XT5’s poor transmission performance. But multiple technical service bulletins from Cadillac suggest these issues are more widespread.
XT5 owners on Cadillac Forums discuss similar transmission issues, specifically when downshifting at lower speeds. They note that software updates to the engine and transmission control modules remedied poor shifting performance.
More Technology Means More Electrical Problems for the 2017 XT5, Ranging from Infotainment Screens Fizzling Out to Complete Power Failure
The addition of new electronics were among several updates to the 2017 Cadillac XT5. Unfortunately, additional technology brought additional problems.
Owner complaints registered with the NHTSA mention:
- Key fobs that stopped working even after being repaired
- Malfunctioning infotainment system that neglected to pull up the navigation or radio
- 360-degree camera that fails intermittently
Vehicle History‘s 2017 Cadillac XT5 owner reviews also mention ubiquitous electrical problems. “Bought this as a Cadillac certified car and have had electrical issues since day three,” says one owner. “The Bluetooth has not worked since day five.”
“The one real issue is the technology connection,” says another Vehicle History user. “There are glitches, and the infotainment system works about 60% to 70% of the time.”
One owner’s NHTSA report notes their vehicle fell under the Lemon Law and was repurchased by Cadillac because of these issues.
More serious issues noted in NHTSA complaints include the 2017 XT5 completely shutting down. The problem is echoed by owners on Cadillac Forums, who note several causes for the power failure issue, including faulty control modules and fuse assemblies.
2017 XT5 Has Several Reported Brake Issues, Including Squeaks, Master Cylinder Failure, and a Recall for Leaking Fluid from the Front Calipers
Despite utilizing four-wheel disc brakes with cast iron calipers and ceramic brake coating, the 2017 XT5’s brakes are another problem area for the vehicle.
Owners reported squeaking early on in their ownership experience, ranging from day-of-purchase to only a few thousand miles.
One owner reported their frustrations on Car Complaints, stating the rotors were resurfaced, brake pads replaced, and a technical service bulletin remedy applied, but the squeaking persisted.
While brake squeaks on a new vehicle are annoying, this is not the worst brake-related issue with the 2017 XT5. Owners on several forums mention their XT5’s brake master cylinder failed.
As noted on Car Problem Zoo, one owner reported failure while driving when the brake pedal went to the floor but there was no brake power.
A potential cause of the brake master cylinder failure could be related to a recall over the front brake calipers, which may have a faulty caliper piston seal that may allow brake fluid to leak.
2017 Cadillac XT5’s Reported Complaints Expose Common Problems on an Upscale Vehicle
Sharing underpinnings with vehicles like the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Blazer might be good for GM engineers, but customers expecting a high-end, luxury SUV may be disappointed with the 2017 Cadillac XT5.
Average annual repair costs are almost $800, according to Repair Pal, roughly 20-40% more than its Chevy and GMC counterparts.
Many probably appreciate the Cadillac XT5 simply for being an American-made vehicle with a no-nonsense design and modern technology. If you are one of them, consider looking at 2018 or 2019 XT5, which have significantly less complaints and no recalls.
Photos: Cadillac
