NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Cadillac XT6 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, largely driven by its five-star overall NHTSA crash protection. This model year also received a full score for its installed avoidance technology. The federal safety profile is further bolstered by a notably low recall count, with only two issued for the 2021 XT6.
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 9 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Cadillac XT6?
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 moved the NHTSA Safety Index two points higher than the 2020 model year, rising from 92/100 to 94/100 while remaining in the Exceptional band. That incremental gain reflects a strong crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of a possible 70, a perfect 10/10 for avoidance technology because forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard, and a near-perfect defect record score of 18/20 against a backdrop of just two recall campaigns. The fuel-line recall issued in 2021 and the back-over camera recall issued in 2022 are the defining defect events for this model year, and the camera issue is directly tied to the four Back Over Prevention complaints that lead the allegation count. The 17 total reported complaints include zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, which shapes the defect-record component favorably. The four-star rollover rating with a 16 percent risk figure is the single crash-test element that prevents a perfect crash-protection score, and it is the most meaningful safety trade-off a buyer should weigh against the otherwise exceptional federal test results.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Cadillac XT6 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 AWD achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA. This includes five stars in both the frontal and side impact crash tests. Its rollover resistance was rated at four stars, with a 16 percent risk of rollover in the agency's tests, though it did pass the dynamic tip evaluation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15345
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Cadillac XT6 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 XT6. The first, issued in June 2021, targets improperly attached fuel supply lines on certain XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles, a fuel-delivery defect worth confirming as remedied. The second, issued in September 2022, addresses a potential Surround Vision camera failure affecting back-over prevention. Neither campaign carried a do-not-drive order, but both warrant VIN verification before purchase.
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 XT6?
NHTSA has logged 17 unverified owner allegations against the 2021 XT6. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Back Over Prevention and the Electrical System, each drawing four reports, followed by Engine and Fuel/Propulsion System concerns with three reports each. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Cadillac XT6?
Any shopper considering a used 2021 XT6 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm both the fuel-line and back-over camera campaigns have been remedied. Unresolved recalls transfer with the vehicle, and the camera remedy in particular affects an active safety system.
- The 2021 XT6 Safety Index of 94/100 is two points above the 2020 model year score of 92/100, a year-over-year improvement within the same Exceptional band driven by crash and avoidance-tech sub-scores.
- Two specific recall campaigns define this model year: a June 2021 fuel supply line attachment defect and a September 2022 Surround Vision back-over camera failure, both shared with the XT5 and GMC Acadia.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for the 2021 XT6 AWD, but the four-star rollover rating and 16 percent rollover risk figure are the only marks below five stars across all NHTSA crash categories.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2021 XT6, contributing to a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Cadillac XT6 places
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Cadillac XT6 safety questions
Was the 2021 Cadillac XT6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Cadillac XT6, 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 XT6 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Cadillac XT6 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac XT6 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Cadillac XT6. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Cadillac XT6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Cadillac XT6. 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 XT6 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 15345), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac XT6 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 9 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.