Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Cadillac SRX problems

Owners filed 393 complaints about the 2013 Cadillac SRX with NHTSA between Jul 2013 and Jun 2026. The most-cited component is exterior lighting (217).

Complaints
393
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
15
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
21
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Exterior lighting217
  2. Electrical system52
  3. Power train31
  4. Vehicle speed control25
  5. Engine17
  6. Suspension16
  7. Visibility/wiper13
  8. Service brakes11
  9. Structure9
  10. Seats9
  11. Steering8
  12. Fuel/propulsion system8
  13. Air bags5
  14. Visibility5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201312
201425
20159
201610
201729
201875
201977
202054
202139
202220
202316
202410
202512
20265

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Exterior lighting

217 reports2 crashes
“The exterior lighting does not light up as warranted. It is impossible to see at night due to the lack of lighting from the headlights. The problem was confirmed with the dealership, however I was told to replace the bulbs which I had done. Replacing the bulbs did not fix the issue so I went back to the dealership and told them again. I was told I would have to replace the entire headlight unit in order for the exterior lights to work properly and that I would have to pay for it. It is extremely dangerous to myself and others if I’m driving at nite and I cannot see anything. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure of the headlights.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 22, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11739637

Electrical system

52 reports1 crash3 fires
“The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that there were web-like cracks that had developed inside the infotainment screen, causing difficulty in accessing various electrical functions needed to safely operate the vehicle. Due to the failure, the A/C unit, defroster, backup camera, and other functions were inaccessible on the screen. The contact stated that the repair was initially serviced under warranty; however, the failure returned, and the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The contact was recently provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2025Electrical systemODI 11678286

Power train

31 reports5 crashes2 related recalls
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 8, 2025Power trainCrash reportedODI 11647144

Vehicle speed control

25 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2025Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11651062

Engine

17 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2023Electrical system, EngineODI 11511050

Suspension

16 reports2 crashes2 related recalls
“Valentine day a car side swiped me on the 91 freeway my car went out of control but I was able to get control of the vehicle driver side got banged up from the back bumper all the way to the driver side front fender.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2026Suspension, Structure, WheelsCrash reportedODI 11745817
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.