VehicleVerdict

2016 Cadillac SRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Cadillac SRX sits mid-pack among SRX years: 208 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 267, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 17 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 48% of all reports (100 of 208), far ahead of other at 23. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

208

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

17

Injuries

3

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other SRX years?

SRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Cadillac SRX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting10048%
Other2311%
Electrical System189%
Suspension168%
Airbags73%
Visibility & Wipers73%
Brakes63%
Tires & Wheels63%
Transmission52%
Engine42%
Steering31%
Seat Belts31%
Body & Structure31%
Speed Control21%
Driver Assistance21%
Fuel System21%
Seats10%

Does the 2016 Cadillac SRX have recalls?

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

26V329000AirbagsMay 21, 2026 · 4,125 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“EXTERIOR LIGHTING: THE HEAD LIGHT LOW BEAMS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE INFERIOR AND A SAFETY HAZARD. THEY DO NOT ILLUMINATE FAR ENOUGH IN FRONT OF THE CAR AND ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH. I HAVE HIT SEVERAL CURBS AT NIGHT JUST BECAUSE YOU JUST CAN'T SEE THEM GOING AROUND CURBS OR AT INTERSECTIONS WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 28, 2019 · crash

“I WAS THE OWNER/OPERATOR OF THE SRX WAS T-BONED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AIR BAG TRIGGERED ERROR MESSAGE AND DID NOT DEPLOY, SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK IN PLACE UNTIL AFTER I HIT THE DASH RESULTING IN UNHARNESSED CONTACT IN CABIN CAUSING OVER $200K IN MEDICAL BILLS TO DATE TO RIGHT SHOULDER, HEAD, NECK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 25, 2018 · crash

“MY CAR WAS IN LINE FOR A CAR WASH AT VAL WARD CADILLAC PARKING LOT. MY ELECTRONIC BRAKE WAS ON. THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATED THIS. THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE BUT STATIONARY FOR APPROX TWO MINUTES. THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS HIT IN THE BACK. I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 15, 2017 · crash

“2016 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BROKEN SUSPENSION TOE LINK. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK FAILED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CROSSOVER SIDEWAYS INTO THE MEDIAN. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TOWING AND REPAIRS AFTER BEING NOTIFIED OF A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 23, 2021

“TAKATA RECALL-THE HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM. YOU HAVE TURN ON THE BRIGHTS IN ORDER TO SEE IN NORMAL NIGHT VISION AREAS. WHILE BRIGHT IS TOO BRIGHT TO DRIVE FOR ON COMING TRAFFIC. I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT OF RUNNING OFF THE ROAD DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE LANE OR THE PEOPLE WALKING ALONG SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 3, 2019

2016 Cadillac SRX — common questions

Is the 2016 Cadillac SRX reliable?

It is close to typical for the SRX: 208 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 SRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (100 complaints), other (23 complaints), electrical system (18 complaints).

Does the 2016 Cadillac SRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Cadillac SRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2016 Cadillac SRX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 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.