The exterior lighting does not light up as warranted. It is impossible to see at night due to the lack of lighting from the headlights. The problem was confirmed with the dealership, however I was told to replace the bulbs which I had done. Replacing the bulbs did not fix the issue so I went back to the dealership and told them again. I was told I would have to replace the entire headlight unit in order for the exterior lights to work properly and that I would have to pay for it. It is extremely dangerous to myself and others if I’m driving at nite and I cannot see anything. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure of the headlights.
2013 Cadillac SRX: headlights failing or too dim
215 of the 393 complaints about the 2013 Cadillac SRX describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 215
- of this car's complaints
- 55%
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,500
- typical mileage
- 65,000
- recalls
- 0
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
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.
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)
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.
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.
I purchased this vehicle on January 1, 2025. I drove it last night for the first time after dark. The headlights were so dim I could hardly see to drive. I had to use my brights except when a car was coming towards me, then I put them on dim and slowed way down. Leaving them on bright would have endangered other drivers and myself. I purchased the car with no warranty so now I either drive only during daylight hours or I pay out of pocket to have them fixed which I'm sure isn't cheap. I am going to go to the dealership that I purchased it from to see if they will help me at all, but since there was no warranty, I'm not expecting them to give me any assistance with this. When you look at the headlights during the daytime, which is when I bought the car there is no visible sign of an issue with them. No warning lamp has come on to let me know there is an issue and since I just purchased the car I don't know when they first appeared so dim. I noticed there are numerous complaints about this issue. Why isn't GM doing something about it.
2013 Cadillac SRX has ridiculous (pointing down) low beam headlight issues. Adaptive forward lighting makes this impossible to be driven at night on low beams, because visibility is so poor! You have to drive with high beams on. These are barely decent and are like having weak low beams. No one flashes to have me turn them off, which is telling of how lame the high beams point. Visibility at night is paramount and this issue is quite dangerous. They (GM) know that this is a problem and have been sued. It is time for you to do your job and make them do theirs for safety sake.
Headlights not bright enough too dark to drive at night
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the driver's side headlamp was brighter than the passenger’s side headlamp. The vehicle was taken to the residence and inspected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I cannot see when driving at night. I'm getting cars flashing me to turn my lights on but they are already on. If I drive with my high beams on I'm going to blind other drivers. I just bought the car 2 days ago and called the dealership to take it in. They said there is nothing they can do that it's a common problem. I'm not understanding why I these cars are on the road if there is nothing that can be done. It's an accident waiting to happen.
The headlights failed to provide enough light to see the road at night. This, of course, is dangerous when driving on the highway or country roads as we are unable to maintain the speed required on the highway in order to safely navigate the turns in the road, which could also cause a disruption in the traffic flow, possibly causing an accident if other cars were not expecting a slower vehicle on the road. Not to mention not being able to see any wildlife in the road in enough time to react. The problem, to my knowledge, has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center prior to our purchase of the vehicle. We have discussed the issue with the dealer but the service manager is unable to comment on the matter or any type of solution. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were not any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It first appeared the first night time drive after purchasing the vehicle, used, in 2021. We had discussions with the Dealer's service department and they would not speak to any "known" issue. We performed an on-line research that showed that there was a problem with the lighting system and GM decided to not issue a recall. I believe for a short time there was compensation provided for those that complained, but that time is long gone. These cars are still on the market and without a resolution to fix this issue there can be an accident or even death in an accident.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the low-beam headlights failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. The contact activated the high-beam headlights to be able to see the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and...
- This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp...
- This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
- This technical bulletin provides repair information for low beam headlamp bulb diagnosis/replacement to...
- This informational bulletin communicates GM's position on exterior lighting components ?tinted or smoked?...
- This informational bulletin explains condensation in exterior lights and replacment guidelines for...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2013 Cadillac SRX headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 2013 Cadillac SRX?
215 of 393 owner complaints about the 2013 Cadillac SRX (55%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2015.
How much does it cost to fix headlights failing or too dim on the 2013 Cadillac SRX?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,500 (median of 40 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Cadillac SRX?
There are 0 recalls and 14 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2013 Cadillac SRX
Jerking 10Hesitation 9ABS 6Loss of power 6Stalling 6No deployment 5
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