VehicleVerdict

2013 Cadillac SRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 493 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median SRX year — the 2013 model ranks #5 of 14 SRX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 6 deaths and 29 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 44% of all reports (217 of 493), far ahead of electrical system at 60. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

493

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

29

Injuries

6

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other SRX years?

SRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Cadillac SRX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting21744%
Electrical System6012%
Other398%
Transmission316%
Speed Control255%
Visibility & Wipers184%
Engine173%
Suspension163%
Brakes133%
Seats92%
Fuel System92%
Body & Structure92%
Steering82%
Driver Assistance71%
Tires & Wheels61%
Airbags51%
Seat Belts31%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2013 Cadillac SRX have recalls?

5 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.

14V212000TransmissionApril 25, 2014 · 50,571 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured May 29, 2012, through June 26, 2013, and equipped with 3.6L engines. In the affected vehicles, in certain driving situations, there may be a three to four second lag in acceleration due to the transmission control module (TCM) programming.

Consequence

A three to four second lag in acceleration may increase the risk of crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. General Motors' number for this recall is 14132.

13V202000Tires & WheelsMay 16, 2013 · 18,871 units

Defect

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured January 31, 2012, through March 18, 2013, and equipped with 18 inch wheels. On the affected vehicles, the wheel lug nuts may loosen.

Consequence

If the lug nuts loosen, they may fall off or cause the wheel studs to fracture. Either condition would allow the wheel to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the wheel nuts by performing a tire rotation, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13116.

13V097000Electrical SystemMarch 15, 2013 · 26,582 units

Defect

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode removing any transmission-related engine braking effect.

Consequence

If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2013. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. Buick owners may call 1-866-694-6546.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE ARE DEFECTIVE AND DO NOT WORK! THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE AND THERE ARE RECALLS IN SOME STATES BUT NOT WA STATE. DRIVING AT NIGHT IS DANGEROUS AND I AM REALLY SCARED AS I HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN IN MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS! I HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP LAST YEAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · February 4, 2019 · crash

“STATIONARY CAR OF ONLY 4.5 MONTHS AGE, WAS HIT IN REAR ON 15 MAY 14, AND WAS KNOCKED 15 FT INTO ANOTHER CAR. THE DAMAGE APPEARED MINOR THOUGH THE OTHER CAR WAS TOTALED OUT. ON 9 JULY14, THE BATTERY FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IMPACTS CAN DAMAGE THE BRITTLE LEAD CORES OF BATTERIES. WARRANTY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 15, 2014 · crash

“VEHICLE FIRE & MOLD. My 2013 Cadillac SRX had water leaking in/draining incorrectly from the sunroof, which in return pooled water in the front and rear of my vehicle. This water caused my trunk to COMPLETELY stop operating (water pooled at trunk latch/rusted), as well as water to saturate the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 30, 2021 · fire

“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;…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 7, 2025 · crash

“THIS IS A REPORT OF A NEARLY FATAL ACCIDENT ON JUNE 29TH, 2013 WITH A NEW CADILLAC SRX THAT WAS LEASED FROM GM. THE ACCIDENT INVOLVED BOTH ME AND MY DAUGHTER WHO WERE BELTED IN THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUGHT FIRE AND ACCELERATE TO 110 MPH. WE WERE TRAVELING ON RT 127 N WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 60…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 29, 2013 · fire

2013 Cadillac SRX — common questions

Is the 2013 Cadillac SRX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 493 complaints put the 2013 model at #5 of 14 SRX years. It is one of the SRX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 SRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (217 complaints), electrical system (60 complaints), other (39 complaints).

Does the 2013 Cadillac SRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Cadillac SRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 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 2013 Cadillac SRX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 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.