Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Cadillac XT5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine made a grinding sound, and the vehicle accelerated while the foot was on the brake pedal. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact also had an incident where he accidentally ran into the garage, and the air bags did not deploy; however, the front passenger side of the vehicle was damaged. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The local dealer did not diagnose any failure; however, the vehicle was repaired. No injuries and medical reports were necessary. The contact stated the vehicle does not have an emergency brake. The dealer did not diagnose any failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while in 4th gear or after a complete stop. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer but the dealer has been unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer advised the contact that they had never heard of such failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the gear shifter would not shift out of the park position. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 19,000
I bought this vehicle with 74k miles the car when cold starts well but when you start to drive and at 24 miles an hour it kicks then shutting till 30 mph then once warm the kick goes away but you feel a little kick when down shifting I contact GM about it was told no recall the previous owner said he took it when it had about 50k miles and they said the same thing so I took the vehicle to ammaco transmission shop they serviced it and the car still had the issue they told me it could be an issue with software.. I called once more to Cadillac and was told no recalls.. so I just feel like I have to give up and just drive it till it stops... I spoke to a retired mechanic and was told to leave you a message about the car.. …
The thermostat is malfunctioning. Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles. Driving vehicle and dash warning" STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE", also the temperature gauge was showing COLD and this was after driving for over 30 minutes. Contacted local dealer and was informed this is a KNOWN problem with the thermostat sticking open. If this had been in the summer the A/C would not have worked. I was informed I could bring in the vehicle to have the codes cleared and the parts would have to be ordered. Due to backlog of parts, it was unknown when the parts would be available. In searching internet there are a significant number of owners who have experienced the same issue. In consulting the mechanic, I use, I was informed this is an issue with the motor in my vehicle. The same motor is in other GMC products, and he has 3 vehicles in his shop with the same issue waiting parts.
I have a 2017 Cadillac xt5 which the transmission is kicking and has a shattering issue car was just over the warranty and was told I have to pay for a replacement car had 70k miles and was told from a mechanic that there was a recall on these cars when I checked my vin the car is not under recall but is presenting the same issue as the ones under recall.. I took it to amoco replace fluid and car still has issue. Iam trying to see my options on how to go about it..
First it was adaptive shifting three days after having it, then it was the thermostat, now it's needing a new right rear hub assembly but my main concern is the shuttering when I am accelerating. The ride is not smooth. there is a chatter happening when I drive it. It makes me very nervous. I have went to one mechanic to diagnose so far and he said to have the transmission flushed first but it may need the torque converter replaced.
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 bells go off when I first start the car and sometimes during driving. The car feels like it drives correctly and smoothly with no shifting issues. Sometimes when that second message and check engine light icon being comes on, there seems to be a third message that is trying to pop up behind it but it does not. It seems like there is a glitch in the system. This was very concerning and scary for me. My research shows me that this has been a chronic problem for my make and model and year of car. I've also heard it can be even time to check and or change the transmission fluid. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. While the contact's wife was driving at a low rate of speed, the vehicle shut off without warning. After restarting the vehicle, it shut off yet again. After the second restart, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The contact's wife attempted multiple times to depress the brake pedal and shut off the vehicle using the push start feature, but was unsuccesful. As a result, the contact's wife crashed into an embankment at an unknown rate of speed. The air bags deployed upon impact. A police report was filed. The contact sustained minor injuries, due to the air bag deployment, to her mouth and left arm. Medical attention was not received. The contact had the vehicle towed to his property. It was not yet determined if the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Purchased new XT5 in feb 2017, currently 8300 miles. After starting my vehicle and shifting into reverse, the transmission makes an loud bang and lurches backward. The first time it occur in May 2017 it caught me off-guard and the vehicle moved backwards about 3 feet. Since then this has occurred about 12 times and have returned the vehicle to the dealer for service, no issues found or repeated. Returned the vehicle again 8/28/17 for service for the same reason. Also the suspension is very rough, wheels fell like they are constantly shaking, large bumps in the road cause the vehicle to loose traction and deviate from lane of travel. Steering makes a loud whining/clicking noise. Steering was service in July and found loose mechanical item. 3 weeks later the same noise has returned. I believe the way the vehicle handles bumps in the road is causing the steering issue. …
Transmission complaints in other XT5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Cadillac XT5?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Cadillac XT5, 21% of the model year's 124 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Cadillac XT5 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2017 Cadillac XT5, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Cadillac XT5 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 56% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.