The Cadillac SRX offers smooth handling, excellent driver assistance features, and decent towing power at a reasonable price, making it the ideal family vehicle for many drivers. This midsize luxury SUV boasts high NHTSA safety ratings, with perfect scores for both its 2012 and 2013 model years. However, despite such high safety ratings, the SRX lagged behind the competition when it came to performance, mileage, and cabin space. Cadillac discontinued the SRX in 2016 and replaced it with the compact TX5. The estimated price on a three-year-old SRX is $26,291, with a depreciation rate of 47% or 1.3 times more than the average SUV, which puts it in the ninth spot on ISeeCars’ Best Bargains for Almost-New SUVs.
Is the Cadillac SRX Reliable?
The Cadillac SRX has an average reliability score. RepairPal has given the SRX a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, placing it in 7th place out of 14 luxury SUVs tested. The SRX doesn’t break down as fast as other models, which keeps ownership costs average. However, when problems do occur, they tend to be more costly to repair. The opinion on the SRX is split. On one hand, the SRX offers a refined V6 engine, comfortable handling, and luxe interiors at a competitive price. On the other hand, it can be expensive to maintain due to the severity of its most common problems.
The Cadillac SRX offers smooth handling, excellent driver assistance features, and decent towing power at a reasonable price, making it the ideal family vehicle for many drivers.
Common Cadillac SRX Problems
The Cadillac SRX is a good SUV, but it’s far from perfect. In fact, GM has faced several complaints from disappointed SRX owners, which led to a few recalls. Here are some of the Cadillac SRX’s most commonly reported problems.
Loose Toe Link
Cadillac has issued a recall for SRXs made between 2010 to 2016 due to a loose toe link. A loose toe link can cause the vehicle to lose control at highway speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. What causes the toe link to loosen? Road salts and other corrosive elements can damage and loosen the threads within your toe link. An improperly torqued jam nut in the toe link adjuster can also cause the part to loosen. If your steering feels loose and you hear clunking noises from your rear suspension, you should immediately stop driving. We recommend visiting your dealer for a checkup of your rear suspension. They will replace your faulty toe link with a non-adjustable one for free. For urgent concerns, you can call Cadillac at 800-458-8006 or the NHTSA’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236. In the rare case that your SRX’s recall order isn’t honored, you can buy high-quality aftermarket toe links online.
Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure
Several SRX owners have reported the steering wheel position sensors failing prematurely. The steering wheel position sensor is an integral part of your vehicle’s StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Assist system. It tracks the angle of your steering input and makes appropriate adjustments in the power steering system in order to improve your vehicle’s steering and stability. A bad or failing steering wheel position sensor will exhibit noticeable symptoms ranging from rough steering to check engine or traction control lights turning on. The most common symptom of bad steering wheel position sensors for Cadillac SRXs appears to be a flashing service stability message. Some owners have experienced random stalling or idling while driving. One owner had to call the CAA to tow their vehicle to the shop for repairs. This problem, unfortunately, affects all Cadillac SRX model years from 2004 to 2016. Given the safety risks associated with a bad steering wheel position sensor, you should always remember to check on your SRX’s StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Assist system as part of your routine maintenance.
Some SRX owners have experienced random stalling or idling while driving due to faulty steering wheel position sensor
Sunroof Doesn’t Work
The Cadillac SRX has a sunroof that can be opened to allow fresh air inside the cabin. If the sunroof gets stuck or stops working, rain and snow can enter the vehicle, possibly ruining its interiors and electrical systems. SRX owners have reported hearing grinding noises when operating the sunroof. This is a common sign of a sunroof motor failure. A bad motor can produce loud grinding noises and prevent the sunroof from closing completely. The sunroof can fail due to several factors, such as extreme weather or dust deposits between the metal panel and the rubber seal. However, it’s also possible that the factory part itself is defective as is the case with many Cadillac SRXs from 2004 to 2016 (with exception to the 2009 model year). Replacing a faulty sunroof requires some specialized tools that some owners might not have at home. If you have this problem, don’t hesitate to call your mechanic for help.
Lighting Issues
The Cadillac SRX is widely regarded as a safe and reliable vehicle. However, many owners have reported problems with the SRX’s front turn signals and daytime running lights (DRL). Many of them had to replace their bulbs more than once. In some cases, you’ll need to replace the bulb socket as well. The factory socket can cause the turn signal bulbs to overheat, causing them to fail prematurely. According to RepairPal, this issue affects SRXs from 2004 to 2012.
The turn signal light is one of the most important safety features on any road-going vehicle. It allows drivers to communicate with others when they’re about to make a turn, switch lanes, merge with traffic, park, and so much more. Without turn signals, accidents are bound to happen. There’s no good reason to put off replacing your turn signals and DRLs. If you don’t act quickly, your lighting concerns can become a recurring issue
Is the Cadillac SRX reliable? The NHTSA seems to think so. However, you shouldn’t base your purchase decisions on the word of one agency alone. We encourage you to do some research, go on forums, and ask owners for their opinions. The Cadillac SRX isn’t the best SUV in its class, but it gets the job done. It remains an excellent option for drivers with small to medium-sized families because of its versatility. If you’re planning to buy one, please make sure to ask your seller about the vehicle’s repair and maintenance history before finalizing your purchase.
Get Replacement Parts for Your Cadillac SRX
Before anything else, you should stop driving your Cadillac SRX. Defective steering wheel position sensors, damaged sunroof motors, and broken turn signal lights might not seem like a big deal since your engine is still running. However, they can lead to costly damage down the line. Plus, they’re bound to distract you while driving, which is never a good thing. Thankfully, getting replacement parts for your Cadillac SRX is fast and easy with CarParts.com.
CarParts.com offers a wide selection of steering wheel position sensors, sunroof motors, and other Cadillac SRX parts, all sourced from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Just use our vehicle selector and search filters to easily browse through our catalog. CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping, thanks to our warehouses strategically located around the US. Order by 12 p.m. ET, and you can expect to receive your package in as fast as two business days.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
I have recently acquired a 2007 SRX Cadillac and I'm having an issue that seems odd and could use some advise with. The AC blows cold on my half of the drivers side but hot on the passenger side. Any suggestions please as to a fix. blows the same hot air with Passenger turned on or off.
Thanks in advance.
Dale
Maybe the directional flap motor gave out. I need to replace mine, when doing a fresh start after the car has been off for a long time, like overnight, there are noises comming from the dash area. It seems like the computer is doing something. But it's a faulty motor control for the vent flap.
Cadillac 2016 SRX has been a recall piece of junk!
The sunroof water tubes leaked into the trunk- causing a burn out electrical unit. Cost me $1800.00
The lights you can not drive at night.
The suspension was a mess and now a recall but been waiting fir 6 months on parts- before the recall I invested $2200.
Cadillac I will never buy again!
I have a 2010 SRX, and I absolutely love the car. I have yet to have the time to have the toe link recall taken care of, but as far as the dim headlight issue, replace the assemblies they costed me 200$ per assembly. The chrome reflective part of the headlights gets burned over years of use which causes the dim unsafe headlights. I also upgraded to LED headlights. I have almost 250k on the odometer, and have had very few issues. The transmission control module/valve body assembly went bad, the part costed me 500$ and just a few hours of my time to replace. Outside of regular maintenance, it has been a great car with very few issues.
I have have a 2014 SRX there are issues with the headlights at night and now there are spider lines on my cue screen. This will be my 2nd replacement for the screen.
Screens can get scratched very easily from cleaning. You should only use a micro fiber towel (apply light pressure.) And use soft bristle detailing brush for cleaning buttons and corners, seams
2013 SRX 160k - Generally mine has been reliable. I TOTALLY agree with the complaints about the dim headlights. I’m going to look into replacing the reflective housing and add LED lighting. I did have to replace the ignition module in 2020. As of this writing, I’m preparing to replace the front wheel bearings that are starting to make noise. I too have had to replace the CUE screen twice. Now that car prices have gone through the roof, Ill be driving this mother until the wheels fall off it!!!
The headlights utilize a projector inside the assembly, which is where the halogen bulb is inserted. The projector is an all plastic cylindrical tube within the assembly, with chrome reflective finish inside and a lens on the front. The high heat from the halogen bakes the reflective surface to a pitiful brown crust. This cannot be seen without cutting the headlight assembly in half as it's inside the projector behind the lens. No amount of polishing to the exterior plastic will help the issue. Unfortunately, the entire fixture is due for the landfill. The upgraded LED fixtures have been more stable, especially if you install LED lights in the projector. The upgraded LED fixtures actually have LED lights illuminating around the perimeter of the fixture, complete redesign. Some claim to have metal projectors, I have not cut one open to verify, but would definitely opt for the metal if available.
I have the 2012. I love it except sun roof unrolled and the cloth part fell down.
I am in a pickle and have to get a used car. I have found a 2016 srx with one owner car is in amazing condition. Looks brand new inside and out. It has 143000 miles which scares me. Should I RUN ???
Have you decided yet because I have found a 2017 srx looks brand new 120000 miles. Should I buy?
Our car started overheated and now it wouldn't start .we fixed the over heating problems and now it wouldn't start stay running and no power what could be the problem?
I own a 2012 SRX AWD. In December 2019, I went to apply my breaks and they didn't hold pump and pumped was able to stop. Feb 2020, a car cut me off had to slam on my breaks, they failed me again. Thank God no one was in the next lane. October 13, 2022, was driving from Indiana to Hilton Head. Was in Atlanta traffic; just driving slow the car in front slamed their breaks on. Once again my breaks didn't work im pumping several times and only God knows how I didn't hit the car
So, 2921 the dealership said in you need a new car battery for your breaks to work. This time in South Carolina, they ran every test possible nothing showing up nothing is happening when they drive it. So they wished me kick on my drive back to Indiana and asked me to call when I made it home. No problem, until October 27 driving in Kentucky had a dump truck to enter my lane a slam on it's breaks.yep my brakes failed again. Went into the next lane then back the hole time no breaks and im merging onto a bridge from my to Indiana with construction. My breaks are once again to the floor and mushie just like all the time before.
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I have recently acquired a 2007 SRX Cadillac and I'm having an issue that seems odd and could use some advise with. The AC blows cold on my half of the drivers side but hot on the passenger side. Any suggestions please as to a fix. blows the same hot air with Passenger turned on or off.
Thanks in advance.
Dale
Maybe the directional flap motor gave out. I need to replace mine, when doing a fresh start after the car has been off for a long time, like overnight, there are noises comming from the dash area. It seems like the computer is doing something. But it's a faulty motor control for the vent flap.
Cadillac 2016 SRX has been a recall piece of junk!
The sunroof water tubes leaked into the trunk- causing a burn out electrical unit. Cost me $1800.00
The lights you can not drive at night.
The suspension was a mess and now a recall but been waiting fir 6 months on parts- before the recall I invested $2200.
Cadillac I will never buy again!
I have a 2010 SRX, and I absolutely love the car. I have yet to have the time to have the toe link recall taken care of, but as far as the dim headlight issue, replace the assemblies they costed me 200$ per assembly. The chrome reflective part of the headlights gets burned over years of use which causes the dim unsafe headlights. I also upgraded to LED headlights. I have almost 250k on the odometer, and have had very few issues. The transmission control module/valve body assembly went bad, the part costed me 500$ and just a few hours of my time to replace. Outside of regular maintenance, it has been a great car with very few issues.
I have have a 2014 SRX there are issues with the headlights at night and now there are spider lines on my cue screen. This will be my 2nd replacement for the screen.
Screens can get scratched very easily from cleaning. You should only use a micro fiber towel (apply light pressure.) And use soft bristle detailing brush for cleaning buttons and corners, seams
2013 SRX 160k - Generally mine has been reliable. I TOTALLY agree with the complaints about the dim headlights. I’m going to look into replacing the reflective housing and add LED lighting. I did have to replace the ignition module in 2020. As of this writing, I’m preparing to replace the front wheel bearings that are starting to make noise. I too have had to replace the CUE screen twice. Now that car prices have gone through the roof, Ill be driving this mother until the wheels fall off it!!!
The headlights utilize a projector inside the assembly, which is where the halogen bulb is inserted. The projector is an all plastic cylindrical tube within the assembly, with chrome reflective finish inside and a lens on the front. The high heat from the halogen bakes the reflective surface to a pitiful brown crust. This cannot be seen without cutting the headlight assembly in half as it's inside the projector behind the lens. No amount of polishing to the exterior plastic will help the issue. Unfortunately, the entire fixture is due for the landfill. The upgraded LED fixtures have been more stable, especially if you install LED lights in the projector. The upgraded LED fixtures actually have LED lights illuminating around the perimeter of the fixture, complete redesign. Some claim to have metal projectors, I have not cut one open to verify, but would definitely opt for the metal if available.
I have the 2012. I love it except sun roof unrolled and the cloth part fell down.
I am in a pickle and have to get a used car. I have found a 2016 srx with one owner car is in amazing condition. Looks brand new inside and out. It has 143000 miles which scares me. Should I RUN ???
Have you decided yet because I have found a 2017 srx looks brand new 120000 miles. Should I buy?
Our car started overheated and now it wouldn't start .we fixed the over heating problems and now it wouldn't start stay running and no power what could be the problem?
I own a 2012 SRX AWD. In December 2019, I went to apply my breaks and they didn't hold pump and pumped was able to stop. Feb 2020, a car cut me off had to slam on my breaks, they failed me again. Thank God no one was in the next lane. October 13, 2022, was driving from Indiana to Hilton Head. Was in Atlanta traffic; just driving slow the car in front slamed their breaks on. Once again my breaks didn't work im pumping several times and only God knows how I didn't hit the car
So, 2921 the dealership said in you need a new car battery for your breaks to work. This time in South Carolina, they ran every test possible nothing showing up nothing is happening when they drive it. So they wished me kick on my drive back to Indiana and asked me to call when I made it home. No problem, until October 27 driving in Kentucky had a dump truck to enter my lane a slam on it's breaks.yep my brakes failed again. Went into the next lane then back the hole time no breaks and im merging onto a bridge from my to Indiana with construction. My breaks are once again to the floor and mushie just like all the time before.