The vehicle was purchased approximately one month before this incident and was represented as inspected. While driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly exploded near the exhaust area. The engine then began smoking and caught fire. The brakes did not work, and the doors locked, preventing the driver from pulling over normally. The driver had to jump out of the moving vehicle while it was on fire in order to save her life and the lives of her daughter. The exact cause is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle is available for inspection. This incident poses a serious safety risk.
The worst 2010 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.
- Lights225
- Electrical69
- Engine60
- Suspension47
- Transmission46
- Body24
- Brakes24
- Steering17
- Driver assistance16
- Airbags15
- Visibility13
- Acceleration9
- Fuel system7
- Seat belts6
- Seats5
- Wheels5
- Tires3
- Locks2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Cadillac SRX
Headlights 219Check engine light 23Water leak 15Stalling 12Grinding brakes 11Loss of power 10ABS 8Won't shift 8Engine failure 7Ball joint 6Power steering loss 6Transmission failure 5Warning lights 5Won't start 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2010 Cadillac SRX mention
P0017 5C0407 2
Recalls 6
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to not drive their vehicle if they experience certain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warnings or other issues, such as unusual steering behavior, while driving. Please see the Part 573 report for the full list of warnings. Dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable one, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2021. Cadillac and Saab customers may direct questions to Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223. GM's number for this recall is N212340980.
Recall number 21V473000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- 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 link may not be torqued to the proper specification. A loose toe adjuster link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds. A loose toe adjuster link may lead to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the toe adjuster link will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
- Risk
- Failure of the toe adjuster link could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the left and right rear toe link adjuster lock nuts, and replace the parts if there is evidence of damage or a loose link, free of charge. The The recall began November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or Saab customer service at 1‑800‑955‑9007. GM's number for this recall is 14457.
Recall number 14V571000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: power adjust
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
- Risk
- If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 (Buick), 1‑800‑458‑8006 (Cadillac), 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Recall number 14V447000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 cadillac srx vehicles manufactured from october 26, 2008, through june 23, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, theft protection. these vehicles may have a transmission shift cable that was improperly installed and may come out of the transmission bracket.
- Risk
- The driver may be unable to shift the transmission out of gear, resulting in no motion or the shifter may inaccurately indicate that the transmission is in park when it is not, allowing the vehicle to roll away and cause a possible crash.
- Remedy
- Gm will notify owners, and dealers will ensure that the transmission shift cable is properly routed and seated in the transmission cable bracket. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during january 2012. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339.
Recall number 11V595000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 cadillac srx vehicles equipped with 2.8l gas engines (lau) or 3.0l gas engines (lf1). Some of these vehicles have a condition in which processing of the crimp during manufacture of the power steering pressure line may have damaged the line. If the line was damaged, a power steering fluid leak may develop. If there is a sufficient amount of fluid loss, the driver will hear noise from the power steering pump and increased effort may be required for steering.
- Risk
- If power steering fluid sprays onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the power steering line free of charge. The safety recall began on november 12, 2010. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339.
Recall number 10V450000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 cadillac srx equipped with a 2.8l v6 engine. If low octane (regular) fuel is used in the vehicle instead of the required high octane (premium) fuel as stated in the owner manual and on the fuel filler door, the combination of regular fuel usage and aggressive driving maneuvers may induce pre-ignition. If pre-ignition occurs, you may hear a pinging or knocking sound from the engine.
- Risk
- If the vehicle continues to be driven after the onset of this noise, a connecting rod or piston may break, resulting in engine damage, and perhaps engine failure, which would disable the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the engine control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before june 11, 2010. Owners may contact the cadillac customer assistance center at 1‑866‑982‑2339 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 10V223000 · Recall details
See all 6 recalls for the 2010 Cadillac SRX
Defect investigations
Rear Toe Link Adjuster Separation
On November 06, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE20-019) to assess the remedy and scope of General Motors (GM) recall 14V‑571. ODI had received a total of 9 complaints with allegations of rear toe links separating while the vehicle was in motion. There were 4 complainants indicating that the remedy for recall 14V‑571 had been performed on their vehicle. The other 5 complaints were outside the original recall scope but exhibited the same failure mode as addressed by recall 14V‑571 and reported uncontrolled swaying while driving.ODI's review focused on all 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles that experienced a rear toe link failure while the vehicle was in motion under various driving conditions. The failures were the same or similar to those addressed by the remedy associated with recall 14V‑571. The remedy for recall 14V‑571 was to inspect the rear toe link adjusters and replace them if necessary as well as tighten both jam nuts to a manufacturer specified torque. The remedy can be reversed when the vehicle gets a rear alignment adjustment and the jam nuts are not properly re-torqued to the manufacturer's specification. ODI's data review confirmed a high toe link failure rate in vehicles that either had and had not received the remedy associated with recall 14V‑571. On June 24, 2021, GM filed a defect information report recalling all 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the rear toe link adjuster while driving. The remedy replaces adjustable toe links with non-adjustable toe links. The recall (21V‑473) includes vehicles that were remedied under 14V‑571. In view of the recall action being taken by GM, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. the federal safety agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at ODI identification numbers for the complaints cited above can be found in a separate document attached to this closing resume.
PE20019
Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Cadillac SRX 1,505
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Provide info on that parts restriction ending for the rear diff clutch control 19435910
- Unknown or other
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
2010 Cadillac SRX crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac SRX 4-DR. w/SAB | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | 4 |
2010 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | AWD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
| 2.8L 6‑cyl | AWD | 15 | 22 | 18 |
What 2010 Cadillac SRX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Addendum to Complaint Number 11691294.
* Component systems ABS, braking, steering, loud noises in rear wheels, grinding, are all malfunctioning. The left rear tire was tited while driving, I was told it was unsafe to drive. It's currently at the dealership. * Safety concerns are in the documentation. There are others in Add. Encl. VI - X. Due to the download restrictions, I was unable to submit. * The problems were also noticed by another service center wile putting tires on. * Warning Lights are consistently on: ABS, Engine, Stabilitrac. I can't remember the exact initial date, I know it's been years. I have called this to the attention to the service manager every time the car has been repaired. I have always taken it to the same Cadillac dealership and it's been the same service manager. I am sure, through all of the service records, the initial date can be found. It's been always overlooked. I paid cash for it at another non-Cadillac dealership in 12/2017. I am tired of being taken advantage of. Please help? Your immediate attention will be kindly appreciated. Thank you!
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the engine compartment was on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the fire. The vehicle was occupied during the fire; however, no injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not necessary. The contact stated that a Police and Fire Department report was filed. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.
Problem: My 2010 Cadillac SRX with 87,000 miles been having issues with downshifting , my vehicle would not shift to second or higher gear while driving and makes it very unsafe on the road. When this occurs I would try to pull over safely to park. My SRX would be drivable if shifted to park and then shift to drive or if i turn off the vehicle and re-start. I have been back and forth going to my mechanic( s). I was told possible TCM issues but no definite diagnosis. I have been reading a lot of 2010 SRX owners on Cadillac forums with exact similar issues and decided on making this official to report to the federal safety agency hoping it would open an investigation and figure out the defect on this type vehicle. My vehicle issue or problem started to become symptomatic around year 2021 and my SRX has around 63,000 miles on it. I keep up with the regular scheduled maintenance and upkeep, The SRX looks like new and would like to keep it longer as the rest of the vehicle is kept it's appearance and other parts well. I have reported this issue directly to the main contact number @Cadillac company and they told me my vehicle VIN is not included on the safety recall with shifting issues and offered me a $100.00 for repair coupon instead for future repairs. i have spent thousands of dollars fixing the unidentifiable issue whenever the engine light comes on and throws out a code but my downshifting problem continues.
Head Light Assembly - The dim lights are life threating. This is a know defect, and should have been part of a recall. A class action lawsuit was filed. GM loss, and replaced the head light assembly for the minimum amount of time ending in 2019. My car has 89,000 the dim lights have probably never been good. This should have been a total recall, instead, GM quit paying for headlight replacement in 2019. If you call GM/Cadillac 800‑333‑4223 they will tell you they quit because that was part of the settlement. Every head light assembly should have been replace, a total recall.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I am not a mechanic so I don’t know what All I know is what I like I experienced and when I was driving down the road, my Cadillac shut off like it had no power to it no power steering no lights no dash lights no warning lights or nothing pulled over my car will not start back up I had to have it towed when I got home and looked inside the casing around. The battery had melted with a bunch of wires and tubing that was on top of the battery completely melted everything inside.
The manufacturer is procrastinate to fix this life threatening dangerous recall and has been giving me an endless appointments to fix it and each time after I wait for the appointment they call to reschedule. The next statement is the recall details as per the federal safety agency website: Manufacturer Recall NumberN212340980 the federal safety agency Recall Number21V473 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2010 to 2016 model year Cadillac SRX and 2011 to 2012 Saab 9-4x vehicles. These vehicles may have received improper service requiring adjustment of a rear suspension toe link. In rare cases, dealers or independent repair shops may not have followed GM’s published procedures for torquing the jam nut in the toe link adjusters to the proper specification. A loose toe link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds or allow water or other corrosive elements to enter the threads within the adjuster. If a toe link is improperly adjusted, corrosion combined with vehicle motion may eventually cause the threads within the link to wear and loosen. In very rare cases with continued use, the link could separate. Separation while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash. Safety Risk If a toe link is improperly adjusted, corrosion combined with vehicle motion may eventually cause the threads within the link to wear and loosen. In very rare cases with continued use, the link could separate. Separation while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.
Engine locked up. Checked by 2 separate mechanic shops.
Compare the 2010 Cadillac SRX
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Questions about the 2010 Cadillac SRX
Is the 2010 Cadillac SRX reliable?
Owners have filed 474 complaints about the 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2.2 times a typical SRX model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2010 Cadillac SRX year score?
The 2010 Cadillac SRX scores 43 out of 100 (below 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 2010 Cadillac SRX?
Lights, with 225 complaints, typically around 79,000 miles. Next is electrical (69).
How many recalls does the 2010 Cadillac SRX have?
6 recalls, covering suspension, seats and power train.
Is the 2010 Cadillac SRX safe in a crash?
The 2010 Cadillac SRX was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 4 out of 5.
What year does the Cadillac SRX have the most lights problems?
The Cadillac SRX model years with the most lights complaints are 2015 (302 complaints), 2014 (266 complaints) and 2012 (234 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2010 Cadillac SRX get?
Official estimates for the 2010 Cadillac SRX range from 18 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 25 highway.
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