YearToAvoid

Cadillac SRX Best and Worst Years (2010–2019)

NHTSA data flags 2010 and 2012 as the Cadillac SRX years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 86 and 100 versus a low of 14 for the 2016, the best year. Electrical System complaints dominate every year, making up 64% of all 2,730 complaints logged across 2010-2019.

Avoid 2010Avoid 2012Best 2016

Model years
8
2010–2019
NHTSA complaints
2,730
Recall campaigns
14
Crashes reported
124
Fires reported
21
Top problem area
Electrical System

SRX Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520162019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Cadillac SRX problems and recalls by year

YearVerdictIndexComplaintsCrashesFiresRecallsTop issueMPGNCAP
2010Avoid864742156 !Electrical System19—
2011Caution714461717 !Electrical System19—
2012Avoid1004163243 !Electrical System18.55★
2013Caution573931555 !Electrical System18.55★
2014Good293901622 !Electrical System18.55★
2015Good434421234 !Electrical System18.55★
2016Best141681112 !Electrical System18.55★
2019No verdict01000Brakes——

SRX years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Cadillac SRX Index 100 · 416 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2012 SRX has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100 and ranks worst overall. Electrical System complaints make up 61% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 75,000. Brakes account for 13% of complaints (median 84,000 miles) and Suspension, Wheels & Tires for 11% (median 90,000 miles). This year also shows the highest crash count (32) and the only deaths (2) among all SRX years. It shares the do-not-drive rear suspension toe link recall and the power seat height adjuster recall with the 2010.

2012 electrical system problems →2012 brakes problems →2012 suspension, wheels & tires problems →

2010 Cadillac SRX Index 86 · 474 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2010 SRX carries a complaint index of 86 and ranks second-worst of the years with data. Electrical System issues account for 57% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 75,100. Owners also reported Engine problems (14% of complaints, median 90,000 miles) and Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues (12%, median 70,640 miles). The year is tied to six recalls, including a do-not-drive recall for a rear suspension toe link adjuster that may not have been tightened properly, and a power seat height adjuster recall shared with several GM models.

2010 electrical system problems →2010 engine problems →2010 suspension, wheels & tires problems →

Most common Cadillac SRX problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

  1. Electrical System1,755 (64%)
  2. Suspension, Wheels & Tires261 (10%)
  3. Other233 (9%)
  4. Engine196 (7%)
  5. Brakes192 (7%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain168 (6%)
  7. Structure & Body131 (5%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers120 (4%)
  9. Steering71 (3%)
  10. Airbags69 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Cadillac SRX should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2010 and 2012 model years are flagged as Avoid, with complaint index scores of 86 and 100, the two highest in the lineup.
Which Cadillac SRX year is the best?
The 2016 SRX is rated Best, with the lowest complaint index (14) and only 168 total complaints, far below other years.
What is the most common problem with the Cadillac SRX?
Electrical System issues are the top complaint category across all years, accounting for 1,755 of 2,730 total complaints, or 64%.
Are there recalls on the 2010 and 2012 Cadillac SRX?
Yes. The 2010 has 6 recalls and the 2012 has 3, and both include a do-not-drive recall for a rear suspension toe link adjuster that may not have been tightened properly.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.