NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation: Rear-view Camera Failure in Cadillac XT5 (PE22-006)

PE22-006 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Cadillac XT5?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22-006) to assess alleged failures of the rear-view camera (RVC) in Model Year (MY) 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles.

The complaints report that the screen for the RVC is black, sometimes with a red triangle and a circle with a line through it.

To date, ODI has received a total of 18 complaints and several EWR Field Reports with allegations of the RVC image failing to display when the vehicle is in reverse.

The reports have been received over the past 28 months with most occurring with low vehicle mileage.During the investigation, ODI learned incorrect crimping specifications were utilized in the production of the coaxial cable connector.

Improper crimping leads to loss of connection between the RVC and dashboard screen that results in failure of the RVC image to display.

Failure or malfunction of the RVC image to display results in reduced visibility of the area behind the vehicle.

This limited view may lead to an increased risk of incidents resulting in injury and/or property damage while the vehicle is in reverse.The improperly crimped connectors were only present on subject vehicles equipped with the optional RVC surround vision feature (UV2).

Vehicles not equipped with the optional RVC surround vision feature were not affected by this failure.

On September 28, 2022, General Motors (GM) filed a defect information report (NHTSA number 22V-709) recalling certain MY2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional RVC surround vision feature (UV2).

GM will replace the coaxial cables with properly crimped connectors.In view of the recall action being taken by GM, ODI is closing this preliminary evaluation.

NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov.

The ODI identification numbers for the complaints cited above can be found below: 11343838, 11390254, 11406709, 11415261, 11415501, 11425365, 11429267, 11431846, 11446363, 11463278, 11463901, 11471702, 11475437, 11476809, 11477176, 11481806, 11484360, and 11484360.

What is a preliminary evaluation?

Preliminary Evaluation is the first stage of a federal defect investigation. NHTSA reviews complaints, crash reports and manufacturer data to decide whether a safety defect may exist. It can close with no action, be upgraded to an engineering analysis, or end with a recall.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall 22V709000 as the result of this investigation: 2021 Cadillac XT5 Backup Camera Recall (22V709).

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Cadillac XT5 owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 183 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner's Manual Recall (26V114)
• 2023-2025 Cadillac XT5 Instrument Cluster Recall (24V459)
• 2024 Cadillac XT5 Front Air Bag Recall (24V311)
• 2023 GMC Acadia Windshield Recall (23V681)
• 2023 Cadillac XT6 Transmission Recall (23V172)
• 2023 Cadillac XT5 Driveshaft Recall (23V043)
• 2023 Cadillac XT5 Label Recall (22V708)
• 2021 Cadillac XT5 Backup Camera Recall (22V709)
• 2022 Cadillac XT5 Fuel Tank Recall (22V446)
• 2022 Cadillac XT5 Rear Suspension Recall (22V427)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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