The Cadillac SRX is a cool midsize SUV with enough space for up to five or seven passengers. It is not basically a luxury SUV, but it is pretty sophisticated with luxurious features and in-car techs.
This five-door SUV is currently discontinued, but it had a few “unreliable” model years during the production years. So, what are the Cadillac SRX years to avoid?
The 2010 thru 2015 years had the highest complaints on CarComplaints, which are flagged as the “worst” years to buy. These Cadillac SRX model years also score low on reliability; you should avoid them – especially when shopping for a used SRX.
Cadillac SRX Overview
Cadillac SRX is a line of midsize SUVs and CUVs from the American auto brand General Motors. The first SRX was launched in 2004, and the production continued until 2016, when the last model was released. Within its production years, the Cadillac SRX was redesigned a couple of times.
The ride looked cool, classy, and pretty luxurious. Inside the hood lies a 3.6-liter LY7 HFV6 V6 or a 4.6-liter LH2 Northstar V8 engine paired with any of these transmissions: a 5-speed 5L40-E automatic, 5-speed 5L50 automatic, or 6-speed 6L50 automatic transmission.
Of course, the Cadillac SRX was available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive powertrain configurations. The standard V6 engine option gives you 255 hp, while the optional 4.6L V8 produces up to 320hp. Inside, the SUV/CUV looks premium in its all-leather interior design – with curtain-side airbags.
If you choose the V8 model, you get premium features such as heated front seats and wood interior as standard packages. Initially, the Cadillac SRXs had a third-row, but starting from the 2010 model year, the SRX eliminated the third-row seat. Generally, you can call the Cadillac SRX a “Luxury SUV.”
See Also: Buick Encore Years To Avoid
Cadillac SRX Years To Avoid
The 2004, 2010 – 2015 model years had the highest complaints from owners – as reported on CarComplaints.
So, the worst Cadillac SRX years are listed below:
- 2004 Cadillac SRX
- 2010 Cadillac SRX
- 2011 Cadillac SRX
- 2012 Cadillac SRX
- 2013 Cadillac SRX
- 2014 Cadillac SRX
- 2015 Cadillac SRX
These are practically the most unreliable models years of the Cadillac SRX SUV. However, this does not imply that the SRX models made in these years are undrivable or totally trash! No.
This simply means that a seemingly high number of SRX owners (who owned models from these years) weren’t satisfied with the performance and reliability they got from the car.
Explained below are the common problems with Cadillac SRXs made in these “worst” years.
Top 5 Common Cadillac SRX Problems
1. Water In The Headlights
This problem was mainly reported in the 2010 model year. Owners allege that water always finds its way into the headlights, and over time, the highlights go out due to excessive moisture – you won’t be able to see clearly even at high beams.
Apparently, the seals on the headlights are not durable – water could pass through them and cause the headlights to go out. Fixing this issue costs $1,500 on average (as reported by 2010 SRX owners).
2. Infotainment Touchscreen Problems
The CUE infotainment system on most Cadillac SRX models is reportedly faulty; the touchscreen won’t press swiftly – you’d need to press/touch it randomly to respond.
To fix an unresponsive CUE touchscreen costs around $400 if you’re going to DIY it, but it costs over $1,000 in dealerships.
3. Sunroof Cracks
A lot of drivers love the “sunroof” feature. Well, who doesn’t? The sunroof installed in SRXs looked decent and handy; however, it is alleged to crack easily; thereby allowing water/rain into your car as you drive.
It appears like GM used cheap materials to make the sunroofs in its Cadillac SRX because pretty many people reported this problem.
4. Engine Problems
The 2010 SRX owners complained that the SUV suffered several engine faults. From timing belt failure to misfiring, noise while idling, engine light staying on, and pretty other issues.
While it’s understandable that there are several reasons why these scenarios can occur, it seemed predominant on the 2010 model – probably due to poor engine parts?
5. SRX Rollaway Problems
Some 2010-11 Cadillac SRXs seem to have “gear shifter” problems, where the shifter may disengage itself and shift to another gear, causing the car to roll away.
This problem is reportedly caused due to improper installation of the cable connecting the transmission and the gear shifter.
What Are The Best Cadillac SRX Years To Buy
The 2005 – 2009 model years, in addition to the 2015 model year, are the best – more reliable – Cadillac SRX years to buy.
Not because these years do not have any issues, but they give much more comfort and offer higher reliability than the models years mentioned among the “worst” to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Miles Does Cadillac SRX Last?
Cadillac SRX vehicles typically last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles on average. This doesn’t sound so good, but Cadillac SRXs always have problems, and about 15% of the issues are usually severe.
Is The Cadillac SRX Reliable
According to RepairPal’s rating, the SRX has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating and ranks 7th out of 14 for midsize SUVs in its category. This is pretty acceptable – it shows that the SRX is reliable to a great extent to score above average in reliability ratings.
What’s The Cost Of Maintaining a Cadillac SRX?
The average annual repair cost of the SRX is $703. This is quite on the high side, and the frequency of repairs is a little bit high. The Cadillac SRX typically develops several more problems than other SUVs in its category.
Why Was Cadillac SRX Discontinued?
The Cadillac SRX was discontinued due to poor sales and safety recalls. Yes, the ride looked cool on the outside and inside, but it wasn’t so good in performance and high mileage – so many people don’t want to buy it.
See Also: Top Ford Edge Years You Should Avoid
What More?
This article explains the worst Cadillac SRX years to avoid; those years have the highest recalls and complaints. The safe years to buy also have problems, but you can cope with them.
ALTHOUGH Cadillac SRX has a high-reliability score on RepairPal, it isn’t so much a good ride you can trust, especially when buying used.