NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The sensing and diagnostic module may have been left in manufacturing mode instead of the correct operating mode, potentially affecting how the vehicle detects and responds to safety events.
This page covers 4 recalls, 49 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Cadillac XTS.
19–21 mpg combined
11.2–12.4 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical system complaints dominate what 2014 XTS owners report, with the infotainment system being a recurring source of trouble, owners describe the screen going black, freezing, or behaving erratically, sometimes on startup and sometimes while driving. Suspension complaints are the second most-reported area, with owners noting various ride and handling concerns, though the specific symptoms described vary across reports. A smaller cluster of owners reports brake-related issues, including a brake pedal that fails to slow the vehicle as expected and, in at least one account, rear brakes locking up at highway speed with visible smoke. The infotainment glitches appear across enough reports to stand out as the most consistent single symptom owners describe in this model year.
49
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Cadillac XTS has 4 recalls, the most serious involving steering bolts that may not have been tightened to spec, which can allow the steering gear connection or front suspension ball joints to loosen and cause a loss of steering control.
A separate recall covers a fire risk tied to the brake booster pump. A small cavity plug on the pump's electrical connector can fall out, letting moisture in and corroding the relay connector until it melts. There is also an airbag concern on certain vehicles built during a specific production window: the airbag control module may have left the factory in a diagnostic setting used during assembly, which disables airbag deployment in a crash and leaves occupants without that protection. On the lighting side, a prior repair attempt did not fully resolve an issue where the brake lights can flash when the vehicle is not actually slowing down, which can confuse a following driver into thinking the car is decelerating when it is not, and then cause them to miss the moment when the brakes are genuinely applied.
At a glance
What can fail
The sensing and diagnostic module may have been left in manufacturing mode instead of the correct operating mode, potentially affecting how the vehicle detects and responds to safety events.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module to the correct mode at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Bolts connecting the steering gear to the steering column intermediate shaft and bolts on the front lower control arm ball joints may not be tightened properly. Loose bolts could cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect these joints and verify all fastener bolts are tightened to the correct specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A cavity plug on the brake booster pump connector can come loose, allowing moisture and corrosion to damage the relay connector.
What the fix does
Dealers will seal the connector cavity plugs, reroute the vacuum pump vent hose, and replace the front body wiring harnesses as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lights may flash on and off without the brakes being applied, and cruise control may turn off unexpectedly due to a body control module issue.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the body control module to fix the brake light and cruise control problems.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
