2008 Cadillac SRXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 47 owner complaints for the 2008 Cadillac SRX. Most complaints involve power train (11) and air bags (8). The EPA rates it 15–17 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Power train11
- Air bags8
- Electrical system7
- Visibility7
- Structure6
- Engine5
- Service brakes4
- Steering2
- Exterior lighting2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Power train
“THIS COMPLAINT IS A CONTINUATION OF COMPLAINT BIN23-53927 AND DESCRIBES THE FINDINGS OF THE TRANSMISSION DISASSEMBLY. DISASSEMBLY WAS DELAYED DUE TO MEDICAL TREATMENT UNRELATED TO THIS INCIDENT. TRANSMISSION FAILED SUDDENLY IN HIGH VOLUME "RUSH" HOUR TRAFFIC. TORQUE WAS LOST JUST BEFORE AN EXIT ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO EXIT WITHOUT POWER HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN MIDDLE LANE OF A SERVICE ROAD. ON COMING VEHICLES HAD TO BRAKE BEHIND THE VEHICLE. SUDDEN TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN HEAVY HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC PRESENTS A HIGH RISK OF REAR COLLISION WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES AND INJURY. FURTHERMORE, IF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID PUMP HAD NOT FAILED, THE TRANSMISSION COULD HAVE LOCK-UP OR EXHIBITED HIGH SPEED DOWN SHIFTING, DUE TO FAILURE OF OTHER PARTS. THIS INCIDENT SHOULD NOT BE DISMISSED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR PERSONAL INJURY. SOME MOTHER WITH CHILDREN COULD EASILY HAVE A DIFFERENT OUT COME ON A CROWDED LARGE CITY HIGHWAY. NO COMPUTER CODES WERE DISPLAYED. 5LTE-40 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. DISASSEMBLY OF THE TRANSMISSION REVEALED EXCESSIVE METAL PARTICLES AND DEBRIS. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID PUMP FAILED WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF TORQUE DUE TO INADEQUATE FLUID…”
Air bags
“The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated and the horn became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Electrical system
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 CADILLAC SRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HER DAUGHTER ARRIVED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE INSIDE THE GARAGE, SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON AND OF. HER DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER DELAWARE CADILLAC (1606 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, WILMINGTON, DE 19806) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN ISSUE WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl · 4.6L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S5) · Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRX 2WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| SRX AWD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| SRX 2WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 20 | 16 | $4,850 | 555 |
| SRX AWD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 20 | 15 | $5,150 | 592 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2008 SRX questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac SRX have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Cadillac SRX problems?
Owners filed 47 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (11), air bags (8), electrical system (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Cadillac SRX get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Cadillac SRX at 15–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).