Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Cadillac SRX problems
Owners filed 169 complaints about the 2016 Cadillac SRX with NHTSA between Mar 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is exterior lighting (98).
Complaints
169
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
11
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
10
People reported injured
Deaths
3
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Exterior lighting98
- Suspension16
- Electrical system15
- Air bags8
- Service brakes6
- Visibility/wiper6
- Power train5
- Engine4
- Structure3
- Steering3
- Tires3
- Seat belts3
- Wheels3
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
6
6
6
16
25
43
22
16
13
11
5
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 43 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 5 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Exterior lighting
98 reports2 crashes
“low beam head lights are very dim, to dim to see while driving. Apparently this is a problem that Cadillac and/or GM knows about but isn't doing anything to resolve. Heat from the bulbs basically melt the chrome off of the reflector plate so light does not shine out on the road. This could be a very big hazzard while driving, deer, children etc can not be seen with the lights as they are. To replace are ridiculosly expensive to the customer but doesnt seem like it would be for the dealer!! Complete neglect on the manufacturs end.”
Suspension
16 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel began shaking violently and the vehicle fishtailed and failed to steer as intended. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was then taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Electrical system
15 reports
“Water makes its way inside the car. Drains seems to be clogged and interior carpet and roof gets wet. As a result lift gate will no longer open as water made its way to the back.”
Air bags
8 reports5 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. While starting the vehicle, the air bag and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brakes, transmission fluid, TPMS sensor, radiator fluid, and front-driver’s air bag needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V329000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was 138,199.”
Service brakes
6 reports3 crashes
“BRAKE, ABS, Wrench, check engine lights all began intermittently coming on. Before we could bring it into the dealer, it went into "limp mode" while at a very dangerous time and would not move forward while in "Drive". Had to abandon the car in a roadside parking lot. Finally able to get it to the dealer and after their inspection we were told it was NOT repairable. The EBCM module (part of the brake system) was defective and NO parts existed. When we pressed the dealer, no other options or resolutions were offered. Even if a part could be found at eBay, re-manufacturers, or junk yards, they would not touch it. I have had not luck finding a part, re-manufacturer, or repair shop that could be of any help. Right now it is a worthless piece of junk. All correspondence with the dealer has been verbal to this point.”
Visibility/wiper
6 reports
“The headlights on low beam , have become too dim. we have replaced the bulbs , but they did the same thing. Low beam visibility is definitely a safety issue. Took the vehicle to a body shop, and they concluded the whole light assembly would need replacement, to remedy the issue. No warning lights or messages have ever appeared. We had them replace both light assemblies, and the problem was resolved. We feel it should be a warranty issue.”
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.