Home · 2013 Cadillac SRX · Complaints

What 393 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Cadillac SRX

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (393)Crash / fire / injury (22)Lights (217)Electrical system (52)Transmission & drivetrain (31)Speed control (25)Visibility & wipers (18)Engine (17)Suspension (16)Brakes (12)Body & structure (9)Fuel system (9)

12 of 393 complaints match · Brakes · clear filters

Jan 24, 2026Brakes

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 for this issue and should pay for any repairs and parts to fix this dangerous issue. I have kept my receipts so that I can be reimbursed. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11713063

Jul 11, 2025WheelsBrakes

Don’t no

NHTSA ODI 11672852

Apr 23, 2025BrakesDriver assistance

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, replacement, or buyback under warranty or consumer protection laws? 4. What steps are being taken to ensure other affected Cadillac SRX owners are notified and protected? Given the severity of this issue, I have also filed a formal safety complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I am also researching whether there is an open class action lawsuit or grounds for legal action due to the manufacturer's failure to support critical components of this vehicle. Page 1 Formal Complaint Regarding ABS System on Cadillac SRX I respectfully request a written response to this matter with clear guidance on what steps will be taken to address this situation and ensure my safety and the reliability of the vehicle. Sincerely, [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11656240

Mar 27, 2025Speed controlBrakesDriver assistance

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.

NHTSA ODI 11651062

Jul 10, 2024SteeringBrakes

The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle out of the parking garage, the ABS warning light illuminated, the steering wheel became stiff, and the vehicle was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who stated that the manufacturer no longer manufactured the part needed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed the information. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

NHTSA ODI 11600962

Jun 11, 2024Brakes

There have been many times where while driving that the breaks don’t work properly, you can push the break all the way down and it still work stop.

NHTSA ODI 11593783

Mar 12, 2020Brakes

BRAKES GIVE OUT WHEN PRESSED A HARD WHILE IN MOTION TO COME TO A STOP. WHILE STOPPED BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE.HAVE TO PUMP BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUOUSLY WHILE STOPPED TO REGAIN PRESSURE OR WHILE IN MOTION BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE. OCCURS ON STREET, HIGHWAY. WILL OCCUR WHILE BRAKING AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI 11317675

Mar 4, 2020Brakes

WHILE DRIVING , IF I SLIDE ON ICE , MUD OR GRAVEL WHILE DRIVING , THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSES THEN GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR THEN IT COMES BACK UP TO NORMAL PEDAL POSITION AND IF YOU PRESS IT TO SLOW DOWN THE PEDAL IS SPONGY AND GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE STOPPING POWER. AFTER CAR SITS PARKED IT SEEMS TO REPAIR ITSELF. REPAIRING ITSELF MIGHT TAKE A COUPLE HOURS OR ONE TO TWO DAYS. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR WHEN BRAKES FAIL. I JUST KEEP CHECKING FOR WHEN MY BRAKES COME BACK, THEN I DRIVE. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN 2 YRS. THE CADILLAC TECHNITIONS ARE UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM. NO CODES SHOWING IN DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. PLEASE HELP ME FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG. THIS CAR IS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD. IT NEEDS SOLVED AND FIXED. THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI 11316156

Sep 12, 2016Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC SRX. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000.

NHTSA ODI 10905779

Jun 23, 2014AirbagsBrakesCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC SRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,800.

NHTSA ODI 10605290

Jul 25, 2013BrakesCrash10 injuries

I WAS DRIVING ON I-90 IN ILLINOIS WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND STRUCK A VEHICLE AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION AND BRAKE SYSTEM, I WENT TO RIZZA CADILLAC AND THE RECALL WAS ALLEGED TO BE PERFORMED ON 25 MARCH 2013, BUT THE VEHICLE DID EXACTLY WHAT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE REPAIRED ON THE RECALL AND THE BRAKES FAILED CAUSING THE ACCIDENT. THE RECALL NUMBER IS 13053. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10531788

Jul 10, 2013Electrical systemSpeed controlBrakesFire

THIS IS A REPORT OF A NEARLY FATAL ACCIDENT ON JUNE 29TH, 2013 WITH A NEW CADILLAC SRX THAT WAS LEASED FROM GM. THE ACCIDENT INVOLVED BOTH ME AND MY DAUGHTER WHO WERE BELTED IN THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUGHT FIRE AND ACCELERATE TO 110 MPH. WE WERE TRAVELING ON RT 127 N WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 60 MPH. I WAS PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE SPEED STARTED TO DRAMATICALLY INCREASE. I WOULD BREAK AND THE SPEED WOULD COME DOWN AND THEN IT WOULD CONTINUE TO RISE. BLACK SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. USING BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE, IT FINALLY CAME DOWN TO 5MPH, BUT IT WOULD NOT STOP. I PULLED OVER AT 5 MPH AND SHIFTED THE CAR INTO PARK. I USED ONSTAR AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE SHERIFF, AND ANOTHER POLICE OFFICER WERE ON THE SCENE. THIS WAS A LIFE THREATENING EVENT!! THE CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP IN ADRIAN. I LEASED THIS CAR ON 5-31-13, OUR SECOND SRX AND LESS THAN A MONTH OLD. I SENT A LETTER TO [XXX] AT GM REGARDING THE AFOREMENTIONED AND HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE. I AM GOING ON WEEK TWO WITH NO CAR AND NO RESOLUTION WITH THIS INCIDENT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI 10524252

Working with the data? Download all 393 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 21, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Cadillac SRX verdict →