2010 Cadillac Srx Owner Complaints

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.

NHTSA ID

11727454

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

Addendum to Complaint Number 11691294.

NHTSA ID

11691299

Incident

Sep 15, 2017

* 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!

NHTSA ID

11691294

Incident

Sep 15, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID

11664703

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

Mileage

211,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11646216

Incident

Apr 6, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11626918

Incident

Nov 22, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11621519

Incident

Oct 13, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11605025

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11600281

Incident

Jun 25, 2024

Engine locked up. Checked by 2 separate mechanic shops.

NHTSA ID

11592940

Incident

Jun 6, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11580712

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

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

NHTSA ID

11577755

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11577518

Incident

Oct 14, 2023

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?

NHTSA ID

11576024

Incident

Apr 15, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID

11551220

Incident

Oct 20, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11546295

Incident

Aug 24, 2023

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

NHTSA ID

11539944

Incident

May 30, 2023

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

NHTSA ID

11508618

Incident

Feb 13, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11506169

Incident

Jan 29, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11504222

Incident

Jan 13, 2023

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

NHTSA ID

11503028

Incident

Jan 21, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11501590

Incident

Jan 13, 2023

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).

NHTSA ID

11500689

Incident

Dec 29, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11500040

Incident

Dec 25, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11498903

Incident

Dec 6, 2022