The Lemon Index
20181st generation
Better than average · most complaints: engine
58 owner complaints, first 3 years 21–22 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2017 Audi Q5 412017 Infiniti QX60 652017 Volvo XC90 61
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 1,800 and 22,000 miles (2,900–35,000 km) (the middle half of the 54 complaints, of all 58 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recall 16V802000 (brakes) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1335 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 58 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 22K miles (3K to 35K km) on the car (54 of all 58 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
There is a mild clunking noise when the auto starts moving and then you remove foot off of gas pedal and then back on gas pedal to accelerate a slight clunking noise is observed. This happens in city driving stop and go conditions
2017 Cadillac XT5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11183162
More owner reports
Car in motion from rest car misfires car stalls. 2 times in last two weeks taken to dealer 11 feb 2019. No faults found. Sorry but this car is broken. Has happen before 4 times
NHTSA complaint 11180519
The vehicle is using about one half quart of oil every 1000 miles. About half way through oil change, the engine add oil light comes on. Dealer has so far said this is "normal".
NHTSA complaint 11221346
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 9.0M views · 2017–2025 Cadillac XT5
- Oil changes & service270K views
2017-2022 Cadillac XT5 TPMS ResetToolBox Tipz · 113K views · 6 videos - Timing chain & engine223K views
2017-2021 Cadillac XT5 Engine Air Filter & Cabin Filter Replacement GuideDavid Waltermyer · 89K views · 5 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical117K views
How To Start A 2017 - 2021 Cadillac XT5 With No Remote Detected - XT 5 Dead Key Fob Not WorkingPYR Automotive · 51K views · 6 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door111K views
Cadillac XT5 Cabin Air Filter Replacement ( 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 )Undercar Experts · 72K views · 2 videos
Show 3 more
- Death wobble & steering101K views
2017-2023 Cadillac XT5 P0128 “Steering assist reduced, drive with care” Thermostat replacement FIXNutzAboutBolts · 101K views - Intake, EGR & engine sensors31K views
2017 cadillac xt5 coolant temp sensor replacementAutotech mobile mechanic · 31K views - No-start: theft light, key & ignition10K views
Troubleshooting A No start 2019 Cadillac XT5 Won't Crank or Start...Clicks...Fixed...Peter L · 10K views
Before you buy, watch
2024 Cadillac XT5 -- Should you Buy this V-6 Caddy over a Lexus RX??Car Confections · 78K views
2017 Cadillac XT5 Problems and Recalls. Should you buy it?OBD Insights · 45K views
5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A 2022 Cadillac XT5 - Quick Buyer's GuideBoston Auto Blog · 39K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2017 is the same generation.
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1335 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 1
- Brakes · recall issued 2016
The front brake calipers may have a torn or misaligned caliper piston seal which may allow brake fluid to leak.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac XT5 SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cadillac XT5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,750–$2,850 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Cadillac XT5 year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 6 Cadillac XT5 years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2017 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-xt5/?y=2017" title="Cadillac XT5 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="353" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-xt5/2017/">Lemon Index</a> (2017 Cadillac XT5 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2017 Cadillac XT5 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 51; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac XT5 year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2021.
What are the most common 2017 Cadillac XT5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (19%), transmission & drivetrain (19%) and brakes (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 have?
1 safety recall (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 get?
21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Cadillac XT5 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Cadillac XT5 problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 1,800 and 22,000 miles (2,900–35,000 km) (the middle half of the 54 complaints, of all 58 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2017 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 cost in fuel a year?
About $2,750 to $2,850 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Cadillac XT5 have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What Cadillac XT5 year is better than the 2017?
Nearby, the 2019 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a quarter as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2021 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works