Are you familiar with Cadillac XT4 problems?
SUVs are the future of the automotive industry and Cadillac has decided not to get left behind.
The Cadillac’s new entry joins the full-size Escalade and compact XT5. Though late to the party, the XT4 was expected to rival the XT5 in sales volume courtesy of its attractive starting price and features.
With distinct styling and a modern interior and modern interior, the Cadillac XT4 knows how to make a good impression. The interior is upscale, comfortable, and spacious and the infotainment is impressive.
All XT4s are powered by a 237-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
But the XT4 has had more than its fair share of complaints, and it’s beginning to feel like a glorified chevy. To be fair, the XT4 is not in itself a terrible vehicle. Although its owners have had some complaints, there are equally glowing reviews about this vehicle.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the major problems XT4 owners have reported. And for clarity’s sake, we’ll be grouping these problems according to the model years.
Cadillac XT4 Problems
2019 Cadillac XT4
This was the first model of the XT4. It’s available in front or all-wheel drive and a turbo-four engine, generating 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2019 Cadillac XT4 comes with a four-year/50 000-mile basic warranty and a six-year/70 000-mile powertrain warranty. Here are some of the drivers’ complaints;
- Transmission Problem
According to car complaints, more than half of the 2019 XT4’s complaints have been in this category. Transmission problems can manifest as a stalled vehicle, stuttering/power loss, jerking during the cold weather, check engine light or an error code. You may end up having to tow your vehicle to a repair shop or even have the entire transmission replaced. [1]
- Accessories/Interior Problems
This includes the horn sounding only when pressed repeatedly, navigation system failure, SD card error message, voice commands not being recognized and even voice commands not working at all. All these may not seem like much, but they can become pretty annoying in the long run.
- Electrical Problems
Some drivers complained of their parking assist and remote start not working, the vehicle would not unlock when required and the voice commands were also not working.
- Engine Problems
These include the check engine light coming on and staying on, engine noise, excessive oil consumption, and oil leaks. A few other car owners complained of engine hesitation/sluggish acceleration. [2]
Other minor problems reported include blindspot mirrors failing to detect vehicles, rearview mirrors not returning to their original position, brake problems, cooling system problems, and suspension problems.
2020 Cadillac XT4
Even though the 2020 Cadillac XT4 falls into the luxury subcompact category, it is not the most enticing option available today.
Even with the capacious cabin, a lot of standard features, and a driver-friendly setup, it still lacks the reliability needed. Major user complaints:
- Engine Problems
The 2020 Cadillac uses a soy-based treatment on the engine wires which attracts rodents that chew on them. This compromises the integrity of the wires causing the engine to fail and also affecting the integrity of the steering wheel.
However, this is not the only identified cause of engine failure in this particular car model. Some users have complained of engine failure even with intact engine wires.
- Transmission Problems
This problem seems synonymous with the Cadillac XT4s and it’s the major issue that you should be concerned with. Drivers have complained of the transmission system functioning erratically including delayed and hard shifting between gears.[3]
- Loss of Electronic Brake Boost
Due to contamination of the sensor, the electronic brake boost might also fail. Some drivers have also complained about the unavailability of the affected components in dealerships.
Others include a ‘service all wheel drive system’ alert coming on which can be fixed by replacing the rear differential module, paint chipping issues, and blinker light malfunction.
2021 Cadillac XT4
Cadillac made only a few minor changes to this version which includes a base luxury trim that received a new standard power rear liftgate and the option of leather upholstery and a Driver Awareness package.
The problems with this model are mainly braking problems where the parking brake comes on by itself with the engine off, a few electrical malfunctions, and seat belts/air bag problems. [4]
2022 Cadillac XT4
This may be one of the Cadillac’s smallest SUVs but where it lacks that wow factor of its luxury-branded rivals, it more than makes up with a roomier and elegant interior. The 2022 model of the XT4 returns largely unchanged.
This model unfortunately still suffers from the transmission issues of the earlier models. Some drivers have complained of a rattling/buzzing noise in the interior roof and driver-side door, squeaky driver seats, and the 360 cameras going off intermittently. Also, a driver complained about his parking sensors and heated steering wheel not working. [5]
2023 Cadillac XT4
It’s like elegance hooked up with adventure and had a baby called the 2023 Cadillac XT4. The 2023 version of the Cadillac XT4 boasts 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway with an ample amount of legroom for passengers. This model features a nine-speed automatic transmission with options for a front or four-wheel drive. It also comes with a limited warranty for 50k miles/ four years or 70k miles/ 6-year powertrain warranty. [6]
But even this car has its challenges. You would think that even after 4 models with the same complaints, the 2023 XT4 would finally get it right. But I hate to disappoint you, transmission problems are still a major hurdle for the XT4 to cross.
- Mass Air Flow Drift Issue
Cadillac issued a Service Update for certain units of 2020, 2021, and 2022 models of the XT4 over an issue with the diesel engine’s mass air flow meter. [7]
This model’s engine control module(ECM) may be unable to detect ‘drift’ in the mass airflow sensor signal which causes the check engine light to come on. This issue wouldn’t cause so much of a big deal just that the light won’t go off until the problem is rectified.
To fix it, have the dealership’s technician reprogram the engine control module. This is usually done at no extra cost.
This problem only affects units of the XT4 sold in Europe, the only market where the 14-turbo diesel engine is offered on the XT4.
Is the 2023 Cadillac XT4 a Good SUV?
Overall, the 2023 XT4 is a good SUV with a lot of standard safety features, as well as comfortable, roomy seats. The XT4 also boasts an above-average cargo area with its rear seats up.
In the trunk of the XT4, you get 22.5 cubic feet of space for your things. The cargo space extends to 48.9 cubic feet when the back seat is folded down. Key driver safety features to note include forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking.
However, the XT4’s overall cargo capacity is just above average, and its performance is disappointing. The ride tends to shake over the slightest road bumps, and the XT4’s light steering makes it less enjoyable to drive compared to its luxury subcompact SUV rivals.
Read Also: Chevrolet Captiva Problems
Final Thoughts
Having examined all five model years of the Cadillac XT4, the model year you should steer clear of is the 2019 model year with its main complaints being transmission problems, stuttering, and power loss. But that being said, the XT4 is a good buy if you don’t mind it’s little flaws and take maintenance seriously.
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