Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Cadillac XT5, and it carries 1 recall. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 19 | 16% |
| Power train | 10 | 8% |
| Engine | 8 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 8 | 7% |
| Steering | 6 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 4% |
| Wheels | 5 | 4% |
| Power train | 3 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 2% |
| Seat belts | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The thermostat quit working. I've researched this issue and have seen this is a very common issue usually occurring when the vehicle has somewhere between 45000 to 55000 miles.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
I purchased the car on XXX. The car has been returned to the service department within the first 3 days. Sold to me without getting fully inspected. Service department did put new brakes and rotors on and I was told (n
NHTSA complaint: Power train
My passenger side, dashboard bowls up in the heat and doesn’t seat properly. My fear for safety is that if I’m in an accident that airbag will not come out due to the dash bubbling because of the defect.. It seems to be
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
I had P0128 Code with a warning message " Steering assist is reduced, drive with care". My local mechanic told I need a new thermostat. I have replaced my thermostat and it cost me 700 dollars out of pocket.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
2017 cadillac XT5 Platinum. Seatbelt CHIME does not activate if the seatbelt is off while driving. Dealer says it is working as it is supposed to in this model year.!!!! Please note that at the dealer we test drove f
NHTSA complaint: Seat belts
I had to replace the thermostat which is a well known, documented defect/issue for this vehicle/Cadillac. I would like reimbursement from Cadillac.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
While driving down the freeway at approx. 65 miles per hour, I heard a very loud sound like an explosion, or a huge balloon exploding, and then heard crackling of glass. It was very scary and dangerous. I had to slow dow
NHTSA complaint: Visibility/wiper
I purchased this used car in the end of July 2025. Within the last month the service transmission light came on. Within a 24-hour period, the message changed to, "service transmission unable to shift Soon". Also alarm be
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2017 Cadillac XT5. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cadillac XT5 vehicles manufactured April 16, 2016, to May 9, 2016, and 2017 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 19, 2016, to April 22, 2016. The front brake calipers may have a torn or misaligned caliper piston seal which may allow bra
Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake calipers, replacing the brake caliper assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may cont
| Reliability raw | 69 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 72 | good |
| Maintenance | 76 | good |
| Depreciation | 61 | average |
| Performance | 58 | average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and unknown or other is the most reported area with 19 of them (16%). There is 1 recall on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 69/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 72/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2017 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.