Cadillac

SRX (2nd)

2010-2016 · Midsize SUV · 4 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.4)
2,710 NHTSA Complaints
13 Recalls
21 Fire Reports
120 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Cadillac SRX → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

LAU

2.8L 6-cyl Turbo
⚠️ Caution (3.4)
15 complaints 15.0 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

exterior
7
electrical
4
suspension
3
other
2
transmission
1

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (7 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (4 complaints)
Suspension Issues (3 complaints)

LMF - OHV, IRON

5.3L 8-cyl Turbo
⚠️ Caution (3.1)
24 complaints 24.0 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

exterior
13
engine
4
suspension
4
electrical
2
transmission
2

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (13 complaints)
Engine Issues (4 complaints)
Suspension Issues (4 complaints)

LFX - VVT, E85 Max, Aluminum

3.6L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.6)
1,171 complaints 166.6 per year Gasoline
13 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
677
electrical
145
other
105
suspension
90
brakes
65

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (677 complaints)
Typical onset: 50,000–85,400 mi Est. repair: $1,041–$1,800 (96 reports)
Electrical System Issues (145 complaints)
Typical onset: 24,000–66,864 mi Est. repair: $1,200–$2,075 (19 reports)
Suspension Issues (90 complaints)
Typical onset: 36,500–95,500 mi

LF1

3.0L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.6)
791 complaints 197.8 per year Gasoline
6 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
369
electrical
110
suspension
96
engine
70
transmission
67

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (369 complaints)
Typical onset: 48,625–100,000 mi Est. repair: $1,200–$2,000 (56 reports)
Electrical System Issues (110 complaints)
Typical onset: 17,000–116,003 mi Est. repair: $1,200–$2,000 (17 reports)
Suspension Issues (96 complaints)
Typical onset: 77,125–140,000 mi Est. repair: $100–$1,400 (5 reports)

5 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Cadillac SRX regardless of engine variant.

Exterior Issues (1,069 complaints)
exterior critical
Electrical System Issues (260 complaints)
electrical critical
Suspension Issues (194 complaints)
suspension critical
Transmission Issues (129 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (74 complaints)
engine serious

Recalls (13)

21V473000Jun 23, 2021serious
Suspension

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.

14V212000Apr 24, 2014serious
Powertrain

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured May 29, 2012, through June 26, 2013, and equipped with 3.6L engines. In the affected vehicles, in certain driving situations, there may be a three to four second lag in acceleration due to the transmission control module (TCM) programming.

14V447000Jul 22, 2014serious
Seats

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.

14V804000Dec 18, 2014serious
Seats

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured November 11, 2014, to December 3, 2014. The front driver's seat may have been built with an incorrect seat track bracket. Drivers' seats with this condition may not be properly attached to the seat track.

14V571000Sep 18, 2014serious
Suspension

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.

13V202000May 15, 2013serious
Wheels

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured January 31, 2012, through March 18, 2013, and equipped with 18 inch wheels. On the affected vehicles, the wheel lug nuts may loosen.

13V097000Mar 14, 2013serious
Powertrain

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode removing any transmission-related engine braking effect.

11V595000Dec 19, 2011serious
Powertrain

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.

11V149000Apr 2, 2011serious
Visibility

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 BUICK LACROSSE AND CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS". ON THESE VEHICLES, THE SOFTWARE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL (ECC) MODULE MAY DISABLE THE ABILITY TO ADJUST THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM SETTINGS. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE HEATING, COOLING, AND VENTILATION FOR THE VEHICLE.

11V308000Mar 5, 2011serious
Air Bags

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC SRX PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIRBAGS ARE PROGRAMMED TO TURN OFF THE RIGHT SIDE ROOF-RAIL AIRBAG IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM DETERMINES THAT THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS UNOCCUPIED.

10V450000Sep 29, 2010serious
Steering

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.

10V223000May 24, 2010serious
Engine & Cooling

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.

10V623000Dec 14, 2010serious
Seat Belts

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC SRX, CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES. THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE NEAR THE SEAT ATTACHMENT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX problems?

The 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX has accumulated 2,710 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Exterior, Electrical System, Suspension. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Cadillac SRX engine is most reliable?

The 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX was offered with 9 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.6L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX a good used car?

The 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,710 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX have?

The 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX has 2,710 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX?

There are 13 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Cadillac SRX?

Before buying a used Cadillac SRX, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Exterior, Electrical System, Suspension, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the SRX have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,710 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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