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Cadillac SRX 2010 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

40 owners reported problems with the 2010 Cadillac SRX to NHTSA, most often about exterior lighting.

All reports

40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE Fire 3 injured 2026-03-27 · NHTSA 11727454

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.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES 2025-10-03 · NHTSA 11691294

* 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!

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 2025-10-03 · NHTSA 11691299

Addendum to Complaint Number 11691294.

ENGINE Fire 2025-06-03 · NHTSA 11664703

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,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-03-04 · NHTSA 11646216

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 2024-11-22 · NHTSA 11626918

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.

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2024-10-23 · NHTSA 11621519

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,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2024-07-29 · NHTSA 11605025

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 2024-07-08 · NHTSA 11600281

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. Separation while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.

ENGINE 2024-06-06 · NHTSA 11592940

Engine locked up. Checked by 2 separate mechanic shops.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2024-04-02 · NHTSA 11580712

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 2024-03-16 · NHTSA 11577755

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

SUSPENSION 2024-03-15 · NHTSA 11577518

See attached document for complaint

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS 2024-03-07 · NHTSA 11576024

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 mats to clean them & saw the puddle. Whatever they did must have rerouted the water & while sitting in the vehicle during a storm, I found one, which I filmed. The warning lights started again, but I don't want to spend thousands more on this vehicle. According to Carvana, it's only worth ~$2000. I've read that the sunroof leak is prevalent in the 2010 SRX & other models. Is there anything you can do?

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2023-10-22 · NHTSA 11551220

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS Crash 2 injured 2023-09-25 · NHTSA 11546295

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION 2023-08-21 · NHTSA 11539944

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 2023-02-22 · NHTSA 11508618

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 2023-02-08 · NHTSA 11506169

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 2023-01-28 · NHTSA 11504222

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.

STEERING Fire 2023-01-22 · NHTSA 11503028

The power steering system has leaked causing a fire I’ve checked all the hoses no leaks pumps intact

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2023-01-13 · NHTSA 11501590

Our 2010 Cadillac SRX almost caused an accident. While climbing a hill reduced engine power warning on dash came on and suddenly engine power reduced so much car started rolling backwards into cars behind us.

SERVICE BRAKES 2023-01-08 · NHTSA 11500689

After hitting a small pot hole, the car would not come to a full stop…pushing n pumping the the brakes to the floor. This is the 3 time in the past 3 months this has happened. I have new brakes n new tires, why is this happening? It’s very scary, almost got in an accident for the brakes would not engage after hitting the pot hole at no more than 35 mph. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

STEERING 2023-01-03 · NHTSA 11500040

My vehicle is not covered by the recall yet I had a faulty power steering pump hose which resulted in it spraying power steering fluid on my engine and eventually almost catching fire it finally broke and rendered the vehicle inoperable. All the heat and fluid damaged the pulley and caused the serpentine belt to fall off which driving.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2022-12-26 · NHTSA 11498903

headlights fill with moisture and condensation causing headlights to not function properly and creates a safety issue when driving at night. Condensation also results in premature headlight bulb failure. This problem is well documented by customers of these vehicles however no repairs of this manufactured defect have been provided by the manufacturer.

VISIBILITY 2022-11-15 · NHTSA 11493662

2010 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LEAKING SUNROOF.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2022-09-28 · NHTSA 11486826

The car makes a knocking noise from the engine and in order to drive, you have to hold in the traction control button. I was told that the connecting rod broke and has to be repaired & I believe that should be a recall with the engine.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2022-09-20 · NHTSA 11485544

Hello, I wanted to let you all know that I have a 2010 cadillac srx, to which in the past these type of vehicles had had a transmissions issues, thus recalled...Well the vehicle I own, is doing and having the same transmission problem/issues...and Yet it is not under the Recall list...The Cadillac dealership, has my car and is wanting to open up the transmission and inspect it for almost 2 thousand dollars( i like on a dissability montly income) ..I had this same car diagnosed at 2 different auto shops , whom provided me with the folllowing 2 error codes P076 and p0700, which are the transmision control solenoid and the transmission control module...but back at the cadillac service dealership , here in amarillo tx...they want almos $6000 for a new transmission replacement or half of that for rebuilding the current one...When i strongly believe that my car is part of the same recall , being the same model and same similiar transmission issues

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2022-09-07 · NHTSA 11483286

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated when she turned on the headlights, she noticed that the passenger’s side headlight was not illuminated. The contact then noticed that the headlight assembly had water on the inside. The contact was able to drain the water out the headlight assembly and the headlight illuminated; however, the failure occurred with the driver’s side headlight assembly. The dealer was contacted and stated that the headlight assemblies were out of stock. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 170,310.

POWER TRAIN 2022-08-29 · NHTSA 11481792

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle would not shift gear properly with the “service rear axle” message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle received an unknown software reprogramming however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.

SUSPENSION 2022-08-16 · NHTSA 11479559

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000(Suspension) and she took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The contact stated after a couple of weeks the contact noticed that the rear end suspension had damaged both rear tires. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, where they attempted aligning the rear end with the front end of the vehicle but were not successful. The manufacturer was contacted but was not able to further assist. The failure mileage was 156,368.

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2022-06-09 · NHTSA 11468423

Service rear axle message is displayed on the driver information center. The code indicates AWD has been turned off which can put my safety and or safety of others at risk. Service Bulletin (PI0703B) was issued for numerous 2010 Cadillac SRX, unfortunately the recall wasn't issued for my vehicle (VIN). The service bulletin was for DTC c0407 with symptom code 64, the exact same code that was found with my vehicle.

POWER TRAIN 2022-05-31 · NHTSA 11466780

Service rear axle message is displayed on the driver information center. The code indicates AWD has been turned off which can put my safety and or safety of others at risk. Service Bulletin (PI0703B) was issued for numerous 2010 Cadillac SRX, unfortunately the recall wasn't issued for my vehicle (VIN). The service bulletin was for DTC c0407 with symptom code 64, the exact same code that was found with my vehicle. I have attached the diagnostic sheet from certified Cadillac dealership in this case request. I did contact Cadillac customer service, they suggested to contact NHTSA regarding this recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2022-05-13 · NHTSA 11464460

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that there was water inside the headlamp housing. While driving at night, the headlights failed to produce adequate lighting; the hi-beam headlights was needed for safe nighttime driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2022-04-28 · NHTSA 11462541

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the headlights suddenly stopped illuminating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlamps were damaged due to condensation and moisture inside the headlight assemblies and the headlight assemblies need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced for the same failure however, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 98,000.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2022-04-12 · NHTSA 11460518

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights were significantly dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon inspecting the headlights, the contact noticed that water had leaked inside the headlight housing. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the headlight replacement would be at his own expense since an unknown recall had already expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

SUSPENSION 2022-03-29 · NHTSA 11458788

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that both adjustable rear toe links were previously replaced with non-adjustable toe links under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V571000 (Suspension); however, while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle felt unsteady and was vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not align the vehicle due to the non-adjustable rear toe links. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and had severely damaged the rear tires. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

SERVICE BRAKES 2022-03-22 · NHTSA 11457889

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The brake light warning light was illuminated. In addition, the brake overheating warning message was displayed. The contact stated that in order to turn the brake light off, he had to use his foot to lift the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised him that it could be multiple causes. The contact stated he then contacted the manufacturer who advised he would have to pay out of pocket for repair. The failure mileage was 117,000.

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2022-01-21 · NHTSA 11448365

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that after opening the driver’s side door an unknown module was reset, and the contact was able to drive for several miles before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2022-01-18 · NHTSA 11447915

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to illuminate as needed. Additionally, water would seep into the headlights. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that he had to pay out of pocket for the headlight replacement and to contact the manufacturer for reimbursement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,024.

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2010 Cadillac SRX?
Problems with exterior lighting: 11 reports of 40 on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Out of 40 reports: a crash is mentioned in 1 and a fire in 3. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.