NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Cadillac XTS Safety Ratings
The 2019 Cadillac XTS scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 2 recalls, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Cadillac XTS earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it in the Strong band. This favorable overall safety picture is supported by a high crash protection sub-score and a low volume of owner complaints. Two recalls were issued for this model year.
The 2019 Cadillac XTS holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 and a 5-star NHTSA frontal crash rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Cadillac XTS ranks 41 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
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| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.8% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 41 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Cadillac XTS?
The 2019 Cadillac XTS achieves an 87/100 Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band. Its crash protection sub-score of 63.8 out of a possible 70 is a primary factor, reflecting the 5-star frontal crash test result and a 4-star rollover performance for this model year. However, the avoidance technology sub-score of 6/10 represents a notable weakness. This lower score is a direct result of forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems being optional equipment, not standard, for this configuration. Therefore, the safety profile varies significantly between vehicles equipped with these options and those without. The defect record sub-score of 17.5/20 accounts for two recall campaigns, both initiated before the vehicle reached consumers: one for seat belt buckle rivets and another for brake calipers. Owner complaints total five, a low volume for this vehicle's age. These complaints, though unverified, are spread across six distinct components, including air bags and service brakes.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Cadillac XTS perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Cadillac XTS earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA for frontal crash protection. In rollover testing, it scored 4 out of 5 stars, presenting a 12 percent risk and achieving a no-tip result in dynamic tests. However, NHTSA did not publish overall or side crash ratings for this configuration of the 2019 XTS.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13117
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Cadillac XTS have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2019 Cadillac XTS. The first targets front seat belt buckles that may be missing a rivet securing the buckle assembly. The second, shared with several other GM models, addresses hydraulic disc brake calipers. Neither campaign carried a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the data on file, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT18V899000
Risk: If the securing rivet is missing, the buckle may separate from the cable mounting strap in the event of a crash, preventing the occupant from being properly restrained, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat buckle assemblies, replacing them if the rivets are missing, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N182204040.
Reported 2018-12-19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER18V576000
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Reported 2018-08-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Cadillac XTS?
Five owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Cadillac XTS, covering the power train, engine, air bags, seats, tires, and service brakes, with one alleged crash cited. All are unverified consumer allegations and have not been established as confirmed defects.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Cadillac XTS?
The 2019 Cadillac XTS warrants particular attention to its recall record. Two significant recalls have been issued for this model year: one addresses the seat belt buckle, and the other concerns the brake caliper. Any prospective owner of a used 2019 XTS should verify the completion of both recall remedies via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, as open recalls transfer with vehicle ownership.
- The 2019 model year carries two distinct GM recall campaigns: one for a potentially missing rivet in the front seat belt buckle, and one for hydraulic disc brake calipers shared with several other 2018-2019 GM models.
- NHTSA awarded this specific configuration a 5-star frontal crash rating and a 4-star rollover rating with a 12-percent rollover risk and a no-tip dynamic result, but the overall and side ratings were not completed for this year.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this 2019 configuration, meaning the avoidance technology sub-score of 6/10 reflects a base-level setup that may not represent every example on the used market.
- Five unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with alleged issues spanning the power train, engine, air bags, seats, tires, and service brakes, including one reported crash.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Cadillac XTS places
The 2019 Cadillac XTS qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Cadillac XTS safety questions
Was the 2019 Cadillac XTS crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Cadillac XTS, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2019 Cadillac XTS crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Cadillac XTS earned 5 out of 5 stars for frontal and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 11.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Cadillac XTS have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Cadillac XTS. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Cadillac XTS?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Cadillac XTS. 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.
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13117), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac XTS 2019.
- 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 41 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- 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.