NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2012 Cadillac SRX (Page 1 of 2)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,605 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.

2012 Cadillac SRX electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Cadillac SRX Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #27

Apr 082023

SRX

  • miles

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

Left front signal light and right rear signal, other vehicle's cannot see where I am turning, yes where i have my oil changed did their inspection, no problem with the bulbs. yes a mechanic, when turn on the signal to turn right the information center said that the back rear signal had failed and when turning left the information center said the front left signal failed.

- Union Gap, WA, USA

problem #26

Aug 222022

SRX

  • miles
the alternator keep going out! also power steering pump keep having leaks.

- Decatur, IL, USA

problem #25

Oct 082022

SRX

  • miles
Water is getting inside of the car-€™s shell and interiors. The carpets and ceiling gets wet and drips. Mold is visible and inhaling causes allergic and breathing issues. Water is a major issue on the interior of the windshield and other windows. I can hear water traveling inside the roof when I drive. This is causing electrical problems. My trunk is not working to open. My sunroof is also not working.

- Philadelphia , PA, USA

problem #24

Jul 062020

SRX

  • miles

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

The headlights are so dim it-€™s a very bad safety issue. I-€™ve replaced them 3 times, still same problem. Everybody I have talked to has the same problem with theirs. Something has got to be done. I-€™m going to call the head of Cadillac if it doesn-€™t get resolved. My guesses keep blowing and it-€™s also wearing the tires out to quick

- Eastaboga, AL, USA

problem #23

Oct 282021

SRX

  • miles
Headlamps fully engaged but dimming with time. Unable to see road clearly at night. Dealership(s) confirmed issue and reproduced issue. Confirmed by manufacturers. No prior warnings. Class action lawsuit won on behalf of owners but not all owners were informed of settlement and procedures to address and correct issue. Class action settlement period lapse in 2020 with no other recourse to help owner of vehicle now. Headlamp issue persists to this day.

- West Hollywood, CA, USA

problem #22

Oct 232020

SRX

  • 73,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac Srx. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph smoke began to suddenly fill the cabin of the vehicle. The contact indicated that the smoke was present coming from the ceiling of the vehicle. After stopping and shutting off the engine the smoke seized. The vehicle was then driven to a nearby fire department who examined the vehicle and determined the burning was due to an electrical failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. No fire report was taken. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 73,000.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

problem #21

Sep 162020

SRX

  • 98,000 miles

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

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.

- Cantonment, FL, USA

problem #20

Mar 082020

SRX 6-cyl

  • 95,048 miles
I had purchased the vehicle on or about July 2018 with the mileage being 91053. I did not drive at night until about November 2018. I could not see where I was going because the driver side light was so dim. I bought and replaced both front low beam bulbs to no change in sight. Finally I received a letter from Cadillac on April 05, 2019 about replacing the whole unit so I did. This was on April 10 2019. Everything was working fine. On 09\18\19 I had to get the oil changed. I went to jiffy lube to have it done. The vehicle was working fine, since I only drove maybe once or twice a week. The last day I drove it was 03\08\20. I went out to run to the store the next day and boom the vehicle would not start. There was no juice in the battery at all. I bought a new battery and had it installed ($200). After just a couple of days I had to get another jump to start it. On 03\12\20 I took it up to Firestone and they said it was the alternator, so I had them replace it at $499.81. This did not fix the problem. The battery was still being drained. I took the vehicle up to churchville service center (recommended by my son in law) and they replaced an accessory system relay. This also didn't fix the problem ($296.74) I took it back to churchville and he replaced the body control module and had it reprogrammed ($725.02) and replaced the battery for possible defected ($296.74). So after spending $1818.31 the vehicle is still having the battery lose power over about two days. There is a very bad defect in one of the four electrical systems and it can not be found. I now only have about 95,600 miles. So in 2 years I only drove 4,547 miles and having this much electrical problems. Yes the churchville mechanic pulled every fuse to look for any draw on the battery when he replaced the relay switch. I live in a condo so the vehicle was parked in our condo lot and the vehicle was station.

- Abingdon, MD, USA

problem #19

Jan 012017

SRX

  • 59,000 miles
I have been having problems with my headlights for about 3 years.my headlights are so dim I have replaced the low beam bulbs 4times. It's cost me $100 every time. I took it to the dealership more than once and they said it needs new headlights, the whole assembly. I can't afford it. It's because of moisture inside the headlight glass. Well after complaining for 3 years I finally got a letter in the mail saying it's not a recall but due to moisture inside the headlights they need to be replaced and they will reimburse me up to $800 for getting them fixed. And it's for 2010-2015 Cadillac Srx. I'm on disability and I can't afford to pay for them and worry about getting my money back. I can't go anywhere at night because I only have bright lights and I've had a fender bender 1time and almost had several wrecks because the other car couldn't see me. I'm in danger every time I have to go somewhere at night. Why is it not a recall"and how can I get them fixed." I can't get anybody to help me. They wouldn't fix them even when it was under warranty. I need help very bad.

- Eastaboga, AL, USA

problem #18

Jul 192019

SRX

  • miles
Im thinking of reaching out to an attorney before someone is killed in this car or by this car. Purchased new 2012 Srx. Has 49,000 miles.sunroof broke 2 different time $3500. Liftgate/sunroof wouldn't open $3500. My husband researched to find this model has faulty drain hose in sunroof causing water to leak into vehicle resulting in erosion in the electrical module causing short out yet Cadillac, or GM will admit. Numerous complaints online. Google 2012 Cadillac Srx it's disheartening knowing the price you paid to get screwed! what next" I haven't been able to see at night lights on dim may as well be off! numerous times almost wrecked trying to see. Purchased extended warranty. Called johnson motor co 12/26/19, couldn't get me in until 1/6/20. Dropped car off 8am Monday service tech agreed there was moisture and fading of my lights this is a major problem with this make but most likely I will be responsible. Stated fla and cal were the only states a lawsuit was settled. How can GM/Cadillac settle in 2 states and not everyone who owns these defective vehicles with the same issues" remember mon morning dropped my car off I receive a call 930 stating bad news we don't cover this and your extended warranty ran out at midnight last night(Sunday) you can call Cadillac and complain most likely they wont take responsibility. Are you kidding me right now" tried to get my car in week and half prior and this is faulty designs that has to do with GM/cad not anything I've done or caused from age.you pushed me out 2 weeks for service. I reached out to numerous individuals trying to fight this expensive issue only to be told over and over "im sorry I understand" not to mention they kept my car for a week, did nothing to it, would not put me in a loaner car. What kind of customr service is this" I will never buy another Cadillac! I hope this helps someone not to waste their $$$$$$

- North Augusta, SC, USA

problem #17

Aug 012018

SRX

  • miles

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

The exterior headlights on low beam you cannot see the road with these lights. My wife has almost ran into a ditch because these headlights are defective. It's my understanding General Motors does not want to take fault with this problem. Is someone going to have to be killed before anything is done. Where do we go or what do we do to get this problem taken care of by General Motors. Anytime you drive this car at night you are putting your life endanger

- Lakewood, CA, USA

problem #16

Aug 022018

SRX

  • 103,000 miles
Headlights start randomly dimming to the point you can't see to drive, dash stability control & traction control lights keep going on and off. Engine fans turns on and won't turn off even after vehicle has been shut off.

- Palm Coast, FL, USA

problem #15

May 152018

SRX

  • 112,000 miles
The first concern was due to a leak in the sunroof shorting out a circuit board the tailgate of my vehicle nearly shut on my son as he was attempting to reach in to remove an item from the cargo space. He didn't know it was closing and there must not be a working safety feature because if I had not screamed it would have closed on him. Secondly, the headlights and brake lights have started flickering while the car is in motion. The headlights are already overly dim due to a moisture problem, but now they flicker and while driving at night this is not safe. The dash board lights also go out making it impossible to see the speed you are driving. You can hear water sloshing inside the car and you can hear the electricity crackling also. I bought this vehicle for my son but he cannot drive it due to so many safety issues. I called GM and they basically blew me off like so many other customers with the exact same issues. I spoke with 2 reps over the phone and tried the live chat feature. All 3 reps said to take it to a local Cadillac dealer and pay hundreds for a diagnostic to be run and according to all of the other upset customers I am looking at having thousand in repairs. GM knows about the issue and corrected it in newer models. They have a responsibility to their customers safety.

- Wadsworth, OH, USA

problem #14

Mar 072016

SRX

  • 50,000 miles
Vehicle is parked (stationary) and when it rains water does not clear through sunroof drain hose, resulting in water leaking onto floorboards on front passenger side, into trunk area and liftgage, and backup camera and liftgate electrical shorts-out. This has been happening since vehicle was new and each time it requires repair, dealer claims the sunroof was left open during a rainstorm.

- St. Louis Park, MN, USA

problem #13

Feb 242017

SRX

  • 113,200 miles
My wife and I were returning home from an patriotic concert when we loss the headlight on the drivers side of the vehicle and the check left low beam headlight warning displayed in the driver's information display. When we got home I noticed the driver's side headlight assembly had moisture in it and the light was not functioning. I took the vehicle to the deal for repairs. I was told the light needed to be replaced and that I may want to replace the light assembly because moisture in the light assembly is a known issue and the light could fail again if the assembly isn't replaced. I asked if the problem was a know issue; the service manager say it happens every so often. I told her to order the light assembly. When I got home I googled the problem. It appears this is a known problem on the Srx that goes back to 2010 Srxs. I believe this is a safety issue due the possibility of losing both heads in an inopportune time and Cadillac should address the issue immediately. 95 problems reported; no deaths yet.

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #12

Apr 122015

SRX

  • 36,000 miles
Dim light always happen when ever driving at night and we must use bright headlights to see.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #11

Jul 012016

SRX

  • 60,000 miles
After opening, the lift gate closes slowly on its own all of the time. Happens whenever the lift gate is open in a stationary position. Has been ongoing for a couple of months now. Has closed several times on myself and my husband.

- New Lenox, IL, USA

problem #10

Nov 232015

SRX

  • 60,000 miles
When it rains the closed sunroof drains into both floor boards of the car, and into the back hatch floorboard whether driving or stationary. Soaking my feet while driving. This has also caused the electrical system that controls the liftgate to go out and it will not open even manually. It saturates the floor and is causing mold to grow underneath the carpet which I would think is a health risk especially for owners like me who have a child with asthma. This happens every time it rains or I wash my car. It has been a problem for almost a year.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

problem #9

Sep 012016

SRX

  • miles
The headlight assembly has condensation and the low beam light is barely visible at night this is a safety hazard

- Ft Worth, TX, USA

problem #8

Sep 012016

SRX

  • 102,558 miles
The headlight has condensation and low beam which is a safety hazard

- Ft Worth, TX, USA

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