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 a 2015 cadillac srx the head lights are so dim you can't drive at night. I have change bulbs that did not help.
I agree with the problem of dim headlights. It’s a hazard and an accident waiting to happen. My understanding is that GM will not replace the headlight component and should be mandated to do so. It’s a safety issue now.
I agree about the headlightsMy SRX are horrible I drive with high beams.General motors should be responsible for replacing the lens that's the problem not the lightbulb
My 2013 SRX has the same headlight problem and does not illuminate the road enough to drive at night!
Gm had a recall for the headlights...is that recall still avail? 1/7/22?...my son drives and can't see the road at night!!
Hello Michael,
You can check whether there's an open recall for your son's vehicle by calling your local dealer or by entering the VIN into the portal on GM's recall center, found here: https://experience.gm.com/ownercenter/recalls
I have a 2016 Cadillac SRX and just replaced the headlights because low beams are so dim I cannot drive at night unless I use my high beams. It’s ridiculous. I got the lights replaced and spent about $150 to do and they are still dim. Why??
This is an issue with ALL cars, the lense material degrades over time becomes opaque instead of clear. You can buy a headligh restore kit at any automotive store for this specific issue. It's 15 bucks but makes a big difference!
I have the same vehicle 2016 SRX and drive in the dark early morning and see just fine with low beams. I do use high beams on back roads checking for deer.
My husband has an issue with night driving and that could be the problem.
Hello everyone with a dim headlight issue!! The headlight housing is the problem! The reflective cone gets hot and oxidizes when using a standard halogen bulb and will give poor reflection. The housing needs to be replaced (cost around $300 Amazon) then use LED lights!!! It's been 3 years for me and haven't had a problem since! A gentleman I know replaced his and used the same halogen bulb and his only last 2 years and needed to be replaced again!!! Use LED lights!!!!
I have a 2014 SRX. I can see better at night with a pen light than my low beams despite trying many different bulbs. My husband who is a mechanic is very disappointed with this vehicle purchase.
In the USA it is a recall because of the obvious safety issue. Here in Canada it isn't, go figure.
Because I drive quite a bit, I decided to pay to have driving lights installed which was quite expensive.
I'd never purchase another Cadillac.
The SRX is the worse car I ever own. The bottom line the car is not made for family or an individual. Things are going wrong with this car that has never gone bad on the other car I had. Who ever heard of the seat going all the way up to the steering wheel without you moving it? And, won’t retract. It actually should be recalled. I don’t feel it’s a reliable car. It to costly for a family or an individual. The worst investment I’ve ever made. I would never buy another Caddilac as long as I live.
View Comments
I have a 2015 cadillac srx the head lights are so dim you can't drive at night. I have change bulbs that did not help.
I agree with the problem of dim headlights. It’s a hazard and an accident waiting to happen. My understanding is that GM will not replace the headlight component and should be mandated to do so. It’s a safety issue now.
I agree about the headlightsMy SRX are horrible I drive with high beams.General motors should be responsible for replacing the lens that's the problem not the lightbulb
My 2013 SRX has the same headlight problem and does not illuminate the road enough to drive at night!
Gm had a recall for the headlights...is that recall still avail? 1/7/22?...my son drives and can't see the road at night!!
Hello Michael,
You can check whether there's an open recall for your son's vehicle by calling your local dealer or by entering the VIN into the portal on GM's recall center, found here: https://experience.gm.com/ownercenter/recalls
I have a 2016 Cadillac SRX and just replaced the headlights because low beams are so dim I cannot drive at night unless I use my high beams. It’s ridiculous. I got the lights replaced and spent about $150 to do and they are still dim. Why??
Hello Terri,
Headlight issues are quite common with the SRX. Some owners claim there is an inherent design flaw, as outlined in this article: https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/11/lawsuit-filed-over-2016-cadillac-srx-headlight-performance/
This is an issue with ALL cars, the lense material degrades over time becomes opaque instead of clear. You can buy a headligh restore kit at any automotive store for this specific issue. It's 15 bucks but makes a big difference!
I have the same vehicle 2016 SRX and drive in the dark early morning and see just fine with low beams. I do use high beams on back roads checking for deer.
My husband has an issue with night driving and that could be the problem.
Hello everyone with a dim headlight issue!! The headlight housing is the problem! The reflective cone gets hot and oxidizes when using a standard halogen bulb and will give poor reflection. The housing needs to be replaced (cost around $300 Amazon) then use LED lights!!! It's been 3 years for me and haven't had a problem since! A gentleman I know replaced his and used the same halogen bulb and his only last 2 years and needed to be replaced again!!! Use LED lights!!!!
I have a 2014 SRX. I can see better at night with a pen light than my low beams despite trying many different bulbs. My husband who is a mechanic is very disappointed with this vehicle purchase.
In the USA it is a recall because of the obvious safety issue. Here in Canada it isn't, go figure.
Because I drive quite a bit, I decided to pay to have driving lights installed which was quite expensive.
I'd never purchase another Cadillac.
The SRX is the worse car I ever own. The bottom line the car is not made for family or an individual. Things are going wrong with this car that has never gone bad on the other car I had. Who ever heard of the seat going all the way up to the steering wheel without you moving it? And, won’t retract. It actually should be recalled. I don’t feel it’s a reliable car. It to costly for a family or an individual. The worst investment I’ve ever made. I would never buy another Caddilac as long as I live.