2010 Cadillac Srx

Do not drive

Owners filed 474 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the exterior lighting. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

359 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000105,000 miles; the median is 74,850 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting175
501
Electrical System50
012
Engine38
010
Power Train31
101
Suspension29
101
Unknown or Other20
014
Service Brakes18
100
Air Bags14
518
Steering12
211
Exterior Lighting › Headlights12
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Rear21V473000Do not drive
Filed Jun 24, 2021380,498 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles. The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.

Risk. A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Owners are advised to not drive their vehicle if they experience certain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warnings or other issues, such as unusual steering behavior, while driving. Please see the Part 573 report for the full list of warnings. Dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable one, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2021. Cadillac and Saab customers may direct questions to Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N212340980.

Suspension › Rear14V571000
Filed Sep 19, 2014290,241 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured April 14, 2009, to September 1, 2014, and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, to September 13, 2011. On the affected vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster link may not be torqued to the proper specification. A loose toe adjuster link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds. A loose toe adjuster link may lead to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the toe adjuster link will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Risk. Failure of the toe adjuster link could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the left and right rear toe link adjuster lock nuts, and replace the parts if there is evidence of damage or a loose link, free of charge. The The recall began November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14457.

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust14V447000
Filed Jul 23, 2014414,333 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Risk. If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission11V595000
Filed Dec 20, 20118,789 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 26, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 23, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, “THEFT PROTECTION.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE THAT WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND MAY COME OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET.

Risk. THE DRIVER MAY BE UNABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION OUT OF GEAR, RESULTING IN NO MOTION OR THE SHIFTER MAY INACCURATELY INDICATE THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK WHEN IT IS NOT, ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ENSURE THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE IS PROPERLY ROUTED AND SEATED IN THE TRANSMISSION CABLE BRACKET. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering Fluid10V450000
Filed Sep 30, 20103,459 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L GAS ENGINES (LAU) OR 3.0L GAS ENGINES (LF1). SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH PROCESSING OF THE CRIMP DURING MANUFACTURE OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE LINE MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE LINE. IF THE LINE WAS DAMAGED, A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK MAY DEVELOP. IF THERE IS A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF FLUID LOSS, THE DRIVER WILL HEAR NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND INCREASED EFFORT MAY BE REQUIRED FOR STEERING.

Risk. IF POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAYS ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE POWER STEERING LINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.

Engine and Engine Cooling10V223000
Filed May 25, 2010547 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CADILLAC SRX EQUIPPED WITH A 2.8L V6 ENGINE. IF LOW OCTANE (REGULAR) FUEL IS USED IN THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED HIGH OCTANE (PREMIUM) FUEL AS STATED IN THE OWNER MANUAL AND ON THE FUEL FILLER DOOR, THE COMBINATION OF REGULAR FUEL USAGE AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING MANEUVERS MAY INDUCE PRE-IGNITION. IF PRE-IGNITION OCCURS, YOU MAY HEAR A PINGING OR KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE.

Risk. IF THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE ONSET OF THIS NOISE, A CONNECTING ROD OR PISTON MAY BREAK, RESULTING IN ENGINE DAMAGE, AND PERHAPS ENGINE FAILURE, WHICH WOULD DISABLE THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or OtherFire3 injured
Filed Mar 27, 2026NC

The vehicle was purchased approximately one month before this incident and was represented as inspected. While driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly exploded near the exhaust area. The engine then began smoking and caught fire. The brakes did not work, and the doors locked, preventing the driver from pulling over normally. The driver had to jump out of the moving vehicle while it was on fire in order to save her life and the lives of her daughter. The exact cause is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle is available for inspection. This incident poses a serious safety risk.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 3, 2025FL

* Component systems ABS, braking, steering, loud noises in rear wheels, grinding, are all malfunctioning. The left rear tire was tited while driving, I was told it was unsafe to drive. It's currently at the dealership. * Safety concerns are in the documentation. There are others in Add. Encl. VI - X. Due to the download restrictions, I was unable to submit. * The problems were also noticed by another service center wile putting tires on. * Warning Lights are consistently on: ABS, Engine, Stabilitrac. I can't remember the exact initial date, I know it's been years. I have called this to the attention to the service manager every time the car has been repaired. I have always taken it to the same Cadillac dealership and it's been the same service manager. I am sure, through all of the service records, the initial date can be found. It's been always overlooked. I paid cash for it at another non-Cadillac dealership in 12/2017. I am tired of being taken advantage of. Please help? Your immediate attention will be kindly appreciated. Thank you!

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 3, 2025FL

Addendum to Complaint Number 11691294.

EngineFire
Filed Jun 3, 2025211,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the engine compartment was on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the fire. The vehicle was occupied during the fire; however, no injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not necessary. The contact stated that a Police and Fire Department report was filed. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 4, 2025TX

Problem: My 2010 Cadillac SRX with 87,000 miles been having issues with downshifting , my vehicle would not shift to second or higher gear while driving and makes it very unsafe on the road. When this occurs I would try to pull over safely to park. My SRX would be drivable if shifted to park and then shift to drive or if i turn off the vehicle and re-start. I have been back and forth going to my mechanic( s). I was told possible TCM issues but no definite diagnosis. I have been reading a lot of 2010 SRX owners on Cadillac forums with exact similar issues and decided on making this official to report to NHTSA hoping it would open an investigation and figure out the defect on this type vehicle. My vehicle issue or problem started to become symptomatic around year 2021 and my SRX has around 63,000 miles on it. I keep up with the regular scheduled maintenance and upkeep, The SRX looks like new and would like to keep it longer as the rest of the vehicle is kept it's appearance and other parts well. I have reported this issue directly to the main contact number @Cadillac company and they told me my vehicle VIN is not included on the safety recall with shifting issues and offered me a $100.00 for repair coupon instead for future repairs. i have spent thousands of dollars fixing the unidentifiable issue whenever the engine light comes on and throws out a code but my downshifting problem continues.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 22, 2024WA

Head Light Assembly - The dim lights are life threating. This is a know defect, and should have been part of a recall. A class action lawsuit was filed. GM loss, and replaced the head light assembly for the minimum amount of time ending in 2019. My car has 89,000 the dim lights have probably never been good. This should have been a total recall, instead, GM quit paying for headlight replacement in 2019. If you call GM/Cadillac 800-333-4223 they will tell you they quit because that was part of the settlement. Every head light assembly should have been replace, a total recall.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 23, 2024NC

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 29, 2024MI

I am not a mechanic so I don’t know what All I know is what I like I experienced and when I was driving down the road, my Cadillac shut off like it had no power to it no power steering no lights no dash lights no warning lights or nothing pulled over my car will not start back up I had to have it towed when I got home and looked inside the casing around. The battery had melted with a bunch of wires and tubing that was on top of the battery completely melted everything inside.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 8, 2024NJ

The manufacturer is procrastinate to fix this life threatening dangerous recall and has been giving me an endless appointments to fix it and each time after I wait for the appointment they call to reschedule. The next statement is the recall details as per NHTSA website: Manufacturer Recall NumberN212340980 NHTSA Recall Number21V473 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2010 to 2016 model year Cadillac SRX and 2011 to 2012 Saab 9-4x vehicles. These vehicles may have received improper service requiring adjustment of a rear suspension toe link. In rare cases, dealers or independent repair shops may not have followed GM’s published procedures for torquing the jam nut in the toe link adjusters to the proper specification. A loose toe link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds or allow water or other corrosive elements to enter the threads within the adjuster. If a toe link is improperly adjusted, corrosion combined with vehicle motion may eventually cause the threads within the link to wear and loosen. In very rare cases with continued use, the link could separate. Separation while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash. Safety Risk If a toe link is improperly adjusted, corrosion combined with vehicle motion may eventually cause the threads within the link to wear and loosen. In very rare cases with continued use, the link could separate. Sepa

Engine
Filed Jun 6, 2024SC

Engine locked up. Checked by 2 separate mechanic shops.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 2, 2024MO

I recently notice that I had very little light on the low beam of my headlights. Cannot see the road unless on high beam. Dealership said it is a problem that they have had with the SRX and have replaced so many 'headlight assembly's' that they now carry them in stock. Since you can't drive with the high beams on in traffic I feel this is a failure of the model and can only be fixed by replacement...quote of $1750.00.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 16, 2024FL

Passenger seat airbag light stays on all the time. Part to replace is no longer avaliable according to local Cadillac dealer.

Suspension
Filed Mar 15, 2024HI

See attached document for complaint

Electrical System
Filed Mar 7, 2024NJ

The first things to go were the headlights, rearview camera & the seatbelt wouldn't fully retract. Then ALL the dash warning lights flashed like a Christmas tree; the radio, heat & AC settings changed on their own; & the navigation screen scrambled into pixels like a crashed computer screen! These issues went on sporadically for months. I was convinced the vehicle was possessed. It seemed things would act up when it rained, was damp or humid. After spending thousands, things got worse. My windows, sun roof & hatchback opened on their own & wouldn't close. I'd have to pull over, turn off the engine, wait a while & restart it like a reset, which was rarely successful the first time. I haven't opened my sunroof in over a year. I mentioned all of the above to the dealership mechanics during regular maintenance & repairs but they could never find the source of the problem, did what they could & said this model was notorious for having electrical issues. Then for weeks, I'd find my hatchback open every morning. I'd close it. Minutes later, it would open again & again & again. I stood there in disbelief. This became a neighborhood joke & was happening even more than I realized because my neighbors had been closing it whenever they saw it open. They thought the vehicle was possessed, as well. After the hatchback, they replaced the module. Shortly after that, I found a puddle on the driver's side floor. I didn't notice it right away because of the winter weather. I removed the floor m

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 22, 2023NC

I had a headlight go out so I purchased new bulbs had both of them installed, low beams … and I still can’t see in the dark even after having my outside lamps detailed and cleaned. I have to drive with my high beams on in the dark. This needs to be a recall , something is not right with the lights on this vehicle. So Now I just try not to drive at night which is hard with the time.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 25, 2023GA

Was involved in a accident., side panel airbags deployed., shrapnel from airbags cuts and bruises on airs and shoulders. Also, driving car during summer with high temperatures cause electrical problems with dashboard system.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 21, 2023KY

The cue screen will not work to raise up the screen to view there is no backup camera to view because of screen not popping up and or no sensors warnings working causing animals and, people or objects not to be seen when backing up. Also back lift gate will no close to latch down and lock, causing liftgate to open while operating the vehicle on open road

Steering
Filed Feb 22, 2023MI

This car was recalled for a power steering hose in 2010 yet just last week it blow a hole in the line cost over $500 to fix i've had muti car in the last 40 years and never had this happen some had over 325,000 miles i don't know if dealer still has part the recall was for the crimping of the hose for pressure line also my girlfriend had same type of problem on her 2008 impala hose failed

Engine
Filed Feb 8, 2023FL

The oil burned down from 6 quarts to 1.25 quarts with no leaks and no detection or warning and the engine seized. Needs a new engine, automobile turned off on the road.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 28, 2023MI

The headlights are very dim and I cannot drive this vehicle at night due to safety. This problem comes back after replacement of headlight assembly.

20 of 474 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20191000Routine
2016168213Do not drive
2015442430Do not drive
2014390220Do not drive
2013393550Do not drive
2012416342Do not drive
2011446710Do not drive
2010 — this page474650Do not drive
200927000Routine
200847010Routine
200752110Routine
200668320Routine
2005122340Routine
2004216720Above average

Compare every Srx year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 24, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.