250 of the 4,169 complaints filed about the Cadillac SRX are about the transmission — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2010.
250
Complaints
6%
Share of all complaints
17
Crashes
0
Fires
POWER TRAIN
Transmission is slipping/jerking when stopping and then when accelerating again. Multiple other owners have reported this same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11752533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The headlight went dim and put in new but that didn’t work for long now I can’t drive at night can’t see road. Only had less than 2 years
NHTSA complaint #11748477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
At lower speeds, especially after coasting, my car will lag for a few seconds before jerking forward. Also today I was coasting going about 25 mph and tried to accelerate and I pushed the pedal down and it wasn’t doing anything for several seconds then decided to start speeding up. No warning lights have come on. This has been happening for a bit but today was the first time I was concerned for my safety as I was out on a major highway
NHTSA complaint #11740359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
When I start the car and place it into reverse (from its parking spot) and let it idle backwards about 12-18 ft, it abruptly comes to a halt and makes a hard thump noise. If I then shift it into drive and allow it to idle forward, it will barely idle upto about 6-8 feet. I am hearing a plethora of different things and have not been able to drive it since October, 2025. I need help, please.
NHTSA complaint #11719631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I have been trying to enjoy this vehicle from the time it became part of my life. The first 6 months, I was unable to close the sunroof, because of that my passenger seat cracked since its been exposed to the sun for 5 years, the driver's side window could not roll down which we fixed; I never owned a vehicle where I could not access my trunk. The first 6 months of having this vehicle the lifgate became inoperable. the lift gate does not work. The sensors of the vehicle are useless, the car radioi does not work the cue sticks, which can be distracting and can cause an accident so I use the YouTube on my phone for entertainment. The sensors led to the transmission deteriorating to the point of the transmission fluid burning faster and deteriorating the components of the transmission. This is going to cost me 6000.00 These are known manufacture defects for the SRX 2014. Please help
NHTSA complaint #11684081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,530.
NHTSA complaint #11681419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Elsie Fletcher MD OAG Consumer Protection Division 301 386 6210 Regarding notice received dated 5/7/2025 of case closing 5/28/205: Requesting reopening of [XXX]. Please find attached requested documentation of "Ourisman" brand GM auto repair facilities "Chevrolet of Bowie" and "Chevrolet of Marlow Heights". These new, used, and certified pre-owned car dealerships are providing lock-smithing, auto repair services, advertising check engine light services for GM models unidentified or unavailable by JD Power and the N.A.D.A (National Automobile Dealers Association) for trade-in pricing. This results in: 1) Refurbished, aftermarket automobile repair parts resold by AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and Rock Auto of suspect year compatibility and road worthiness. 2) Failing MDOT safety protocols required for state inspection and VEIP compliance, out-of-state registrars can purchase vehicles in VA with GI-Bill accessibility or other states with industry related, company affiliations which are either unsafe or able to be resold in ancillary used car markets. The concerned two vehicles 2012 Chevy Malibu LT (title to myself) and 2015 Cadillac SRX (sold by Cadillac of Greenbelt MD, now Honda of Greenbelt MD and upselling of new Cadillac marketed to Cadillac registrant Janice Thom-Collins by Jim Coleman's of Silver Spring MD) The lack of oversight and reduced scrutiny of 3rd-party dealerships and resellers creates an environment profitable to price gouging, tempting to criminal misrepresentation of mechanic services, and increased concern to NTSHA purview: [XXX] [XXX] p2 cites a merger of USAA with Nevada Credit Union. A 2012 Suzuki Kizashi was sold as well as 2012 Chevy Malibu from a VA dealership with electrical fire hazards uncorrected. Sport Chevrolet Company, LLC of Silver Spring offered $100 to trade in valued at $1,500. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11680490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while responding and made an abnormal squeaking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with differential failure. The contact was informed that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle lurches from 0-20mph since purchase of vehicle from Greenbelt Caddillac. Vehicle only serviced there until no longer in business. Shifter linkage cable issue assumed. Parking brake disengages prior to switch depress. In automatic mode, when switched to manual, shifter does not highlight that it is engaged in shifter box. Dashboard shows change in transmission function. Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 1 code returned around 100-120k+ miles after 2 flat tires and suspension serviced by Caliber Collision. OnStar taking control of vehicle suspected of causing timing belt to skip timing supported by Chevrolet Ourisman of Bowie. Paid $800-1000 to Ourisman for service and diagnostic. Ourisman suggested engine needed to be opened to fully inspect or replaced for $6-8000. A piece of the sensor was claimed to have broken off and fallen into lower engine manifold. Vehicle would rev when stopped and putter to halt. Vehicle would start and stick in second gear up to 40mph until stopping and refusing to start. Engine replacement evaluation reconfirmed by Foreign Auto Parts of Annapolis, MD after explanation. Chevrolet of Silver Spring attempted to buy car for $100 after suspect inspection. Declined. 3 new sensors were changed manually though did not turn off the check engine light, still returning bank 1 camshaft sensor. Eventually vehicle towed to MZ Auto Repair 9500 Allentown Rd, Fort Washington. Engine swapped, battery changed and check engine light cleared. Vehicle ran for 2000-3000 miles until check engine light returned with same code Bank 1 Camshaft Position Sensor. Vehicle presumed tampered with during lifetime of use however original lurch during engagement of powertrain implicates feigned manufacturer defect or original Cadillac of Greenbelt.
NHTSA complaint #11666855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Two incidents of the same failure, although a few years apart. Vehicle placed in "Park" (foot on the brake, which is necessary in order to shift into P); when brake pedal released, vehicle suddenly revs and lurches forward. First time, in garage, and so minor damage except to items in garage; second time 3/7/2025, totaled this vehicle plus major damage to another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11647144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
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 complaint #11646216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Rear Toe Link and . Lag in Acceleration was completed on 05/08/2014 but the problem persists also electrical failure seat gets stuck or engine wont turn on , blind spots makes sound when no vehicle around Engine has no power TCM transmission Control Module code comes and goes
NHTSA complaint #11642846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
On Monday, August 5, 2024 when I started the vehicle and began driving to work I noticed upon startup the engine was clearly noticeably louder. It also made a strange bogging downshift type noise when idling. Upon driving, the noise seemed to go in and out but once reaching approximately 40mph the noise got noticeably loud again and the vehicle seemed as though it was having gear shifting issues. I had the transmission fluid flushed and filled costing me $300. This seemed to help but very little.I did research to find recalls on the vehicle and found “Special Coverage 18029, Reference # N172115200”, which is an Inoperative Purge Solenoid. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART INSTALLED BY MANUFACTURER. I was unsure if this was the issue with the vehicle however doing research it was very possible. I contacted GM more than once and was stonewalled. All they said was to contact my local Cadillac Dealership to have the issue diagnosed and repaired at my cost. They offered no resolution although it’s a defectively installed part by GM at the factory. Engine light came on for the first time Thursday, 01/09/‘25. I used the diagnostic computer tool from AutoZone and the printed results showed it was in fact the Engine Variable Valve Timing Solenoid and Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A “Code P0016”. The vehicle has been dangerous to drive nearly stalling out or unable to shift smoothly nearly causing an accident several times, as well as loud and giving off dangerous noxious fumes. GMs refusal to fix the vehicle due to their negligence in factory installing a defective and faulty part, as well as the rear passenger side Tire Pressure Sensor Monitor (TPSM) shows the unconcern for their customers safety and satisfaction with their product and underscores that seemingly their only concern is their own monetary profits and refusal to amend and resolve dangerous mechanical issues caused by their own doing.
NHTSA complaint #11635733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Unknown Transmission hesitation, causing vehicle to delay when pulling out in traffic. Vehicle also slips when driving at 2,000 rpm’s.
NHTSA complaint #11629929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
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 complaint #11621519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a three to four seconds lag in acceleration. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V212000 (Power Train). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
NHTSA complaint #11618504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to move. The contact noticed there was no transmission fluid in the reservoir. The contact added transmission fluid, but the vehicle was still inoperable. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11613720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Transmission issues of going into Gear.Display for Cue system not functional
NHTSA complaint #11564318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed on the instrument panel “service rear axle”. Additionally, the contact stated that she received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the vehicle was taking to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11530842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Transmission has trouble shifting
NHTSA complaint #11521834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.