Summary
The Cadillac XTS has 13 recalls spanning the 2013-2019 production run, with the most serious being a brake booster pump connector that can corrode and short on 2013-2014 models, melting the connector and creating a fire risk even when the vehicle is stationary. The 2015 model year has a separate safety concern: front seat-mounted side airbag inflators can rupture during deployment, sending fragments into the cabin, and in some cases the airbag may not deploy at all in a crash. On 2014 models, steering gear and lower control arm bolts may not have been tightened to specification, and if they loosen the driver can lose steering control entirely.
The 2019 model year has front seat belt buckles that may be missing a rivet securing the buckle to its mounting strap, which can cause the buckle to pull free in a crash and leave the occupant unrestrained. On 2018 models, gas bubbles can form in the rear brake fluid, producing a soft pedal feel and reduced braking performance.
Going further back, some 2013-2014 vehicles may have left the factory with airbag control modules set to a manufacturing mode that prevents airbags from deploying in a crash. The 2013-2014 model years also have a brake lamp issue where the lights flash intermittently without the brake pedal being pressed, which can confuse drivers behind the vehicle into not reacting when the car actually slows. On 2013 models, the electronic parking brake can fail to fully release and drag the brakes without the dashboard warning light illuminating to alert the driver. Also on 2013 models, rear seat headrests may not lock upright after being folded, leaving occupants without proper head and neck support in a crash.
