This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Cadillac XT4 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Cadillac XT4 have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 XT4 | 6 |
| 2023 XT4 (this page) | 4 |
| 2024 XT4 | 3 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides 9th gear operation information to respond to customers that may comment on transmission shift operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Transmission fails to automatically shift into 9th gear. A GM bulletin #21-NA-181 indicates this is normal for efficiency operation, but the information indicated is false. Experiencing 9th gear is allowed to be shifted when manually over ridden or when shift to manual mode (without shifting to 9th gear), then shift back to auto mode, then transmission shifts to 9th gear automatically after this…
The vehicle's transmission does not shift smoothly in the lower gears (1-3) when decelerating. It feels like a clutch is popping and the vehicle 'jerks' when this occurs. This began to occur immediately after purchase and continues to do so today. The vehicle was returned twice to the dealer for warranty service and they stated it was operating as designed. The vehicle currently has less than…
I was driving down the street and the car just turned off. Would not go into gear and said the battery was bad. The exact same thing happened last year they said it was the alternator. Both times my car just power off with no warning while driving down the street
Vehicle is equipped with a 9 speed automatic transmission that will not engage (even after dealer re-program/re-learn). Transmission must either be manually shifted to 9th gear by paddle shifter or shifted to manual mode and quickly back to auto for it to shift to 9th gear (fuel efficiency affected). Report twice to dealer with no concern for repair. Incident happens at every use of the vehicle…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2023 Cadillac XT4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2023 Cadillac XT4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Cadillac/XT4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.