NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 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
My father gave me his 2013 Cadillac SRX and I have noticed the headlights have dimmed significantly over the past few months. I replaced the lamps, but the same issue still exists. I spoke with my local Cadillac dealership and they told me of the known issue with the headlights. I did some research and see there was a class action lawsuit against Cadillac, but it does not seem to apply to vehicles registered in Wisconsin. I will need to correct this problem as driving at night has now become very difficult. If you have history of this issue with other drivers, any insight or direction would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway, limiting the driver’s vision while driving. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight was inoperable, and the driver’s side headlight was very dim. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to use the high-beam headlights while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there was a Class Action Lawsuit on similar vehicles for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
While driving steering becomes unresponsive for a few seconds then returns to normal
I was driving and had to hard brake as to not hit a young driver who wasn't paying attention to his driving. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor. There were no warning lights on. I got the car checked out by our local mechanic AND a certified Cadillac dealer. We had a new master cylinder and O ring installed in October. Our mechanic found there is a special bulletin on 18 different vehicles with the same issue. And my Cadillac is on that list. I don't understand how this problem CAN'T be a total recall and just a special bulletin. My safety was totally at risk as the brake system was not working properly. Now with that being the Chevy/Cadillac dealership found that there is a problem with the ABS module. Which can not be found anywhere but a third party vendor. After paying almost $400 for the master cylinder and O ring the problem seemed to be fixed but now we have to pay ABS module. I know as the NHTSA can't refund any monies but GM should be held accountable for this issue and should pay for any repairs and parts to fix this dangerous issue. I have kept my receipts so that I can be reimbursed. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Don’t no
I am having transmission problems. My transmission accelerates late.
I am writing to formally raise a serious safety concern regarding my Cadillac SRX. For over a year, the ABS warning light has remained on in the vehicle. After taking it to an authorized dealership for diagnostics and repair, I was informed that the required part to resolve this issue is on backorder and is no longer being manufactured. This is highly concerning given that the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a critical safety feature designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, especially in emergencies. Driving without a functioning ABS increases the risk of accidents, making the vehicle unsafe to operate under normal driving conditions. I would like to address the following points: 1. Why is a critical safety-related part no longer being manufactured for a vehicle still in operation? 2. What is the manufacturer's plan for resolving safety concerns such as this, especially when replacement parts are unavailable? 3. Am I entitled to any form of compensation, replacement, or buyback under warranty or consumer protection laws? 4. What steps are being taken to ensure other affected Cadillac SRX owners are notified and protected? Given the severity of this issue, I have also filed a formal safety complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I am also researching whether there is an open class action lawsuit or grounds for legal action due to the manufacturer's failure to support critical components of this vehicle. Page 1 Formal Complaint Regarding ABS System on Cadillac SRX I respectfully request a written response to this matter with clear guidance on what steps will be taken to address this situation and ensure my safety and the reliability of the vehicle. Sincerely, [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Two incidents of the same failure, although a few years apart. Vehicle placed in "Park" (foot on the brake, which is necessary in order to shift into P); when brake pedal released, vehicle suddenly revs and lurches forward. First time, in garage, and so minor damage except to items in garage; second time 3/7/2025, totaled this vehicle plus major damage to another vehicle.
Left front headlight is so dim I cannot drive my car in the dark. I have spent money replacing the bulbs, cleaning the lenses through professional shop(s) and still goes dim and unsafe. After researching this I see this is a ongoing problem with this vehicle. I am now having to spend over $1,000 to replace the entire headlight assembly and I don't even know how long that will last. From research from another person it looks like the assembly where the light get hot is chrome sprayed plastic. Cheap parts causing me so much money that should be reliable in my vehicle. I see GM reimbursement owners in Fl and CA for this issue for a few years. this is terrible as I am a working adult required to commute in the dark. Iw ant to be reimbursed for this unsafe headlight assembly and know the other is failing too.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact notified the dealer where the vehicle was purchased; however, the dealer denied responsibility. A mobile mechanic was contacted and stopped by the residence and diagnosed the vehicle. However, no cause for the failure was found. Several mobile mechanics stopped by the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the mobile mechanic discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased from a private dealer's sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 64,729, it was discovered that the mileage was 175,000. The contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
I am reporting Ed Morse Cadillac Delray Beach, for improperly handling a manufacturer recall service, which resulted in a new safety issue on my 2013 Cadillac SRX. On February 22nd 2025 I brought my vehicle in for the Cadillac rear tow link separation recall. After the dealership performed the repair, my ABS system malfunctioned—an issue that never existed before. The dealership initially acknowledged the issue but later dismissed it and refused to acknowledge the issue. Worse, they encouraged me to leave and drive the vehicle despite the ABS warning light being on, showing no concern for my safety. This is a serious safety concern, as my braking system was directly affected following a manufacturer recall service. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this dealership’s recall handling process and reconsider their status as an authorized recall service provider to protect future customers from similar issues.
I purchased this vehicle on January 1, 2025. I drove it last night for the first time after dark. The headlights were so dim I could hardly see to drive. I had to use my brights except when a car was coming towards me, then I put them on dim and slowed way down. Leaving them on bright would have endangered other drivers and myself. I purchased the car with no warranty so now I either drive only during daylight hours or I pay out of pocket to have them fixed which I'm sure isn't cheap. I am going to go to the dealership that I purchased it from to see if they will help me at all, but since there was no warranty, I'm not expecting them to give me any assistance with this. When you look at the headlights during the daytime, which is when I bought the car there is no visible sign of an issue with them. No warning lamp has come on to let me know there is an issue and since I just purchased the car I don't know when they first appeared so dim. I noticed there are numerous complaints about this issue. Why isn't GM doing something about it.
2013 Cadillac SRX has ridiculous (pointing down) low beam headlight issues. Adaptive forward lighting makes this impossible to be driven at night on low beams, because visibility is so poor! You have to drive with high beams on. These are barely decent and are like having weak low beams. No one flashes to have me turn them off, which is telling of how lame the high beams point. Visibility at night is paramount and this issue is quite dangerous. They (GM) know that this is a problem and have been sued. It is time for you to do your job and make them do theirs for safety sake.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a three to four seconds lag in acceleration. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V212000 (Power Train). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
My transmission is sleepin and it only goes to second gear for like 20 min then it won’t move at all
There have been many times where while driving that the breaks don’t work properly, you can push the break all the way down and it still work stop.
I purchased the SRX from Massey Cadillac North of Orlando, FL in August 2023. Two weeks ago I received an audio warning and the ABS, Traction Control and Brake warning lights illuminated. The power steering was also compromised and required more effort to control the car. I took the car to Cadillac service and was told GM had discontinued the affected computer part and there was nothing they could do to alleviate the problem. They told me to be careful especially in the rain (I live in Florida where we get a lot of rain). I don’t think Cadillac should allow a vehicle with compromised safety features back on the road. I believe this condition could endanger a driver who might find themself in a situation where these safety features might prevent an accident or injury.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle out of the parking garage, the ABS warning light illuminated, the steering wheel became stiff, and the vehicle was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who stated that the manufacturer no longer manufactured the part needed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed the information. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
I cannot see when driving at night. I'm getting cars flashing me to turn my lights on but they are already on. If I drive with my high beams on I'm going to blind other drivers. I just bought the car 2 days ago and called the dealership to take it in. They said there is nothing they can do that it's a common problem. I'm not understanding why I these cars are on the road if there is nothing that can be done. It's an accident waiting to happen.
Headlights not bright enough too dark to drive at night
Rear Toe Link and . Lag in Acceleration was completed on 05/08/2014 but the problem persists also electrical failure seat gets stuck or engine wont turn on , blind spots makes sound when no vehicle around Engine has no power TCM transmission Control Module code comes and goes
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the driver's side headlamp was brighter than the passenger’s side headlamp. The vehicle was taken to the residence and inspected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Seat heater burn through passenger seat, burning passenger
The headlights failed to provide enough light to see the road at night. This, of course, is dangerous when driving on the highway or country roads as we are unable to maintain the speed required on the highway in order to safely navigate the turns in the road, which could also cause a disruption in the traffic flow, possibly causing an accident if other cars were not expecting a slower vehicle on the road. Not to mention not being able to see any wildlife in the road in enough time to react. The problem, to my knowledge, has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center prior to our purchase of the vehicle. We have discussed the issue with the dealer but the service manager is unable to comment on the matter or any type of solution. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were not any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It first appeared the first night time drive after purchasing the vehicle, used, in 2021. We had discussions with the Dealer's service department and they would not speak to any "known" issue. We performed an on-line research that showed that there was a problem with the lighting system and GM decided to not issue a recall. I believe for a short time there was compensation provided for those that complained, but that time is long gone. These cars are still on the market and without a resolution to fix this issue there can be an accident or even death in an accident.
Opened my back hatch to put groceries in at store, and the hatch opened lifted up and then went up and down then closed on me. Glad I got out of the way in time.
Our 2013 Cadillac SRX headlamps are so weak and dark we cannot drive it after it gets dark. They are so weak that other cars pull out in front of us because they can't see us coming. This seems to us to be very dangerous. I talked to the service dept. at the Cadilliac dealership and they said "that' just the way it is with these cars" I think it's time for a recall and make GM make the necessary fix.
2013 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PURCHASED A LEMON. UPON RECEIVING THE VEHICLE AND WENT TO GET THE TIRE REPAIRED BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE SHOP THERE WAS $7663.00 WORTH OF DAMAGES FOR THE VEHICLE.
Lights on dim are extremely dangerous. I could not see an animal in the road after dark. I can not drive my vehicle after dark because of afraid of running over something or crashing. I cannot tell you enough how bad it is. I have been reading complaints on all the Cadillac reviews on my year and model. Why would Cadillac put something on the roads this dangerous?
With GM recall N212340980, the toe link was replaced with a nonadjustable toe link and thus it can not be aligned properly causing the tire to wear incorrectly and causing vibration in the wheels and suspension and also causing the vehicle to pull to the center into oncoming traffic. This is a huge safety issue, the vibration can cause the lug nuts to loosen and wheel to come off while at highway speeds. Now I have to pay to have the toe link to be replaced with an adjustable toe link to correctly align the wheels to end the problem caused by this recall. This has been confirmed by an independent service center. This issue was discovered when the lateral arms were replaced due to the bushing becoming worn and needing replaced.
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 45 AND 50 MPG THE ENTIRE CAR SHUTS DOWN AHD THE CUE DISINGAUGES WITH OUT ANY WARNING. I HAVE NO CONTROL TO STEER OR BRAKE. AFTER SHUT DOMW I HAVE NO READING ON THE CUE. THE SCREEB=N IS BLANK AND THE CAR WILL NOT RESTART.
Low beam headlights are so dim it is extremely dangerous to operate during dark hours. Purchased this car this date from Charlottesville Mercedes Benz. The contact stated that there was a previous recall for the headlight issue but it expired in June 2022. Although the low beam headlights are too dim, the vehicle somehow still passed state inspections.
The headlamps do not shine as brightly as needed to illuminate the road. Affects driving safety not to be able to see on unlit roads at night.
The contact’s customer owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while the valet driver was driving, the front driver’s side seat inadvertently retracted back along the track bracket without warning. As a result, the contact stated that the valet driver was trapped in the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V804000 (Seats). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Low beam headlights are very dim . Changed bulbs with no improvement. This is dangerous to occupants in my vehicle and oncoming traffic because we have to use high beams all the time at night.this was seen by dealer and I was told there was no problem.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were not illuminating sufficiently to see the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her husband replaced both headlights; however, the failure recurred, and she was only able to see the road while using the high-beam headlights. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remained awaiting the repair. The contact was made aware of an unknown headlight recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Cue screen has spider webbed and not able to use hands free or ac ( only fan moter comes on but to turn on ac it's on the screen.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH the driver suffered a medical emergency and lost control of the vehicle causing the vehicle to crash into a fence. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was damaged but the airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained a fractured jaw and fractured thoracic vertebrae. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed to the vehicle holding facility. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 106,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated after she pushed the liftgate button located on the driver's side door, she was moving items as the liftgate fell on her back without warning. As the contact attempted to manually push the liftgate back up, the liftgate continued to close. The contact managed to pull her way out from in between the vehicle and the liftgate and fell over backward onto the Wal-Mart parking lot pavement. Two employees and a fellow motorist witnessed the incident and assisted the contact from off the floor. The contact sustained bruises from her left should down to her waist, as well well soreness in her back. The contact also suffered from extreme anxiety and remained fearful of opening the liftgate. She did not seek immediate medical assistance. The contact called her doctor who determined that her symptoms did not warrant immediate medical attention; the contact had an existing appointment and would have a further examination during that visit. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they determined that the failure was caused by a defective sensor; an appointment was made to have the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 59,518.
When I park car in PARK...IT SAYS SHIFT TO PARK and I must wiggle gear shifter to get it correctly in PARK OR IT ROLLS IF NOT..THIS SAFETY ISSUE HAPPENS EACH TIME I DRIVE MY CADILLAC SRX.
I just bought the vehicle. Headlights low beam are extremely dim. New bulbs installed and headlight brightness dim output remained the same. Research shows that several SRX owners are having same issue. Recall needs to be issued.
Back in 2020 I believe there was a known headlight issue with Cadillac vehicles. Communication was sent out to owners for a headlight reimbursement program. We unfortunately didn't receive any communication regarding this. Back in March 2022 my husband had a work trip which required him to travel hours away and during the evening. This is what prompted me to call the Cadillac Customer Service number regarding the headlights, and the headlight program once I discovered it searching the internet. Spoke to someone and a ticket was issued. Missed a call, called back and was told I could only speak that same person. So I called again, received a couple of emails, and was eventually ghosted. A week or so ago I seen on the evening news that once again Cadillac had a re-call of sorts with their headlights. This was so frustrating, Once again my husband had to travel for work and the same issue arises and his safety was in jeopardy. So this past Monday called again and spoke to someone regarding his dim headlights. Received a call back today and was told the GMC dealership (the dealership we get all work done) isn't an "official" Cadillac dealership and there's isn't anything they could do. We could go to a Cadillac dealership, but there's no guarantee they would fix the issue. The dealership that we bring our vehicle to (GMC) had told my husband a few times now that it would be cheaper to purchase the new headlights online, because they would cost him over $1000 each through the dealership. This information was also relayed to the customer service rep with Cadillac customer services. The Cadillac customer service rep then turned around and offered us a $100 gift card to use towards our future dealership services. I think this is absurd given the fact this is a known issue and had been made public twice that I know of. I would like them to honor the $1600 headlight reimbersburtment that they originally offered and we never received or was notified of.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Lane Departure warning and the Blind Spot warnings failed to engage. The contact stated that the Lane Departure seat vibration in the driver’s side seat failed to alert the driver. Additionally, the Blind Spot warning failed to illuminate in the side-view mirrors. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
2013 SRX recently purchased 11/2021 all recalls performed after trying to accelerate display goes black dials bottom out I hear engine revving up but no acceleration, could have been rear ended, dealer replaced rear diff clutch control module, LR upper control link, both front lower control arms, now I am experiencing a bump hard shift
Low beam headlights are dim cannot see the road at night. When driving at night you have to use high beam to see the road.
Headlight low-beam bulbs are too dim for safe night time driving. I have had numerous safety incidents arise during night time driving, do to the dim factory installed low-beam bulbs on the automobile. GM should assume responsibility for the in-effective low-beam bulbs used for the CADILLAC SRX 2013 and initiate a SAFETY RECALL concerning the low-beam bulbs installed in all model CADILLAC affected.
Exterior headlights are almost non existent. The vehicle can not be driven safely at night. I must use high beams to safely drive at night.
No accident for crash of involved in this report. I'm reporting not able to drive at night just use high beams at all times safety visibility issues with low beams are terrible use my high beams non-existence low beam headlights so many people have to get hurt or killed before GM does something about this and not a recall for the factory lamp assemblies they have on the shelves or say they don't and when they are available that's what you'll get should be independently tested with inspections yearly automotive manu manufacturers should be completely liable for a simple headlights that's part of the vehicle and major safety concerns for all drivers passengers and the other vehicles on the road I mean wake up should be government regulated and tested yearly with inspections they don't pass manufacturers completely liable for replacement monies and all of it labor for the bad design and engineeringof llow grade parts
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced. The contact stated that before she received the recall notice for repair her vehicle was driving perfectly fine, but after picking up her vehicle from the dealer the vehicle was not driving properly. The contact stated that while pulling out the parking lot she felt her vehicle swaying to the left and right intermittently. The contact stated the faster she drove the worst the vehicle swayed. The contact stated she was unable to exceed 25 MPH. The contact stated she then contacted the dealer regarding the repairs that was completed, and she was advised that if she brought the vehicle back, she had to pay out of pocket for any repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was 95,000.
2013 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HEADLIGHTS SAFETY RECALL.
Front headlamps, Low visibility driving at night, high safety hazard I cannot see the road to drive safely The headlights have been inspected and confirmed that projector headlamps are delaminating and need replaced There is a known defect in headlamps assembly reported to GM for this issue I am seeking to receive reimbursement for this repair from GM