Cadillac SRX Engine Problems
Owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Cadillac SRX across 13 model years. The 2010 model year has the most (52). The words owners use most often: “timing chain” (18% of reports).
- 185engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $2,800typical repair cost reported by owners
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Timing chain: mentioned in 33 of 185 complaints (18%)
- Check engine indicator: mentioned in 10 of 185 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Cadillac SRX at $2,800, and half of them between $2,400 and $3,650.
Based on 13 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2012–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 142 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 185 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 4 an injury.
Cadillac SRX engine complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2010
Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 cadillac srx equipped with a 2.8l v6 engine. If low octane (regular) fuel is used in the vehicle instead of the required high octane (premium) fuel as stated in the owner manual and on the fuel filler door, the combination of regular fuel usage and aggressive driving maneuvers may induce pre-ignition. If pre-ignition occurs, you may hear a pinging or knocking sound from the engine.
Risk: If the vehicle continues to be driven after the onset of this noise, a connecting rod or piston may break, resulting in engine damage, and perhaps engine failure, which would disable the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before june 11, 2010. Owners may contact the cadillac customer assistance center at 1-866-982-2339 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The vehicle was purchased approximately one month before this incident and was represented as inspected. While driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly exploded near the exhaust area. The engine then began smoking and caught fire. The brakes did not work, and the doors…
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the power steering and power brakes were inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact researched and became aware…
Addendum to Complaint Number 11691294.
Elsie Fletcher MD OAG Consumer Protection Division [redacted] Regarding notice received dated 5/7/2025 of case closing 5/28/205: Requesting reopening of [XXX]. Please find attached requested documentation of "Ourisman" brand GM auto repair facilities "Chevrolet of Bowie" and "Chevrolet of Marlow…
Vehicle lurches from 0-20mph since purchase of vehicle from Greenbelt Caddillac. Vehicle only serviced there until no longer in business. Shifter linkage cable issue assumed. Parking brake disengages prior to switch depress. In automatic mode, when switched to manual, shifter does not highlight…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Cadillac SRXs have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 185 owner complaints about engine for the Cadillac SRX. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Cadillac SRX engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Cadillac SRX?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,800 (half paid between $2,400 and $3,650), from 13 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Cadillac SRX?
The most frequent phrase is “timing chain”, in 33 of 185 complaints, followed by “check engine indicator” (10).
Other Cadillac SRX problems
- Exterior Lighting problems (1,562)
- Electrical System problems (375)
- Suspension problems (260)
- Power Train problems (249)
- Service Brakes problems (172)
- Steering problems (129)
- Structure problems (122)
- Electronic Stability Control (esc) problems (112)
See all Cadillac SRX problems.