1.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,505 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Cadillac SRX drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2004 Cadillac SRX Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #26

Feb 242018

SRX

  • 72,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

About a week after I bought my 2004 Cadillac Srx, it started jerking and making a loud clicking or popping sound, later found out that a few sprockets inside the transfer case had broke off and the chain? was slipping. This was the rear, the carlots mechanic fixed it, then the battery and alternator had to be replaced and the throttle body intake had to be opened and cleaned because it wasnt opening like it is designed to do, and so the exhaust was getting trapped in the exhaust manifold. One summer day in traffic it cut off all power, we ended up getting it started again to get out of the road, and it got us back home, that was a year ago and it hasnt ran since. Also if you had traction control turned on, the ABS would apply themselves which sometimes felt unsafe. Always got an error message on the screen saying to service the stablitrax system or to repair the traction control and the tire things that tell you how much air is in each tire, we had 1 that didnt register at all. The sunroof shade was shut when I bought it and in traffic it sprung open fast and loud and it was a scary site when you have children in the backseat and your in heavy traffic. This vehicle needs several recalls issued and fixed, so many have reported the same issues over and over, some life threatening and no one has done anything to help these people, if like me low income they dont want to go thru buying another car they want their Cadillac Srx fixed so they can actually get use of what they paid for. The car lot told me to use unleaded gasoline but the book says to use premium, can GM clear this up please!!

- Fort Smith, AR, USA

problem #25

Feb 152020

SRX

  • miles
Vehicle has been making a loud clicking sound when I'm stopped and take off took to my local mechanic and was diagnosed as the transfer case slipping! I have to small children I drive daily and have read this is a ongoing issue with these vehicles

- Roseland, VA, USA

problem #24

Mar 042019

SRX

  • 137,000 miles
I made a free right hand turn into traffic from a stationary position but when I attempted to accelerate there was a loud thunking/ratcheting sound from under my car and it wouldn't move. I was almost rear ended by an angry driver and I was furiously honked at by multiple people. Mechanic informed me that the noise is from a failing transfer case which seems to be a common issue for this particular vehicle based on web research.

- White City, OR, USA

problem #23

Jul 092018

SRX

  • 123,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Srx. The contact stated that the transmission engaged the traction control independently and the vehicle would brake and drive at the same time. An abnormal screeching sound was heard when the failures occurred. There were no warning indicators illuminated; however, the message "stability system engaged" appeared. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was taken to ed bozarth Chevrolet (5501 drexel road, las vegas, nv 89130, (702) 948-8011), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 123,000.

- North Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #22

Sep 082016

SRX

  • miles
I bought the Srx used in September and since then I have had one issue after another. If I accelerate too quickly my transmission, (I think), has a very loud ratcheting/popping sound. My service suspension system error msg comes on every time I start my vehicle. I have read that this could be related to the air compressor not working or faulty sensors. My service stability system error msg also comes on every time I start my vehicle. This seems to cause the traction control feature to mess up, which then on occasion when I press my brakes, even slightly, my brakes lock up and I skid for just a second. My power steering fluid seems to continually leak or the pump is bad. I have refilled my resovoir many times and I constantly have a very loud "whining" sound. My power steering system also seems to go out occasionally and my vehicle is very difficult to turn.

- Columbus, OH, USA

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problem #21

May 202016

SRX

  • 145,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Srx. While accelerating from a completed stop, there was an abnormal grinding noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

- Okeechobee, FL, USA

problem #20

May 012016

SRX

  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Srx. While driving 30 mph, the contact heard a loud knocking noise coming from the middle or rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver side door failed to lock. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #19

May 012015

SRX

  • 119,000 miles
Hood hydraulics bar doesn't stay up on front.rear hydraulics hatch door doesn't stay up. Brake line is rotted yet was garaged for most of its life.caddy repair noticed this. Front and rear differentials are bad.they are leaking.brought it in because of the noise to mechanic and too costly to repair. Extended warranty was useless. They didn't cover it although it states they cover differentials if... loud noise on acceleration. Very costly repairs and dangerous.

- Berkeley Heights, NJ, USA

problem #18

Feb 122013

SRX 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
The gear shifter was very loose and I was able to shift gears without the car running. Replaced gear shift linkage. ($150)

- Mcallen, TX, USA

problem #17

Jan 112011

SRX

  • miles
While driving down the highway and exiting on an ingress on the exit ramp I initially noticed a ratcheting sound from the rear of my vehicle. (I thought I'd ran over something so I got out and checked). After about another day I heard the sound again, while at the same time noticing my car not moving forward given the applied power that I was providing. Crawled under my vehicle again when I arrived at home only to find nothing. After a few weeks, and while leaving from a dead stop under load, or while trying to accelerate into traffic the car was not pulling properly causing me to nearly become rear ended on several (four) occasions that week. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who told me that it was the transfer case, and repaired for $2000. The same thing is now happening once again starting in Oct of 2014 and after doing my research on Cadillac forums, GM forums, Cadillac owners.com, car id, cars.com, just answer.car, autofrenzy.net, carcomplaints.com, NHTSA (powertrain/drivetrain problems), as well as this forum safercar.gov, I have found well over 647 complaints for failure of the transfer case in the state of Georgia alone. There were nearly 73,000 first gen Srx sold with AWD, and from all of the owners that I have gathered and from all that I have spoken with they have all had some problem. This is not a problem that is solely with the Srx, its also with the cts, as well as the sts. These $47,000 to $58,000 plus dollar vehicles are a road hazard not only their drivers, but to all that share the road. The Srx cases need to be recalled and (permanently) repaired or replaced. I ask all owners that spent their hard earned monies on these flawed vehicles, once again from GM, to call, write, and E-mail or do them all forums, your government officials, the NHTSA and have all of your attorney's on standby.

- Atlanta , GA, USA

problem #16

Dec 282014

SRX

  • 170,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Srx. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into park, the gear lever hesitated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #15

Oct 152014

SRX 6-cyl

  • 144,000 miles
Driving on highway doing about 70 car would not accelerate and made loud grinding noise. Car was stuck in neutral would not change gears.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #14

Mar 082014

SRX 6-cyl

  • 122,725 miles
When the light turn green I put my foot on the accelerator and my truck start making a loud rattling / thumping noise. Once the 2004 Srx change gears then the vehicle is rolling with no problem. I took my truck to Cadillac and I have paperwork that say I need a bearing hub on the left tire thinking that's what the problem was but that was not the problem. I had the repairs done on both passenger hubs and still the noise is there. I went to several repair shops and some say the transfer case or the chain is slipping. I bought the vehicle at the end of February from a used car lot not knowing what I was getting myself into. I'm afraid to have my kids in the truck with me because when I take off fast the knocking will start. I have to take my foot off the accelerator and go slow until the truck pick up the right amount of speed to stop from hearing the knocking noise. If I'm at a stop sign or a light I have to take off real, real slow so I want hear the noise. I hate stopping because I fear that someone will hit me from behind for going so slow. It's very annoying when your spending your hard earned money on a vehicle and paying a note and this problem is not solve yet.

- Millington, TN, USA

problem #13

May 312014

SRX 8-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
Random engine stall, after engine is fully warmed up and high humidity (especially during raining). Obd II code indicating P2135, P2119, P2176, P0638, P1101. (each time the obd II code might be slightly different) the engine could stall during idle (stopping in front of red light), slow moving, or highway speed. Persisted since summer of 2012. Dealer already replaced throttle body, coil pack, spark plugs and ECM. Dealer could not reproduce the problem, and could not figure out a fix.

- Scarsdale, NY, USA

problem #12

Oct 142011

SRX

  • 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Srx. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond to acceleration attempts and made a series of popping noises. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.

- East Alton, IL, USA

problem #11

May 092013

SRX 8-cyl

  • miles
I was sitting at a stop light, in my car, with my mother in the passenger seat. When the light turned green I applied pressure to the accelerator and the back end of the car made a loud enough thump - I thought the axle broke off. As I continued to drive away from the intersection I looked in the rear view mirror for remains - there were none. My mother commented on the noise, I did not know what to tell her. She also has a cadi Srx, 2005. When she returned home she noticed the same noise in her cadi. Her husband said it was the "rear differential." Since that time their cadi was lost in a flood and they purchased another cadi Srx, 2008. This cadi also has the thumping in the rear differential. The thumping continues when accelerating from a stopped position. I have come to the conclusion all the Cadillac's have rear differential issues and there needs to be some kind of action against this issue. This needs to be addressed. My next step is to go to the better business bureau.

- Springfield, MO, USA

problem #10

Apr 052011

SRX

  • 75,000 miles
Service stability system lights on display, car shudders as brakes ramdomly apply at any speed, pulling steering to left or right. Service ABS on display, traction control off, and service car soon all on display. Car has had transfer case failure, all 4 hubs had bearing failure, brake booster failure, power seat module failure, and.

- Heber Springs, AR, USA

problem #9

Aug 172011

SRX 6-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
My 2004 Cadillac Srx also has the leaking pinion seal described in the following recall.....it has leaked since I have owned the car but now is grinding. Should it not also be covered by GM" 2005 Cadillac Srx power train recall 07V589000 NHTSA: Action number: N/a service bulletin number: 07V589000 ?report date: Dec 20, 2007 ?component: Power train ?potential units affected: 275936 "manufacturer: General Motors Corp. Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak. Consequence: A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of control increasing the risk of a crash.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #8

Jul 012011

SRX 6-cyl

  • 107,000 miles
Attempting to leave gas station, car began to decelerate and the engine rev'd high. This was an issue with the throttle that cost over $600 to repair. Now, I am hearing a clicking noise at sudden acceleration, took to Cadillac dealer for diagnostic and they told me it was "something" in the transfer case and that they could not replace parts, that I would have to replace the whole thing at a cost of $3000! I definitely do not have the money to repair this item. This has really turned me off. I plan to purchase another vehicle and would love to buy american, but with this level of service and lack of care for the customer, I am going to look elsewhere. It seems there are several forums for this problem for the same year with the exact problem. Cadillac should provide better service for parts that they know are defective.

- Penndel, PA, USA

problem #7

Aug 192011

SRX 8-cyl Diesel

  • 85,900 miles
2004 Cadillac Srx has a problem with one of the following, cv joint, torque converter, or the chain located in the transfer case. All of which cause the vehicle, when accelerated at a stop, on a hill, or traveling (at any speed) up a hill to make a loud popping or clicking noise. I have reviewed this and have a 6 page printout from one site on the same year and make of this vehicle problem with nothing being done, it is a hazard when turning onto a road and needing to accelerate to keep from getting rear ended, I feel for safety this vehicle needs to undergo an investigation and possibly a recall on this defect that the company has clearly overlooked.

- Canadian, TX, USA

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