NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Cadillac SRX. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
The recall was performed on my Cadillac SRX back in November. The recall fix that GM put out has now cause more problems than there was before the fix. What has happened is that the solid toe link is to long and has put my cars alliagnment way out to the point that the car is not safe to drive. I had new struts, shocks and front toe links put on just before the recall fix and there was nothing wrong until the fix. Now the reallaignment can not be done because of the fix. GM needs to recall the recall. I am taking it back to the dealer that performed the recall fix and telling them that I am not paying to have it corrected. My mechanic stated that in order to correct the problem that GM created is now going to cost over $500 a cost that I should not have occurred.
headlamp replacement... second one i had to do on my SRX. I know it never made it to recall but you were reimbursing owners now your not. i called gm they said they would help me then i get it fixed and he calls back and says no
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer where the recall remedy was completed. The contact stated after the repairs were completed, she felt the rear side of the vehicle would sway side to side and she would notice it would be worst in the rain. The contact stated on 8/10/2022 while driving 42 mph, she heard an abnormal noise and noticed the rear driver side of the tire blew out. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she decided to continue driving. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, she noticed the inner part of the rear driver tire belt was showing. The contact's husband drove the vehicle to their residence with the faulty tire. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop and was informed they were unable to align the vehicle while replacing the rear driver-side tire. The tire shop informed this was the cause of the tire blowing out. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
UNKNOWN- Took my vehicle in for the recall listed above, to then be told that my Timing Cover Gasket: timing cover gasket leaking. Service advisor indicated that this is a known issue with SRX's. I did search for a recall on all years, but not on the 2012's. Not sure why they were not included. I was informed at the price of $2134.53 it could be repaired. I only have 87 plus miles on this vehicle. While I have not had any warning lamps or messages appear, or leaking, why is this. I whole heartedly believe that this should be inspected and a recall should occur for this years make and model.
Very poor visibility. Head lights turn on but the lens is so cloudy it has severely reduced visibility for night driving. I have been calling GM/Cadillac routinely for at least a month but I feel like I’m getting a run around. On 4/4/22 I was told the problem has been resolved and I would be getting a call to set up an appointment to have the lenses replaced. But I still haven’t heard back. The head lights had already been inspected by a Cadillac service dealer on 3/15/22 and GM/Cadillac was made aware of this and has spoken with the Cadillac dealer so I’m not sure what the hold up is. I’ve been calling to find out but my call gets transferred to voice mail. They do not return my calls. I also made them aware that we are planning to be doing lots of night driving in the next couple weeks for a vacation. So there is a need for the lights to be replaced ASAP. The dealer/service told me that it would cost me $3200.oo to replace the lights but I can not afford them. I do not believe this to be wear & tear or cosmetic. It is a safety issue from an inferior product. I have already started this complaint on 3/31/22 and have a reference # 502594. Thank You
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had not returned the contact's calls regarding the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I received a recall from GM as to the toe links in my vehicle. On November 4th it went into the dealership to have the parts replaced and the following morning my car lost control when something happened between the tires and the steering which caused my car to swerve all over the road, lose control, flip and go into a ditch. There were 3 warning lights on, ABS, traction, and Stabilitrak. The car has not yet been inspected but will be. Thank God it happened around 5:30 a.m. when there were not a lot of cars out yet on the highway.
Head lamps are to dim to drive vehicle after dark
Headlamps fully engaged but dimming with time. Unable to see road clearly at night. Dealership(s) confirmed issue and reproduced issue. Confirmed by manufacturers. No prior warnings. Class action lawsuit won on behalf of owners but not all owners were informed of settlement and procedures to address and correct issue. Class action settlement period lapse in 2020 with no other recourse to help owner of vehicle now. Headlamp issue persists to this day.
Both Headlights went out within a week of each other while driving at night
So while driving the stabilizer light came on and it swerved when I went to hit my brakes to stop the car because I was heading across a bridge the brake somehow lost power and I pushed and it didn’t do anything by the time I got the pressure to come back I guess after pushing a few times it was too late and I rear ended another vehicle and completed pushed in the entire front on my truck. This is the second time the light came on but the first time it swerved and then the brakes going out shouldn’t have happened because I got the brakes replaced earlier this year
Vehicle recall letter for recall N212340980 received stating service is needed but there are no parts. Check with the dealership. Called local dealership x3 and no call back. Went to dealership 10/5 and was told "there's nothing they can do". How do I know when I can get my car fixed???
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the headlights appeared too dim obstructing the view to the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had authorized a recall for the headlights however, the recall had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
2012 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK SAFETY RECALL.
driving 40mph and the brakes started having issues. the pedal had to be pressed all the way to the floor and pumped to get the car to stop. from my research I see that this is a very common issue with this vehicle. this is a major safety issue that's going to eventually lead to a fatality if it hasn't already. if this is not a safety issue and a manufacturers defect then I really don't know what is
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were very dim, making it difficult to see the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlamps assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while turning the steering wheel, there was a grinding noise coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
2012 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HEADLIGHT AND COVERS SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SAFETY RECALL EXPIRED. THE CONSUMER WAS UNAWARE THAT RECALLS EXPIRED. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS A NURSE AND WAS WORKING THE PANDEMIC WHEN THE RECALL NOTICE WAS SENT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED ASSISTANCE HAVING THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that he was unable to see the road while driving in inclement weather with the low-beam headlight activated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and he was informed that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, he lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to drive over 25 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact was able to continue driving under 25 MPH to his residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
On multiple occasions I have experienced an unexpected temporary loss of braking. Peddle went to the floor requiring pumping of brakes to come to a stop. It lasts days and unexpectedly returns to normal. No warning signal to check brakes etc. For days after I have to pump the brakes and adjust my braking response time in order to avoid hitting another car. Each time this happened I have had it checked and nothing found. I’m from Florida and summer in RI. I had the vehicle checked in RI last year? Twice in FL. I have noticed ot happens during inclement weather or hitting an unexpected hole in the road. The last time this happened was several days ago on the MA turnpike during a rain storm. Very scarey and very dangerous. The brakes went back to normal but only after a week. I went on the car websites and realized it was happening to others too. With Cadillac! I spend a lot of time on the highway and a quick braking response is vital.
2012 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HAZARDOUS HEADLAMPS ON VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE BUT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED.
The Low Beam head lights put out only enough light to see 10 feet in front of the vehicle at night. Therefore the car can not be driven at night. Neither the driver nor the passenger can see forward enough to prevent any accident. My research has found that this particular model has had many complaints about the issue with little to no resolutions from the manufacturer. Installing new OEM bulbs has minimal effect. I have owned this car since April and can not allow my wife or myself thrive the car after sunset.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the stability track warning light illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel and the vehicle swayed while driving. Additionally, the rear suspension emitted a loud noise while driving. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle was inadvertently pulling to the right, while making a turn, the tires felt like they were dragging, and the front passenger’s side fender was making noises while turning. The traction control and another unknown warning light were illuminated intermittently. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the recall repair was not being completed, it caused the inner sidewalls of the rear tires to wear down prematurely. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure and scheduled an appointment for 2/3/2022. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving downhill at approximately 35 mph, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle drove into the opposite lane before stopping on the side of the roadway. Upon inspection, it was determined that the rear passenger’s side wheel had detached. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear passenger’s side suspension toe link had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,550.
I received a letter from Cadillac that they were aware of an issue with the moisture in the headlights on my vehicle, and were offering a credit towards replacement of the headlights. At the time, I did not have an issue, but a year later my lights became significantly dimmer making it unsafe to drive. I reported the issue to Cadillac in July of 2021 and was told to take it to a dealership for a diagnosis to start the claim process. August 4th, I contacted Cadillac again with the estimate and was told I would hear back in 3-5 days. I did not receive a phone call, but emails stating they could not reach me to and to call back. The email was a template that was not filled out and I had left numerous voicemails for my rep, and her supervisor. I contacted the BBB in September and was told they were working with the dealership. On 10/20/21 I received a call at 6:45 am then a response from the BBB stating "to have the work completed and it will be reviewed for reimbursement." The car is dangerous to drive at night, Cadillac is well aware of the issue, and using tactics to avoid correcting a defective part.
The contact owns 2009 Ford F-30 Supercab. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced violate shaking without warning when accelerating past 50 mph The contact stated when driving over an object the failure occurs. The contact would have to released his foot off the accelerator in order for the vehicle to resumes back to normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering dapper needed to be replaced in order for the failure not to recur. The vehicle was not repaired the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Low beam headlights are so dim I cannot drive when dark out. This is a big safety issue. Please advise.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the service rear axle warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V473000 (Suspension. The contact called the local dealer and was informed about diagnostic testing. The contact informed the dealer there was no noise or light illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 27,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
While driving on the highway my car suddenly went sideways five times. I had no control over my vehicle and luckily did not hit another vehicle. Once I was safely on the shoulder, I saw that my rear driverside wheel was sticking out. I had it towed to the dealership and then found out that there was a recall on the rear toe end link adjuster. They kept my car for weeks and kept sending me assessments of damage and assuring me it would be good as new when returned. After I declined their offer to fix my front struts for about $4,000 they said it was ready, but still needed to be aligned. I drove it home and immediately called bc it was not fixed and swayed dangerously on the road. They said bring it Monday (this was a Friday) it sat in my driveway then I noticed all the oil that leaked. I took it back (couple more weeks) they said oil changed (cost to them) leak caused by gasket not sealed properly. Also the washer fluid kept just pouring out and they had to fix that which they said was my fault but I'd never had trouble before. Then they said my car was ready and they had fixed the recall by making the adjuster NON adjustable. My car still swayed all over the road and now makes a loud clanking noise in the front. After a month my rear tires both on the inside of the tire closest together are wore out showing wires. I paid for two used tired. Two weeks later it's happening again. Another shop checks the tires and is amazed that I made it to have him check the tires because the toe link but was so loose that my wheel was about to fall off again! He tightened the nut that IS undoubtedly ADJUSTABLE. My tires are now wearing out again and I've yet to receive any news on how to get the national recall fixed. No concern for safety at all.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the low-beam headlight bulbs became inoperable without warning. The contact was forced to use the high-beam headlights for the duration of his trip. The headlight bulbs were replaced at the dealer. The contact had initially received a warranty notice from the manufacturer about the headlights that informed him that he would be reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses for his headlights. The dealer informed him that they were unable to reimburse him for the repair and referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer informed him that they were no longer reimbursing customers for headlight bulb replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
There is a recall on my vehicle and GM has advised they can't or won't be able to fix it in a timely manner.
Because of the poor design of the headlights on the Cadillac SRX, I was afraid to drive at night because the lights are too dim to see the road ahead. After being pulled over by a police officer for driving with my headlights on bright, I made the financial sacrifice to pay for replacement headlight units. I'm glad I did because it makes a world of difference and I may have saved my life.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact indicated that while driving the vehicle, the traction control warning light remained illuminated. VIN tool confirms parts are not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.
There was a reimbursement program for 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX's due to dim headlights. I didn't have mine fixed during the reimbursement program 1) because the timeline for reimbursement fell during the pandemic and shelter in place orders in my area; 2) I am a high-risk for getting COVID due to preexisting health conditions and 3) my headlights were not that bad. Fast forward to a year later, and I can barely see in front of me due to the diming of the headlights. I am told that Cadillac will not reimburse me because I missed the deadline. The lamps are so dim that I cannot safely drive at night.
There is excessive moisture in both of my head lights due to this issue unfortunately while driving at night I have to leave my high beam lights on so I can see the road my low beam lights are entirely to dim to see to drive at night due to the water build up in my head lights! Due to this safety issue i am afraid to drive at night in fear of blinding on coming traffic or hurting myself while driving at night! When will they take this issue seriously after people have been injured or get killed while driving lets hope this issue is addressed before this occurs!!
Transmission is shifting roughley
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that headlights were extremely dim and failed to properly illuminate while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that due to water seeping through the rubber sealant on the headlights, condensation had built up inside the headlight module which had caused the failure. The contact used the hi-beam headlights while driving at night due to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V4730000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight swaying while driving as if there was an issue with tire treadwear. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
WE WERE TRAVELING ON A CITY STREETS AND THE BREAK SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING PROPERLY UNTIL WE HAD TO DO A HARD BREAKING EMERGENCY STOP AT APPROXIMATELY 25 TO 30 MPH. THERE WERE ICY CONDITIONS AND WE SLID THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE EMERGENCY BREAKING, AND WHEN WE APPLIED THE BREAKS AGAIN, THE BREAK PEDAL HAD NO RESISTANCE AND THE BREAK PEDAL WOULD SLOWLY GO THE FLOOR WITH LITTLE OR NO BREAKING ACTION. A INSPECTION UNDER THE VEHICLE DID NOT REVEAL ANY FLUID LEAKS TO INDICATE A RUPTURE OF THE SEALED BREAK SYSTEM. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET SUGGEST THAT A VALVE MAY HAVE BECOME STUCK OPEN IN THE ABS CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY REVERTING FLUID BACK TO THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR AND NOT TO THE WHEELS. IF THIS IS THE CASE, THIS COULD POTENTIALLY BE A SAFETY HAZARD FOR AN UNSUSPECTING DRIVER OF ANY BREAKING PROBLEMS WHILE CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AFTER HARD BREAKING. THE MILLAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53000 MILES. I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM BUT, I THINK IT MAY BE WARRANTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would sway from side to side without warning. The contact then received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CADILLAC SRX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN DEPRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIGHT FOOT, BACK AND NECK INJURIES AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK AND BOTH KNEES INJURED. THE CONTACT DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION THE FOLLOWING DAY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOW LOT. THE CONTACT STATED HE CALLED USED DEALER AND WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 133,000.
HEADLIGHT BULBS REPLACED STILL NOT WORKING UNABLE TO SEE WHEN DARK
The brakes get soft and go almost to the floor at times. This usually happens after having to brake hard for a sudden stop. It takes constant pumping of the brakes for them to work properly again. I just had my brakes checked and the pads and rotors are good, so the problem could not be diagnosed. There have been no warnings or alerts for this problem and no recall letters. This is definitely a safety concern because braking hard for sudden stops is sometimes necessary to avoid a crash. This has been happpening for about 8 months. Mileage is 105,000.
THE LOW BEAMS ARE LIKE HAVING NO LIGHTS AT ALL ON, MAKING NIGHT TIME DRIVING NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE. SIMILAR TO USING A FLASHLIGHT TO DRIVE WITH. I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY HIGH BEAM LIGHTS ON AND BLIND OTHERS JUST SO I CAN SEE. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that moisture was accumulating inside the headlight housing causing the illumination to be very dim. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlight housings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
IN DECEMBER 2020, I PURCHASED A USED 2012 CADILLAC SRX. ONCE I DROVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, I NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM. DUE TO THE LOW LIGHTING LEVEL, THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ARE BEST USED. THE HEADLIGHTS ARE DIM WHILE THE VEKICLE IS PARKED OR DRIVEN
HORRIBLE VISABILITY, PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE AND GIVEN A WARNING TICKET, SAYING MY IT LOOKS LIKE I AM DRIVING WITH MY RUNNING LIGHTS, CAN NOT DRIVE AFTER DARK NOW UNTIL PROBLEM IS CORRECTED, HOW DO YOU CORRECT SOMETHING THAT IS MANUFACTURED THIS WAY AND FOR GM TO REFUSE TO HAVE A RECALL OR OFFER THEM TO BE REPLACED KNOWING THERE IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM IS RIDICOULOUS AND THE SAFETY BOARD SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS OUT HERE!!!