Cadillac SRX key fob problems

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Body · GA

The trunk which operates by key fob only is no longer remaining open as it should. Instead the trunk will immediately upon opening begin to lower as very quickly. Once the automatic lowering hits the half way point, it will quickly close shut. This a liftgate issue/failure that has great potential to cause extreme harm to someone placing or retrieving items from the trunk; harm that has the potential to be fatal. This is the 2nd major safety issue that I've reported to GM (Cadillac) and no accountability has been taken. I've been told that they are aware of this issue (and the other) as they have been reported by other owners; however, they will love to offer money off if I purchased a new vehicle with them. This is absurd.

Filed Mar 30, 2025 · WI · 2 injuries

Recently the liftgate has closed unexpectedly several times while items were being unloaded/loaded from the rear of the vehicle. This caused the user to be struck by the liftgate. Someone smaller or weaker, such as a child could potentially be trapped and injured since the blockage detect function apparently fails at the same time. It has also opened on it's own while the operator was away from the vehicle and out of range of the key fob. Apparently, this is a common issue with the panoramic roof in many Cadillac models leaking water into the rear storage area of the vehicle. The control module becomes immersed in water and begins to perform unreliably, eventually failing complete as it becomes more wet. No warning tones or lamps are activated

Filed Jul 5, 2024 · Body, Lights · MI

1. Since owning the 2014 SRX the headlights are so dim to the point of not being able to use the vehicle at night or storms for fear of a crash. Now the Driver side HID Has failed along with the headlights housing to be cloudy on the inside. 2.Rear Door Hatch malfunction. Will not open or close with door switch , key fob or button on rear hatch door. I can open manually and close manually however this is a HUGE inconvenience as the rear door is so heavy. I’ve been told by the service department that it’s a design flaw from Cadillac Sunroof drain?

Filed Feb 25, 2023 · Electrical · TN

2/17/23 - Alarm went off 6AM EST; I received an Onstar Theft Alarm notification indicating theft deterrent system had been triggered. Sensor: Door/trunk/gate open. No activity around vehicle; alarm stopped on its own. No threat detected. Key fob nor internal button would open rear lift gate. 2/20/23 Problem confirmed by dealer (Integrity Cadillac, Chattanooga, TN); water found in rear cavity from sunroof drains; water damage to lift gate module and motor, (both replaced) clean sunroof drains $1760.37 Vehicle not inspected by mfr., police, insurance reps, etc. No warnings before alarm triggered; only after alarm triggered, "Theft Detection Warning" error msg scrolled across dash after vehicle started; gauges on dash acted erratically while driving.

Filed Oct 3, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 98,000 miles · FL

After a heavy storm, I attempted to start my car that was parked in the driveway, but nothing in the car would respond to the key fob or push to start. After jumping the battery, we were able to start the vehicle, however, the electrical systems were erratically shutting off and restarting. The gauges and system lights kept blinking and turning off. The engine began to smoke, so I turned the vehicle off. There was a musty smell which provoked me to search for water intrusion. The front floorboards were soaking wet. I couldn't get the liftgate open, so I climbed into the rear area and found compartments that had standing water. The rear carpets were also wet. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership, and they informed me that the storm caused debri to clog the sunroof drains causing the overflow pans to pour into the vehicle. This caused the liftgate module to initiate a perpetual signal to the battery causing it to die. I also had water and fogging built up in the headlight covers reducing the lamp output. After researching this issue, I found that it is a very common design flaw that gm refuses to admit or even cover repairs beyond the initial manufacturer's warranty. This is very disconcerting because I'm sure the issue will happen again when there's a rain downpour, and it's only a matter of time before the water corrodes the liftgate module or other electronic components. Water avoidance is not an option. I feel that gm should own this problem they created and provide a permanent solution to the issue.

Filed Mar 24, 2020 · MO

The trunk of my car is not accessible. One day the key fob stopped working. The button on the door gives no access as well. I've heard there was once a recall on this issue but it has expired. I have no access to my spare tire!! How can a recall expire!

Filed Mar 12, 2020 · 64,000 miles · MI · 1 injury

The power liftgate on my 2012 cadillac srx dropped (closed) all by itself with no warning while I was putting groceries in to the cargo storage area. It came down very hard hitting my neck and shoulder and knocked me to the ground. I had used the power button on the key fob while standing in the parking lot near the back of the car. The gate went up normally but just as I bent over to put things in, the gate came back down on me. I made an appointment with a dealer today to have it looked at but wanted to report this in hopes of sparing someone else from more serious injury in the future. I don't have any documentation to submit today but may have after my dealer appointment which is 3-17-20.

Filed Feb 27, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 110,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac srx. The contact stated that the keyfob failed to unlock the truck of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at max dye chrysler dodge jeep ram gmc (1501 w main st, salem, il 62881 (618) 548-2343) however, the failure recurred a year later. The part was ordered from the manufacturer and reinstalled by an unknown mechanic however, the failure recurred three months later. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2019 · Body · 110,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac srx. While using the remote key fob, the hatch failed to operate. The hatch had to be opened manually and would close independently. On one occasion, the hatch closed on the contact's head, but there were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the liftgate pump needed to be replaced and the hydraulic arms were leaking on the driver's side. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called an unknown cadillac dealer and notified them of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Sep 14, 2014 · Body · 20,690 miles · DE

This morning I was parked in a lot outside of a store with my trunk open. I was leaning in the trunk moving items around. I can only assume I applied pressure to the trunk button on the key fob unknowingly. The trunk closed down onto my back and felt as if it was intent on closing even though my body was preventing the trunk from closing. I could not pull back as the door literally had me pinned in the trunk. My husband ran around to the back of the car as did another gentleman in the parking lot. My husband began hollering to hit the button which I still had. The door immediately began to lift after hitting the door release button of the fob. The event was shocking enough that I can't imagine what might have happened had my husband and a passerby not hollered for me to push the button bringing me out of the state of shock or if instead of an adult a young child had the door closing on them. The weight and pressure of the door prevented me from doing much more than pushing the button.