2004 Cadillac SRX: common problems and reliability

The 2004 Cadillac SRX has 218 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electronic stability control (esc) and electrical system. Owners most often flag transmission failure — complete destruction, slipping, shifting problems, torque converter shudder. described as a $3,800+ repair. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2004 model year

218
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
16
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Cadillac SRX vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electronic stability control (esc)
43
electrical system
36
power train
35
service brakes
29
steering
26

Recalls affecting the 2004 SRX

electrical system:ignition

Campaign 14V394000

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should a…

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 08V527000

GM IS RECALLING 17,301 MY 2004 CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER CAN BE MOVED FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE I…

vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

Campaign 05V046000

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IF ONE OF THE TWO ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURN SPRINGS FAILS AND THE TEMPERATUR…

air bags

Campaign 05V024000

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INTERACTION BETWEEN THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE AND VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG AND/OR ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WHEN THE IG…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain, and maintenance history. The second-generation model (2010-2016) is frequently described as a significant reliability and financial liability, with very frequent reports of catastrop

  • Transmission failure — complete destruction, slipping, shifting problems, torque converter shudder. Described as a $3,800+ repair. Frequency: very frequent.
  • 3.6L Engine timing chain problems — expensive repair ($2,000-$4,000), engine failure, driveability issues. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Headlight system failures — complete burnout, extremely dim output, particularly on 2016 models. Requires replacement with potential need for CANbus regulators for LED upgrades. Frequency: very frequent.
  • CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system failures — screen glitches, unresponsiveness, complete failure. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical & accessory failures — window regulators/motors, door locks/latches, liftgate actuator, ignition switch problems causing key to stick or vehicle to stall. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the SRX.

Typical used price

Used SRX listings typically run $8,444–$13,205 across 2010 to 2016 model years.

Other SRX model years

2013 SRX2012 SRX2009 SRX
Full Cadillac SRX owner reportCompare against another car