2012 Cadillac SRX suspension problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

32 owners have reported suspension problems with the 2012 Cadillac SRX, 18% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 100,000 mi.

Suspension complaints
32
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
100,000 mi

Specific components reported

Suspension covers: Shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints and springs.

ComponentComplaints
Suspension31
Suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly1

Suspension complaints across Cadillac SRX years

1200612009292010512011322012142013132014272015162016
Suspension complaints by model year. The 2012 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k460k–100k7100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • 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.

What owners say

  1. 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
  2. Filed Oct 9, 2024TXSuspension
    To whom it may concern, I am writing this as a complaint on the rear toe link separation recall that was performed on our 2012 Cadillac SRX. We installed new tires on our SRX in August 2022 (Michelin Defender 235/55 R20) with a mileage of 108,452 just due to this being our sons car and wanted him to be safe on the road. In December of 2022 we had the recall performed at Lakeside Chevrolet in Rockwall Texas and the mileage was 110,893. Since the recall, we have been through 2…
    NHTSA complaint #11619003 · source
  3. Filed Jan 28, 2024NHSteeringSuspension
    There was a recall in this vehicle in 2022 it states the recall has been serviced for toe link, hub bearing, front strut and sway bar link. Well I put my car in the shop and had to replace same parts that had a recall that was serviced already! $1,886.00 it cost me to have these services done again. Well the issue is back and it’s affecting the steering of my vehicle. I need to know what the next step is to have this resolved so I can make sure my vehicle is safe to drive
    NHTSA complaint #11568280 · source
  4. Filed Jan 20, 2024IASuspension
    I was driving down a highway and all of the sudden the back end of my car started swerving back and forth. I almost lost control, but managed to get it slowed down without causing an accident. I knew something major was wrong and the dealer I bought the car from was about 5 miles away. I managed to get it there safely, but could only do 10-15mph or the swerving was too much and I would have lost control. No warning lights came on and my steering wheel was even crooked. I had…
    NHTSA complaint #11566688 · source
  5. Filed Jul 7, 2023123,000 miTXSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed on the instrument panel “service rear axle”. Additionally, the contact stated that she received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the vehicle was taking to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a…
    NHTSA complaint #11530842 · source
  6. Filed Mar 11, 2023CASteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires
    In Nov 2021 we had the recommended recall repairs done at a Cadillac dealership which replaced the rear toe links with a non-adjustable bar. 2 months later we installed new tires at Big O Tires but they were unable to perform a rear alignment due to the stationary toe bar. We went back to the Cadillac dealership days later but were assured the alignment was fine. Just over one year later (approx 15K miles driven) we have significant wear on our inner tires. Last week we had…
    NHTSA complaint #11511351 · source
  7. Filed Sep 14, 202258,048 miMISuspension
    The contact's wife owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the message "Service Rear Axle" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the rear axle was disassembled and it was determined that the rear axle differential seal was leaking. Additionally, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on four occasions where the rear axle…
    NHTSA complaint #11484509 · source
  8. Filed Aug 16, 2022109,000 miGASuspension
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11479500 · source
  9. Filed Jun 1, 2022ILSuspension
    2012 cadillac srx. Consumer writes in regard to service rear axle safety recall. The consumer stated the vehicle displayed the service rear axle message. The rear axle failed and was replaced. The consumer received a recall notice 212340980 for the rear axle and submitted a reimbusement claim. The claim was denied twice. The manufacturer's denial letter stated the repair performed was not the repair covered in the recall. The consumer requested information about why the…
    NHTSA complaint #11466912 · source
  10. Filed Apr 21, 202279,000 miNYSuspension
    The contact's wife owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the adjustable rear toe link of the vehicle was previously replaced with a non-adjustable toe link under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact later noticed that the interior of the brand new rear tires he had purchased were worn. Upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an alignment, the contact was informed that the rear tires could not be aligned as the rear toe link…
    NHTSA complaint #11461702 · source
  11. Filed Mar 14, 2022OHSuspension
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11456616 · source
  12. Filed Feb 23, 2022ILSuspension
    2012 cadillac srx. Consumer writes in regards to suspension toe link safety recall. The consumer stated the manufacturer declined to reimburse the cost of repair. The manufacturer stated the completed repair was not covered under the recall.
    NHTSA complaint #11453625 · source

Other 2012 Cadillac SRX problem areas

  • Lighting (95)
  • Brakes (23)
  • Electrical System (14)
  • Other / Unknown (12)
  • Steering (8)
  • Airbags (6)
  • Wheels & Tires (5)
  • Body & Structure (5)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
  • Engine (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (1)

Back to all 2012 Cadillac SRX problems →

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