NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Cadillac XT5 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 21 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 achieved a full five-star overall rating from NHTSA. This strong performance in federal crash testing, combined with a perfect ten points for its standard crash avoidance technology, underpins its Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index score of 91/100. Potential buyers should note the five active recall campaigns and confirm all necessary remedies have been performed.
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 ranks 9 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 21 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 9 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Cadillac XT5?
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 represents a meaningful step forward in measured safety performance compared with its immediate predecessor. The Safety Index climbed eight points, from 83/100 in the Strong band for model year 2019 to 91/100 in the Exceptional band for 2020, driven primarily by a near-perfect crash protection subscore of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standardization of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year. The defect record subscore of 15 out of 20 is the one component that prevents a higher ceiling, and that is directly tied to the five recall campaigns issued against this specific year. Two of those campaigns address tires, one addresses the backup camera sensing system, one covers the fuel pump, and one involves the curtain airbag inflator. The airbag and fuel pump campaigns are the most safety-critical and deserve verification before any transaction. Despite the recall volume, the NHTSA crash-test profile for this year is among the strongest in the XT5 generation, with five-star frontal and side scores and a No Tip dynamic rollover result supporting the Exceptional designation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Cadillac XT5 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 AWD secured an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top score in both frontal and side impact crash tests. Its four-star rollover rating, while not perfect, is supported by a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test and a calculated rollover risk of 15 percent.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14368
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Cadillac XT5 have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover the 2020 XT5. Components involved are the surround-vision backup camera sensing system, tires (two separate campaigns affecting different vehicle groups), the gasoline fuel pump delivery system, and the side curtain airbag inflator. The airbag inflator and fuel pump campaigns carry the most serious safety implications and should be confirmed resolved by VIN before purchase or continued operation.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V709000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
Reported 2022-09-22
TIRES21V115000
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Reported 2021-02-25
TIRES20V684000
Risk: Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-4
Reported 2020-11-05
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V639000
Risk: Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202314760.
Reported 2020-10-15
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR20V446000
Risk: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.
Reported 2020-07-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Cadillac XT5?
NHTSA has received 21 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 XT5. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain and steering, each drawing six reported complaints, followed by unspecified issues, engine concerns, electrical system allegations, and vehicle speed control. Zero complaints allege crash, fire, injury, or death. All figures are unverified consumer allegations only.
21 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Cadillac XT5?
Five recall campaigns are on record for the 2020 XT5, indicating that any used-market shopper should verify completed remedies through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Airbag inflator, fuel pump, tire, and camera system issues are all cited.
- The Safety Index jumped eight points year over year, from 83/100 in 2019 to 91/100 in 2020, the largest single-year gain in recent XT5 history and driven by standardized crash-avoidance features and a stronger crash-test result.
- Five recall campaigns are specific to the 2020 model year, covering the curtain airbag inflator, fuel pump, surround-vision camera, and two separate tire campaigns - each must be individually verified as completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- The rollover subscore of four out of five stars is the only crash-test figure below the top mark, but the accompanying dynamic tip test returned a No Tip outcome and the stated rollover risk is 15 percent.
- Twenty-one unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA concentrate in powertrain and steering categories, with zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported among those submissions.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Cadillac XT5 places
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Cadillac XT5 safety questions
Was the 2020 Cadillac XT5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Cadillac XT5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Cadillac XT5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Cadillac XT5 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Cadillac XT5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Cadillac XT5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Cadillac XT5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 21 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Cadillac XT5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other XT5 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14368), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac XT5 2020.
- 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 9 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.