When I start the car and place it into reverse (from its parking spot) and let it idle backwards about 12-18 ft, it abruptly comes to a halt and makes a hard thump noise. If I then shift it into drive and allow it to idle forward, it will barely idle upto about 6-8 feet. I am hearing a plethora of different things and have not been able to drive it since October, 2025. I need help, please.
The worst 2005 Cadillac SRX problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine30
- Electrical22
- Driver assistance20
- Steering17
- Suspension12
- Airbags7
- Transmission7
- Visibility7
- Brakes6
- Acceleration4
- Body4
- Lights4
- Fuel system3
- Tires2
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Cadillac SRX
Check engine light 10Stalling 8Grinding brakes 7Hesitation 7Steering lock-up 5Sunroof shattered 5
Recalls 3
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
Recall number 14V394000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak.
- Risk
- A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of control increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on february 1, 2008. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or http://www.cadillac.com; pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com; and saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or http://www.saturn.com.
Recall number 07V589000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Certain vehicles have a left or right rear suspension toe link that could separate because of an incorrect weld.
- Risk
- If this were to occur, the affected rear wheel would be able to turn in or out, affecting vehicle control, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the right and left toe link and replace as required. If a toe link is replaced, the dealer will perform a wheel alignment. The recall began on may 3, 2006. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339.
Recall number 06V125000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2005 Cadillac SRX
Defect investigations
Sunroof glass failure
Odi's investigation of the cadillac srx glass roof did not identify any defective manufacturing process, design, or quality control issue with the srx glass roof system.gm believes that the most likely cause of breakage is stone or sharp object impact against the glass.the investigation included a peer multi-vehicle analysis.that analysis found that other vehicles with large glass roof systems experience random stone/object impacts and broken glass panels.the incident rate for the subject vehicles did not stand out in this analysis.the srx ultraview power glass roof consists of up to three tempered glass panels surrounded by metal trim around the perimeter of the roof structure.the main front panel is a large movable glass panel residing over the first and second row occupants.the middle non-movable panel is not accessible from the inside.the rear non-movable panel is an optional panel (ultraview plus option) and is viewable from the inside.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report for additional information.
EA06001
Sun roof glass failure
Of the 17 complaints, there were 9 injury incidents resulting in 19 individuals being injured.the injuries consist of cuts and scrapes to occupant's face, arm, hand or leg.some injuries were the direct result of the falling glass fragments while other injuries occurred when occupants were exiting the vehicle or while handling the glass fragments.in addition, there were five warranty claims related to the issue for a total of 22 reports.gm has not identified any manufacturing process or quality control issue with the movable sun roof/moon roof glass panel.they believe the most likely cause of the breakage is random stone or sharp debris impact to the glass roof structure.odi's analysis indicates that the number of incidents will continue to increase as my 2006 vehicles are sold and put into service.the evidence indicates that the broken glass fragments will fall directly onto both the front and middle row seat occupants of these vehicles.these occurrences may pose a risk of driver distraction and/or occupant injury.this investigation is being upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea06-001) to further assess this matter and will include my 2006 srx vehicles.
PE05052
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Cadillac SRX 622
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire...
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
2005 Cadillac SRX fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 17 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 21 | 17 |
| 4.6L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 4.6L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19 | 15 |
What 2005 Cadillac SRX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
brought car to shop and after 3 months trying to figure out problem gave up. I towed it to dealership and after another month finally said car proved to be a mystery but extensive damage due to water leakin the rear shorting out entertainment module.
I noticed this car has several recalls that were never corrected on my vehicle.
When it rains water leaks from the top of the vehicle and leaks inside the car through a plastic piece that says air bag and in the rear water leaks in and fills up where the jack is located and I'm afraid that the airbag will not work properly with the water leaking into it when it rains or I go through the car wash. Also the rear axle mount is broke and it cause the vehicle to make a lot of noise and I'm hoping the rear end doesn't come off while I'm driving because it will definitely cause a wreck.
Timing chain leaking oil. Stationary saw oil in driveway noise in front while driving turned out to be 2 struts need replacement
Rear trunk don't lock
Making a left hand turn onto my work parking lot, applied brakes to pull into my parking space and I heard a terrible grinding/shuddering noise and the brake pedal went to the floor. I didn't think I was going to be able to stop without hitting the concrete wall. The car finally stopped and then I saw the "service stability system" appear on the driver information center. Since I just purchased this vehicle used I looked this up and it appears this "should" have been considered as a recall gm needs to make before someone is seriously hurt or killed.
At random times, while accelerating the traction engage message will appear and the car will not accelerate for 2--3 seconds. Very dangerous. The last time it happened was when I was trying to make a left turn in a busy intersection.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 cadillac srx. While attempting to accelerate after a complete stop, a loud vibration/rumble emitted from underneath the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to covert cadillac buick gmc (11750 research blvd, austin, tx 78759, (512) 583-3000), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The car has a rear leak that builds up in the truck and holds water there where the jack is located which is now stuck to the carpet and lots of movement in the rear end of this vehicle is defective and need to have a recall on both of these issues along with the rear trunk not locking or rear windshield wipers not working at all and could be from the water leaking into it from the rear somewhere that needs a recall on.
Compare the 2005 Cadillac SRX
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Questions about the 2005 Cadillac SRX
Is the 2005 Cadillac SRX reliable?
Owners have filed 122 complaints about the 2005 Cadillac SRX, fewer than a typical SRX model year.
What is the 2005 Cadillac SRX year score?
The 2005 Cadillac SRX scores 76 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac SRX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Cadillac SRX?
Engine and cooling, with 30 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles. Next is electrical (22).
How many recalls does the 2005 Cadillac SRX have?
3 recalls, covering electrical system, power train and suspension.
What year does the Cadillac SRX have bad engine?
The Cadillac SRX model years with the most engine complaints are 2010 (60 complaints), 2004 (35 complaints) and 2005 (30 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Cadillac SRX get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Cadillac SRX range from 15 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.6L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22 highway.
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