NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Cadillac XT4 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 1 recall, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it squarely in the Strong band. This score marks a meaningful improvement over previous model years, driven by solid crash protection and effective avoidance technology, making it a credible option for safety-conscious used car shoppers.
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 and a four-star frontal crash rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Cadillac XT4 ranks 66 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 66 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Cadillac XT4?
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 marks a notable inflection point in the nameplate's safety record. Its NHTSA Safety Index climbed to 83/100, a four-point gain over the 2020 model year's 79/100, moving the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band. That shift is driven by a defect-record sub-score of 18.5 out of 20, reflecting the single, bounded recall campaign focused on rear seat belt retractor fasteners rather than a broad or powertrain-level defect. Crash protection contributed 56 of a possible 70 points, anchored by four-star frontal and rollover ratings from NHTSA, though the absence of a side-impact rating and an overall NCAP rating leaves part of the crash-test picture incomplete. Avoidance technology adds 8.5 out of 10, supported by standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, with lane departure warning available as an option rather than standard equipment. The complaint tally of 11 reports, with the Fuel/Propulsion System and Electrical System leading alleged concerns, is relatively contained for a model year now circulating widely on the used market. Taken together, the 2021 XT4's year-over-year Safety Index improvement is the most analytically significant data point this year, signaling that this specific production cycle carried a lighter defect footprint than its immediate predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Cadillac XT4 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 received four out of five stars from NHTSA for both frontal crash and rollover protection. Its rollover risk is 15 percent, with the vehicle completing the dynamic tip-test without incident. Neither side impact protection nor an overall safety rating are available for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15202
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Cadillac XT4 have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2021 Cadillac XT4, targeting rear seat belt retractors and their critical fasteners. General Motors issued this campaign across certain 2019-2021 XT4 vehicles alongside select Chevrolet Malibu models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS21V649000
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
Reported 2021-08-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Cadillac XT4?
Eleven complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 XT4, including one alleged crash. The most frequently cited components are the Fuel/Propulsion System with four reports and the Electrical System with three. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Cadillac XT4?
A safety-critical recall on the rear seat belt retractors defines the 2021 XT4's safety profile. Prospective owners should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that this recall has been addressed. An unaddressed restraint system recall must be rectified prior to purchase.
- The 2021 XT4's Safety Index of 83/100 represents a four-point year-over-year gain from the 2020 model's 79/100, moving this specific production year from the Average band into the Strong band.
- One recall was issued for this model year, covering rear seat belt retractor critical fasteners across certain 2019-2021 XT4 vehicles - a restraint-system defect that warrants VIN-level verification of remedy completion.
- NHTSA rated frontal and rollover protection at four stars each, with a 15 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, but side-impact and overall NCAP ratings are not rated for this year.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard for this model year, meaning individual 2021 XT4 units may or may not carry that avoidance feature depending on how they were originally configured.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Cadillac XT4 places
The 2021 Cadillac XT4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Cadillac XT4 safety questions
Was the 2021 Cadillac XT4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Cadillac XT4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Cadillac XT4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Cadillac XT4 earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac XT4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Cadillac XT4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Cadillac XT4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Cadillac XT4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other XT4 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15202), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac XT4 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 66 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.