AI DamageCadillac XTS: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Cadillac XTS across 5 model years: 52 owner complaints and 1,026 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 33% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 8% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 8% of all complaints
- 4 Steering 8% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 6% of all complaints
- 6 Engine 4% of all complaints
- 7 Wheels 4% of all complaints
- 8 Structure 4% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 17 complaints (33% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 576.
- Powertrain: 4 complaints (8% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 257.
- Suspension: 4 complaints (8% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 87.
- Steering: 4 complaints (8% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 83.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 3 complaints (6% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 20.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2013–2019
- 3.6 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl 2014–2019
- automatic, 6-speed 2013–2019
Drive: AWD, FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 52 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 17 | 0 | 576 |
| Powertrain | 4 | 0 | 257 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 | 87 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 83 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 | 20 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 307 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 181 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 | 123 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 103 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 | 97 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 1 | 13 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 12 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 77 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 45 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Brakes failed to completely stop the vehicle once when backing out of a parking spot and again when pulling into a parking spot
$20k damage, including locked seat belts, which were in use at time of accident. My car has been in the body repair shop since noon on that day, feb. 6 and at present time it is at the second repair shop (cadillac dealer) awaiting seat belt repairs.
Pulled into parking space. Vehicle went to auto stop/start. Wife thought engine was off and pressed park on shift lever. Engine restarted and vehicle lunged into post.
The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering operated as intended.
currently experiencing transmission shuddering — likely due to a torque converter issue. This was confirmed by an experienced mechanic at the dealership of Cadillac. After doing deep research I’ve learned is documented in Technical Service Bulletins such as TSB 18-NA-355 and 19-NA-121.
The transmissions are not getting gas, shuddering, and stalling when accelerating. This shuddering has almost caused me to be in many accidents. The vehicle owner should not be responsible for replacing expensive parts and entire transmissions due to metal shavings stalling transmissions.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic…
- This PI advised dealer technicians of possible causes of diesel fuel contamination in gasoline powered…
- This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic…
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced…
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.