CADILLAC SRX · model year

2013 CADILLAC SRX

489 NHTSA complaints, 19 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013CADILLACSRX carries 489 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 19 crashes, 10 fires, 23 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 SRX is exterior lighting with 201 filings, followed by electrical system (52) and unknown or other (37). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2013 SRX, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

489
Complaints
19
Crashes
10
Fires
23
Injuries
0
Deaths
2013 CADILLAC SRX — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 CADILLAC SRX. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

489 filings

Crashes Reported

19 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
EXTERIOR LIGHTING201
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM52
UNKNOWN OR OTHER37
POWER TRAIN28
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL24
ENGINE17
SUSPENSION15
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS14
VISIBILITY/WIPER13
SERVICE BRAKES11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
SEATS8
STEERING8
AIR BAGS5
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY4

Recalls (5)

14V21200025/04/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured May 29, 2012, through June 26, 2013, and equipped with 3.6L engines. In the affected vehicles, in certain driving situations, there may be a three to four second lag in acceleration due to the transmissi

21V47300024/06/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles. The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.

14V57100019/09/2014

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured April 14, 2009, to September 1, 2014, and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, to September 13, 2011. On the affected vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster

13V20200016/05/2013

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured January 31, 2012, through March 18, 2013, and equipped with 18 inch wheels. On the affected vehicles, the wheel lug nuts may loosen.

13V09700015/03/2013

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal

Recent Complaints

20260124SERVICE BRAKES

I was driving and had to hard brake as to not hit a young driver who wasn't paying attention to his driving. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor. There were no warning lights on. I got the car checked out by our local mechanic AND a certified Cadillac dealer. We had a new master cylinder and O ring installed in October. Our mechanic found there is a special bulletin on 18 different vehicles with the same issue. And my Cadillac is on that list. I don't understand how this problem CAN'T be a total recall and just a special bulletin. My safety was totally at risk as the brake system was not working properly. Now with that being the Chevy/Cadillac dealership found that there is a problem with the ABS module. Which can not be found anywhere but a third party vendor. After paying almost $400 for the master cylinder and O ring the problem seemed to be fixed but now we have to pay ABS module. I know as the NHTSA can't refund any monies but GM should be held accountable fo

20260120EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway, limiting the driver’s vision while driving. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight was inoperable, and the driver’s side headlight was very dim. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to use the high-beam headlights while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there was a Class Action Lawsuit on similar vehicles for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Mileage: 105,000

20260111EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My father gave me his 2013 Cadillac SRX and I have noticed the headlights have dimmed significantly over the past few months. I replaced the lamps, but the same issue still exists. I spoke with my local Cadillac dealership and they told me of the known issue with the headlights. I did some research and see there was a class action lawsuit against Cadillac, but it does not seem to apply to vehicles registered in Wisconsin. I will need to correct this problem as driving at night has now become very difficult. If you have history of this issue with other drivers, any insight or direction would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20251105EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Vehicle Headlamps fail to project adequate light to see the road. Several hundred dollars have been invested in attempting to fix this, resulting in zero noticeable help.

20251026STEERING

While driving steering becomes unresponsive for a few seconds then returns to normal

20251013EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Left front headlight is so dim I cannot drive my car in the dark. I have spent money replacing the bulbs, cleaning the lenses through professional shop(s) and still goes dim and unsafe. After researching this I see this is a ongoing problem with this vehicle. I am now having to spend over $1,000 to replace the entire headlight assembly and I don't even know how long that will last. From research from another person it looks like the assembly where the light get hot is chrome sprayed plastic. Cheap parts causing me so much money that should be reliable in my vehicle. I see GM reimbursement owners in Fl and CA for this issue for a few years. this is terrible as I am a working adult required to commute in the dark. Iw ant to be reimbursed for this unsafe headlight assembly and know the other is failing too.

20250804ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20250711SERVICE BRAKES

Don’t no

20250711WHEELS

Don’t no

20250711UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Don’t no

20250609ENGINE

I am having transmission problems. My transmission accelerates late.

20250423SERVICE BRAKES

I am writing to formally raise a serious safety concern regarding my Cadillac SRX. For over a year, the ABS warning light has remained on in the vehicle. After taking it to an authorized dealership for diagnostics and repair, I was informed that the required part to resolve this issue is on backorder and is no longer being manufactured. This is highly concerning given that the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a critical safety feature designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, especially in emergencies. Driving without a functioning ABS increases the risk of accidents, making the vehicle unsafe to operate under normal driving conditions. I would like to address the following points: 1. Why is a critical safety-related part no longer being manufactured for a vehicle still in operation? 2. What is the manufacturer's plan for resolving safety concerns such as this, especially when replacement parts are unavailable? 3. Am I entitled to any form of compensation, repla

20250423FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I am writing to formally raise a serious safety concern regarding my Cadillac SRX. For over a year, the ABS warning light has remained on in the vehicle. After taking it to an authorized dealership for diagnostics and repair, I was informed that the required part to resolve this issue is on backorder and is no longer being manufactured. This is highly concerning given that the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a critical safety feature designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, especially in emergencies. Driving without a functioning ABS increases the risk of accidents, making the vehicle unsafe to operate under normal driving conditions. I would like to address the following points: 1. Why is a critical safety-related part no longer being manufactured for a vehicle still in operation? 2. What is the manufacturer's plan for resolving safety concerns such as this, especially when replacement parts are unavailable? 3. Am I entitled to any form of compensation, repla

20250417ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact notified the dealer where the vehicle was purchased; however, the dealer denied responsibility. A mobile mechanic was contacted and stopped by the residence and diagnosed the vehicle. However, no cause for the failure was found. Several mobile mechanics stopped by the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the mobile mechanic discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased from a private dealer's sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 64,729, it was discovered that the mileage was 175,000. The contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Mileage: 175,000

20250417ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact notified the dealer where the vehicle was purchased; however, the dealer denied responsibility. A mobile mechanic was contacted and stopped by the residence and diagnosed the vehicle. However, no cause for the failure was found. Several mobile mechanics stopped by the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the mobile mechanic discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased from a private dealer's sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 64,729, it was discovered that the mileage was 175,000. The contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Mileage: 175,000

20250327SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20250327VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

20250327FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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.

20250308CrashPOWER TRAIN

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.

20250214ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear Toe Link and . Lag in Acceleration was completed on 05/08/2014 but the problem persists also electrical failure seat gets stuck or engine wont turn on , blind spots makes sound when no vehicle around Engine has no power TCM transmission Control Module code comes and goes

Compare 2013CADILLACSRX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 CADILLAC SRX have?
The 2013 CADILLAC SRX has 489 NHTSA complaints, 19 crashes, 10 fires, 23 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 CADILLAC SRX?
The 2013 CADILLAC SRX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 CADILLAC SRX?
Yes, the 2013 CADILLAC SRX has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 CADILLAC SRX?
The most-complained component for the 2013 CADILLAC SRX is EXTERIOR LIGHTING with 201 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2013 CADILLAC SRX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 CADILLAC SRX has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.