Most common 2017 Cadillac XTS problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac XTS complaints by model year
Best XTS years: 2019, 2018, 2015. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2017 Cadillac XTS:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2017 Cadillac XTS owners say
Electrical system
Numerous problems for a year have been: engine dies while driving, car totally dead with new battery, display partially black randomly or totally black along with radio display black, park assist is turned off. Headlights turn off and on by themselves; The latest is driving up a hill @ 25 mph, the steering wheel jerked hard to the right at 2 different times. Had I not had a solid grip on the wheel, it would have taken down a 500 foot drop and we wouldn't be here today. This last episode is the first time their OBD was able to read anything. It read "no communication to steering, no communication to brakes, radio, dash display" and other no communications. This car is unsafe to drive and should be recalled or taken off the road. It has been to 2 dealerships and so far have not identified anything that gives me faith in the reliability in the vehicle.
Purchased my 2017xt5 9/13/2017. While driving down a main street, I stopped for a light. When the light turned green, the car would not move. Could not turn it off nor could I try to put it in another gear. A kind gentleman, who was behind me, got out of his car and asked if I was okay. I told him the car would not move. He tried. No luck.. I got behind the wheel again and tried to shut it off, again. Eventually, it shut off. I pressed the started again and it rebooted. Very scary... Prayed that I would make it home. Next at, called the dealer. Even afraid to drive it in for fear of it stopping but I was close to home. The dealer kept it for 3 days. Could not find out what was wrong but was told that they could not diagonose it unless it stopped. …
Suspension
With no warning and only 45000 miles on car rear air suspension motor failed on expressway! I quickly noticed my steering anti red seemed out of control! I quickly pulled over not knowing what was wrong. My husband came to meet me and immediately asked what was in my trunk! I told him nothing he said my back tires were 1/4 inch from hitting wheel well. The rear end was so low if I did not pull over and hit a bump or rock my tire would of hit top of body of car! I would of lost control of car! Thank god I pulled over when I did it could of killed me or someone else in road! I contacted GM within hrs of it happening! As I looked it up on line it said some of my make and model were recalled and safety admin was looking into it! Went back and forth with Gm and dealer and 2 1/2 weeks later still pursuing GM! There is now a claim in for full reimbursement and still have not heard back! …
2017 XTS, rear suspension air bags fail while driving, stoped and even parked. While driving at highway speeds or just parked rear end will drop unexpectedly. The rear end will start to bounce with just the slightest uneven road. This cause the driver to have to fight to stay in control of car and slow down very fast. With traffic behind it can cause someone to hit you from rear. Car has been to dealer several times and Cadillac say everything is normal. However after leaving dealer it continues to happen. Cadillac has know about this for many years and ignores the problem on the XTS. The rear end will drop to a level the you can not even touch the top of the tire or even the middle. Almost touching the ground at rear. First time was April 2019 right after warranty was out. The said I needed shocks 1500.00 did not do anything but drain my wallet. …
2017 Cadillac XTS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Cadillac XTS a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 XTS rates average: 19% fewer complaints than a typical year of the XTS at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Cadillac XTS?
The electrical system — 10 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the suspension (3) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2017 Cadillac XTS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2017 Cadillac XTS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac XTS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2018 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013 and 2014. See the full Cadillac XTS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Cadillac XTS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 34,000 miles; 54% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.