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2012 Cadillac Srx

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Srx years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Cadillac Srx are substantially higher than the model-year median of 192.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

270 reports with mileage · 146 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 233 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports4 fire reports23 injury reports

What owners actually said

416 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2022
Electrical System

Water is getting inside of the car’s shell and interiors. The carpets and ceiling gets wet and drips. Mold is visible and inhaling causes allergic and breathing issues. Water is a major issue on the interior of the windshield and other windows. I can hear water traveling inside the roof when I drive. This is causing electrical p…

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Water is getting inside of the car’s shell and interiors. The carpets and ceiling gets wet and drips. Mold is visible and inhaling causes allergic and breathing issues. Water is a major issue on the interior of the windshield and other windows. I can hear water traveling inside the roof when I drive. This is causing electrical problems. My trunk is not working to open. My sunroof is also not working.

NHTSA ODI #11488478

100,000 miles · Sep 20, 2022
Service Brakes

The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the brakes were replaced for routine services at a local dealer. The contact then stated that while driving at an unknown speed, she drove over a pothole and while attempt to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the brake f…

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The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the brakes were replaced for routine services at a local dealer. The contact then stated that while driving at an unknown speed, she drove over a pothole and while attempt to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the brake failure reoccurred after driving over potholes and then depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the brake failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that replacing the front brake pedals could possibly help with the brake failure. The front brake pedals were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who was also unable to retrieve a fault code or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11485492

58,048 miles · Sep 14, 2022
Suspension

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 NHTS…

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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 failure was repaired. The contact stated that the message "Service Rear Axle" remained displayed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,048. The contact stated that despite paying for a replacement part, the vehicle still has issues.

NHTSA ODI #11484509

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2022
Exterior Lighting

The headlights are cloudy and therefore producing less light a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI #11484048

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2022
Exterior Lighting

The low beam headlight is very dim and I can’t drive at night. I found out there was a recall sent out to owners to repair/replace the low-beam headlights. We didn’t own the vehicle at that time. Apparently the previous owner didn’t take care of. I reached out to Cadillac and GM.. I was told the cutoff for the repairs were May 2…

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The low beam headlight is very dim and I can’t drive at night. I found out there was a recall sent out to owners to repair/replace the low-beam headlights. We didn’t own the vehicle at that time. Apparently the previous owner didn’t take care of. I reached out to Cadillac and GM.. I was told the cutoff for the repairs were May 28,2020. We purchased the vehicle September 3, 2020. It wasn’t an NTSB recall, but a class action. The letter sent to Cadillac owners was dated February 24, 2020. The local dealer gave me a copy but couldn’t do the repairs for reimbursement since the time frame had passed. Attached is the date we took ownership and a copy of the letter sent to owners. I explained to Cadillac and GM we didn’t own the car until after the deadline. No assistance to resolve. My husband and I are on a fixed income. The quote on the form indicates it about $800 per headlight. I see other owners have submitted the same issues. Please let me know if there is anything you can do. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11481673

100,000 miles · Aug 16, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated she noticed that the headlight of the vehicle was lower than usual. The headlight was replaced. On a separate occasion, the contact had the vehicle diagnosed by a mechanic who stated that the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to the deale…

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The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated she noticed that the headlight of the vehicle was lower than usual. The headlight was replaced. On a separate occasion, the contact had the vehicle diagnosed by a mechanic who stated that the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11479646

109,000 miles · Aug 16, 2022
Suspension

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11479500

72,000 miles · Jul 15, 2022
Exterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were extremely dim, causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlight assemblies were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repai…

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The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were extremely dim, causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlight assemblies were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also contact but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ODI #11474148

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes

The headlights are so dim it’s a very bad safety issue. I’ve replaced them 3 times , still same problem. Everybody I have talked to has the same problem with theirs. Something has got to be done. I’m going to call the head of Cadillac if it doesn’t get resolved. My guesses keep blowing and it’s also wearing the tires out to quic…

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The headlights are so dim it’s a very bad safety issue. I’ve replaced them 3 times , still same problem. Everybody I have talked to has the same problem with theirs. Something has got to be done. I’m going to call the head of Cadillac if it doesn’t get resolved. My guesses keep blowing and it’s also wearing the tires out to quick

NHTSA ODI #11467404

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2022
Suspension

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 M…

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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 REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM WAS DENIED.

NHTSA ODI #11466912

Official recalls

3

21V473000 · Suspension:rear

Jun 24, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

14V571000 · Suspension:rear

Sep 19, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

14V447000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jul 23, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE20019 · Rear Toe Link Adjuster Separation

Opened Nov 6, 2020 · Closed Dec 23, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear

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 focused on all 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles that experienced a rear toe link failure while the vehicle was in motion under various driving conditions. The failures were the same or similar to those addressed by the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. The remedy for recall 14V-571 was to inspect the rear toe link adjusters and replace them if necessary as well as tighten both jam nuts to a manufacturer specified torque. The remedy can be reversed when the vehicle gets a rear alignment adjustment and the jam nuts are not properly re-torqued to the manufacturer's specification. ODI's data review confirmed a high toe link failure rate in vehicles that either had and had not received the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. On June 24, 2021, GM filed a defect information report recalling all 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the rear toe link adjuster while driving. The remedy replaces adjustable toe links with non-adjustable toe links. The recall (21V-473) includes vehicles that were remedied under 14V-571. In view of the recall action being taken by GM, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov.The ODI identification numbers for the complaints cited above can be found in a separate document attached to this closing resume.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

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 focused on all 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles that experienced a rear toe link failure while the vehicle was in motion under various driving conditions. The failures were the same or similar to those addressed by the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. The remedy for recall 14V-571 was to inspect the rear toe link adjusters and replace them if necessary as well as tighten both jam nuts to a manufacturer specified torque. The remedy can be reversed when the vehicle gets a rear alignment adjustment and the jam nuts are not properly re-torqued to the manufacturer's specification. ODI's data review confirmed a high toe link failure rate in vehicles that either had and had not received the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. On June 24, 2021, GM filed a defect information report recalling all 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the rear toe link adjuster while driving. The remedy replaces adjustable toe links with non-adjustable toe links. The recall (21V-473) includes vehicles that were remedied under 14V-571. In view of the recall action being taken by GM, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov.The ODI identification numbers for the complaints cited above can be found in a separate document attached to this closing resume.

Suspension:rear

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 focused on all 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles that experienced a rear toe link failure while the vehicle was in motion under various driving conditions. The failures were the same or similar to those addressed by the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. The remedy for recall 14V-571 was to inspect the rear toe link adjusters and replace them if necessary as well as tighten both jam nuts to a manufacturer specified torque. The remedy can be reversed when the vehicle gets a rear alignment adjustment and the jam nuts are not properly re-torqued to the manufacturer's specification. ODI's data review confirmed a high toe link failure rate in vehicles that either had and had not received the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. On June 24, 2021, GM filed a defect information report recalling all 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the rear toe link adjuster while driving. The remedy replaces adjustable toe links with non-adjustable toe links. The recall (21V-473) includes vehicles that were remedied under 14V-571. In view of the recall action being taken by GM, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov.The ODI identification numbers for the complaints cited above can be found in a separate document attached to this closing resume.