2010 Cadillac SRX problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 121 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Cadillac SRX, most often about lighting. There are 6 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
121
Recalls
6
Crashes
5
Fires
3
Injuries
7
Median mileage
104,000 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners not to drive it until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Lighting is the most-reported problem area, named in 46 of 121 complaints (38%).
  • Suspension (29) and engine (18) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 104,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 5 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries.
  • The 2010 Cadillac SRX has 6 recalls on file, including at least one “do not drive” warning.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 6th of 13 Cadillac SRX model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

2010 Cadillac SRX problems by category

  • Lighting · 1 crash
    46 complaints
  • Suspension · 2 crashes
    29 complaints
  • Engine
    18 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    16 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    13 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    11 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    11 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    9 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    5 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    5 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    4 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    2 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Exterior lighting40
Suspension29
Engine18
Electrical system15
Power train11
Unknown or other11
Service brakes9
Steering8

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k110k–30k430k–60k2060k–100k25100k–150k11150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2010 Cadillac SRX complaints that list mileage.

2010 Cadillac SRX recalls (6)

  • Recall 21V473000Jun 24, 2021380,498 vehiclesDo not drive
    SUSPENSION:REAR

    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.

    Risk: A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicle if they experience certain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warnings or other issues, such as unusual steering behavior, while driving. Please see the Part 573 report for the full list of warnings. Dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable one, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2021. Cadillac and Saab customers may direct questions to Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N212340980.

  • Recall 14V571000Sep 19, 2014290,241 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:REAR

    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.

    Risk: Failure of the toe adjuster link could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the left and right rear toe link adjuster lock nuts, and replace the parts if there is evidence of damage or a loose link, free of charge. The The recall began November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14457.

  • Recall 14V447000Jul 23, 2014414,333 vehicles
    SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

    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.

    Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

  • Recall 11V595000Dec 20, 20118,789 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    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.

    Risk: The driver may be unable to shift the transmission out of gear, resulting in no motion or the shifter may inaccurately indicate that the transmission is in park when it is not, allowing the vehicle to roll away and cause a possible crash.

    Remedy: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will ensure that the transmission shift cable is properly routed and seated in the transmission cable bracket. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during january 2012. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

  • Recall 10V450000Sep 30, 20103,459 vehicles
    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

    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.

    Risk: If power steering fluid sprays onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the power steering line free of charge. The safety recall began on november 12, 2010. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

  • Recall 10V223000May 25, 2010547 vehicles
    ENGINE AND 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.

    Risk: If the vehicle continues to be driven after the onset of this noise, a connecting rod or piston may break, resulting in engine damage, and perhaps engine failure, which would disable the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before june 11, 2010. Owners may contact the cadillac customer assistance center at 1-866-982-2339 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE20019Opened Nov 6, 2020Closed Dec 23, 2021led to recall 21V473000

    Rear Toe Link Adjuster Separation

    On November 06, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE20-019) to assess the remedy and scope of General Motors (GM) recall 14V-571. ODI had received a total of 9 complaints with allegations of rear toe links separating while the vehicle was in motion. There were 4 complainants indicating that the remedy for recall 14V-571 had been performed on their vehicle. The other 5 complaints were outside the original recall scope but exhibited the same failure mode as addressed by recall 14V-571 and reported uncontrolled swaying while driving.ODI's review focu…

Recent 2010 Cadillac SRX complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Mar 27, 2026NCFire3 injuredElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    The vehicle was purchased approximately one month before this incident and was represented as inspected. While driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly exploded near the exhaust area. The engine then began smoking and caught fire. The brakes did not work, and the doors locked, preventing the driver from pulling over normally. The driver had to jump out of the moving vehicle while it was on fire in order to save her life and the lives of her…
    NHTSA complaint #11727454 · source
  2. Filed Oct 3, 2025FLBrakesSteeringSuspension
    * Component systems ABS, braking, steering, loud noises in rear wheels, grinding, are all malfunctioning. The left rear tire was tited while driving, I was told it was unsafe to drive. It's currently at the dealership. * Safety concerns are in the documentation. There are others in Add. Encl. VI - X. Due to the download restrictions, I was unable to submit. * The problems were also noticed by another service center wile putting tires on. * Warning Lights are consistently on:…
    NHTSA complaint #11691294 · source
  3. Filed Jun 3, 2025211,000 miILFireTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the engine compartment was on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the fire. The vehicle was occupied during the fire; however, no injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not necessary. The contact stated that a…
    NHTSA complaint #11664703 · source
  4. Filed Mar 4, 2025TXOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11646216 · source
  5. Filed Nov 22, 2024WALighting
    Head Light Assembly - The dim lights are life threating. This is a know defect, and should have been part of a recall. A class action lawsuit was filed. GM loss, and replaced the head light assembly for the minimum amount of time ending in 2019. My car has 89,000 the dim lights have probably never been good. This should have been a total recall, instead, GM quit paying for headlight replacement in 2019. If you call GM/Cadillac [phone removed] they will tell you they quit…
    NHTSA complaint #11626918 · source
  6. Filed Oct 23, 2024NCAcceleration & Cruise ControlSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
    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 · source
  7. Filed Jul 29, 2024MIElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    I am not a mechanic so I don’t know what All I know is what I like I experienced and when I was driving down the road, my Cadillac shut off like it had no power to it no power steering no lights no dash lights no warning lights or nothing pulled over my car will not start back up I had to have it towed when I got home and looked inside the casing around. The battery had melted with a bunch of wires and tubing that was on top of the battery completely melted everything inside.
    NHTSA complaint #11605025 · source
  8. Filed Jul 8, 2024NJOther / Unknown
    The manufacturer is procrastinate to fix this life threatening dangerous recall and has been giving me an endless appointments to fix it and each time after I wait for the appointment they call to reschedule. The next statement is the recall details as per NHTSA website: Manufacturer Recall NumberN212340980 NHTSA Recall Number21V473 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2010…
    NHTSA complaint #11600281 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology