2012 Cadillac SRX lighting problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
95 owners have reported lighting problems with the 2012 Cadillac SRX, 54% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 80,000 mi.
- Lighting complaints
- 95
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 80,000 mi
Specific components reported
Lighting covers: Headlights, tail lights, turn signals and interior lighting.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 79 |
| Exterior lighting:headlights | 15 |
| Exterior lighting:headlights:bulbs | 1 |
Lighting complaints across Cadillac SRX years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Aug 27, 2025OHLighting
Headlight assembly gets over heated and makes the low beam lights very dim, not safe or legal to drive at night. I've seen many many complaints for this. Not Safe!
NHTSA complaint #11683540 · source - Filed Jul 15, 202580,000 miILLighting
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the contact became aware that the low-beam headlights had moisture inside the headlight housings. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall; however, the failure progressed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673724 · source - Filed Jun 10, 2025NHBrakesLightingSuspension
Braking after hitting a pothole was a nightmare! No warning lights came on to prepare me for anything. Brake pedal went to the floor and would not work properly. Finally after getting my vehicle to stop I pulled over pumped my brakes and seemed to work after 5 tries. Toe link recall was “fixed” well not the case. After 2 recalls on the toe link I had a nice bill the cost me $1.450.00 after having to pay for this part. Still haven’t been reimbursed. Also headlights are very…
NHTSA complaint #11665957 · source - Filed Oct 18, 2024TXLightingVisibility & Wipers
The headlights are very dim It is like driving your vehicle with a flashlight as the lighting. When you turn on bright lights you can see good but your then endangering drivers going the opposite directions It is very dangerous. If you reserch this issue on the internet it is a well lnown problem. How can people drive their cars like this. I did inquire with GM and they said they did at one time reimburse owners to get headlights replaced but that offer expired Well there…
NHTSA complaint #11620682 · source - Filed Jun 17, 2024VABrakesLightingOther / Unknown
My Headlights are so dim, I have to drive with high beams. It is raining in my, short circuited the trunk, will not open and my bearings have to be replaced. Sounds like a truck. Ughhhh, IMy first and last american made car.
NHTSA complaint #11594716 · source - Filed Jan 23, 2024WALighting
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, she became aware that the headlamps were extremely dim, affecting nighttime visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that condensation had become trapped in the headlamp housing, resulting in damages to the headlight housing. The contact was informed that the headlamp housings needed to be replaced. The…
NHTSA complaint #11567273 · source - Filed Dec 29, 2023WAElectrical SystemLighting
Left front signal light and right rear signal, other vehicle's cannot see where I am turning, yes where i have my oil changed did their inspection, no problem with the bulbs. yes a mechanic, when turn on the signal to turn right the information center said that the back rear signal had failed and when turning left the information center said the front left signal failed.
NHTSA complaint #11562581 · source - Filed Nov 14, 2023112,000 miILLighting
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights were extremely dim. The contact stated while driving in the dark for four hours, the headlights remained dim, and did not provide adequate illumination farther than six feet in front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the…
NHTSA complaint #11555139 · source - Filed Feb 15, 2023COLighting
The housing for the drive lights have failed. Replacing the bulbs does not resolve the problem. Cadillac wants to replace the entire unit because the plastic reflector has failed. Lots of Cadillac owners reporting this problem on the internet. Cadillac used an inexpensive plastic part that creates high risk when it fails. This is happening not just to the SRX, but to many GM models. Please see the video... https://youtu.be/i7GKpCgAee0?t=742
NHTSA complaint #11507386 · source - Filed Feb 2, 2023NVLighting
Vehicle low beam headlights are extremely dim, so dim that to see property at night, the high beam lights must be used constantly. This blinds oncoming traffic and risks a head on collision. General Motors will not replace the headlight assembly. The low beam headlight assembly interior housing is coated with a shiny reflective plastic material. Over time, the heat from the halogen bulb degrades this plastic coating, burning it off. See this YT video here at the 12:13 mark…
NHTSA complaint #11505148 · source - Filed Dec 22, 2022FLLighting
Headlights are very dim and do not provide sufficient lighting at night. This is a known problem with this model and GM has been aware since 2010 that this is an issue. The exterior housing unit fails and allows moisture into the headlight unit and can cause dim lights and shorts. Car is unable to be driven at night without high beams on and this causes distress and blindness to other drivers. The vehicle is available for inspection. This problem has been confirmed by GM in…
NHTSA complaint #11498576 · source - Filed Dec 14, 2022ILLighting
The front low beam headlights are very dim, due to a leakage defect in the headlight housing. (I have been told that is the reason for the defect by a Cadillac dealership) I feel that it is dangerous for me (I am 78 years old) to drive at night with this situation. There are many other complaints about this same problem as reported on The Cadillac Forum website. I don't know if there has ever been a recall concerning this issue. I purchased the auto in Aug. of 2022. It seems…
NHTSA complaint #11497497 · source
Other 2012 Cadillac SRX problem areas
- Suspension (32)
- Brakes (23)
- Electrical System (14)
- Other / Unknown (12)
- Steering (8)
- Airbags (6)
- Wheels & Tires (5)
- Body & Structure (5)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
- Seats & Seat Belts (3)
- Engine (3)
- Visibility & Wipers (2)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (1)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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