NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Cadillac XT5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 presents a strong safety profile for used-market shoppers, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, which places it in the Exceptional band. This assessment is supported by its five-star overall NHTSA crash protection and the inclusion of full standard crash-avoidance technology. Furthermore, its safety record is bolstered by a low count of only two recall campaigns.
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 ranks 8 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 8 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 represents a measurable step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing three points from the 2020 model year's score of 91/100 to reach 94/100, both in the Exceptional band but the 2021 sitting closer to the ceiling of that tier. The improvement is anchored by a near-perfect crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this year. The defect record subscore of 17.5 out of 20 is the only area with any meaningful room to grow, shaped by the two active recall campaigns specific to this model year. The fuel line recall, which is exclusive to 2021 units rather than a carryover from prior years, is the more mechanically consequential of the two. The back-over prevention camera recall spans the 2020-2021 model years and ties directly to the Back Over Prevention complaint category that surfaces in owner reports. At 12 total complaints, the volume is low relative to the production footprint, but the electrical system cluster is worth monitoring on any specific used example.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Cadillac XT5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 AWD secured top marks in the majority of NHTSA's evaluations. Its overall rating is 5 out of 5 stars. In frontal and side impact tests, the XT5 AWD also achieved a 5-star rating. The rollover assessment is the single exception, where it received 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model is 15 percent, and it registered a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15344
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 Cadillac XT5. The first, initiated in June 2021, involves fuel supply lines that may be improperly attached, a fuel system concern that warrants prompt attention. The second, issued in September 2022, addresses the optional Surround Vision camera back-over prevention sensing system. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation based on available data, but both should be verified as remedied by VIN.
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V422000
Risk: Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.
Reported 2021-06-03
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
Twelve owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 XT5, including one alleged crash. The most frequently cited components are the Electrical System with four reports, followed by Unknown Or Other with three, and Engine And Engine Cooling, Back Over Prevention, and Engine each drawing two reports. All are unverified consumer allegations.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 has two open recalls impacting vehicle safety, both requiring owner verification of completed repairs. Buyers of this model year should verify with a GM dealer that both the fuel line and back-over prevention camera recalls have been addressed for any specific vehicle, as the remedy status for these issues varies.
- The 2021 model year introduced a fuel supply line recall exclusive to 2021 XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles, citing improper attachment of fuel lines - a concern not present in the 2020 model year recall record.
- The Safety Index rose from 91 in 2020 to 94 in 2021, with the crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70 and a perfect avoidance-tech score of 10 out of 10 driving that three-point gain.
- Rollover protection is the one area where this model year does not achieve a five-star result, earning 4 out of 5 stars with a 15 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip outcome.
- Of the 12 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, four target the Electrical System and two cite Back Over Prevention, the latter aligning with the Surround Vision camera recall campaign that was issued after the vehicle's sale year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Cadillac XT5 places
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Cadillac XT5 safety questions
Was the 2021 Cadillac XT5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Cadillac XT5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2021 Cadillac XT5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Cadillac XT5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Cadillac XT5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Cadillac XT5. 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 XT5 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 15344), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac XT5 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 8 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.