VehicleVerdict

2012 Cadillac SRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 515 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median SRX year — the 2012 model ranks #4 of 14 SRX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 49 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 45% of all reports (234 of 515), far ahead of brakes at 45. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

515

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

59

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

49

Injuries

2

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other SRX years?

SRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted632 complaints2004: 324 complaints2005: 162 complaints2006: 96 complaints2007: 69 complaints2008: 71 complaints2009: 31 complaints2010: 632 complaints2011: 575 complaints2012: 515 complaints2013: 493 complaints2014: 451 complaints2015: 535 complaints2016: 208 complaints2019: 2 complaints
SRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Cadillac SRX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting23445%
Brakes459%
Electrical System418%
Suspension418%
Other285%
Body & Structure194%
Steering183%
Engine153%
Airbags153%
Speed Control143%
Visibility & Wipers112%
Transmission112%
Tires & Wheels92%
Seat Belts41%
Seats41%
Fuel System31%
Driver Assistance20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2012 Cadillac SRX have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V473000SuspensionJune 24, 2021 · 380,498 units

Defect

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

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.

14V571000SuspensionSeptember 19, 2014 · 290,241 units

Defect

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

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.

14V447000SeatsJuly 23, 2014 · 414,333 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS ON MY 2012 CADILLAC SRX. IT WAS STILL DARK AT 5:30AM WHEN I FAILED TO SEE THE OUTER ROAD TURNED WHICH CAUSED ME TO COLLIDE WITH A CURB AND BECOME AIRBORNE. THIS ACCIDENT CAUSED 3 BLOWN OUT TIRES AND 2 RUINED RIMS. THIS COST ME $1700 AND IT WAS ALL CAUSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 12, 2018 · crash

“I WAS PULLING IN TO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL MALL. AS I TURNED MY WHEEL MY VEHICLE TOOK OFF AND I LOST ALL CONTROL. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS MY VEHICLE HIT 3 OTHER PARKED VEHICLES PUSHING ONE IN TO ANOTHER. I BELIEVE I HAD THEN EXPERIENCED SUDDEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 12, 2013 · crash

“FREEHOLD COLLISION REPAIRED MY 2012 CADILLAC SRX AFTER BEING SENT TO THEM FROM GOLD COAST CADILLAC IN OAKHURST. NEW JERSEY ON FEBRUARY 4,2016. THEY FORGED MY NAME ON REPAIR PAPERWORK STATING THAT I ACCEPTED THE CAR BACK AND WAS SATISFIED WITH THE REPAIRS. THIS IS NOT TRUE. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 4, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CADILLAC SRX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CONSOLE CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SOOT IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE INDEPENDENTLY EXTINGUISHED ITSELF. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 15, 2015 · fire

“MY CAR WAS WRECKED AT THE DEALERSHIP IN OAKHURST, NEW JERSEY ON FEBRUARY 4,2016. THE DEALERSHIP IS GOLD COAST CADILLAC. THEY SENT IT TO FREEHOLD COLLISION AND IT WAS NOT REPAIRED CORRECTLY. IT COST $11,622.15 AND THE DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS NOT PUT ON STRAIGHT. THE CAR WAS NOT SAFELY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 4, 2016 · crash

2012 Cadillac SRX — common questions

Is the 2012 Cadillac SRX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 515 complaints put the 2012 model at #4 of 14 SRX years. It is one of the SRX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 SRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (234 complaints), brakes (45 complaints), electrical system (41 complaints).

Does the 2012 Cadillac SRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Cadillac SRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Cadillac SRX under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Cadillac SRX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SRX years to avoid are 2010, 2011, 2015, 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among SRX years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2012 Cadillac SRX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Cadillac SRX earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.