Most common 2004 Cadillac SRX problems
Share of the 216 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac SRX complaints by model year
Best SRX years: 2009, 2008, 2007. Years to avoid: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2012. Compare all years →
2004 Cadillac SRX recalls (7)
Electrical system › Ignition
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 also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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 ignition "on" and without the operator depressing the brake pedal or, in some cases, the shifter can be moved…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pawl stopper and a bushing within the shifter assembly free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2008.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
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 temperature is -22 degrees f to -40 degrees f, the engine May not return to idle within three seconds, as required.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly. This recall began on March 8, 2005. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Air bags
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 ignition key is turned to the "on" position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2005. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Steering › Linkages
On certain passenger vehicles involved in this campaign, the lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers were made of the wrong material. The washers May fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, reducing clamp load.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ball stud joints and measure the torque of the nut for all front lower control arms in all models affected as well as the rear lower control arms on the xlr and corvette.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with all wheel drive, the antilock brake system (ABS) May improperly temporarily isolate the driver from the foundation brake system for a maximum of 1.25 seconds.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ABS traction control system controller. Owner notification began on May 10, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Show 1 more recall
Seats
Certain passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, "seating systems." one or both front anchor tabs for the front bucket seats are not engaged in the floor pan reinforcement slots.
Remedy: Dealers will ensure that both front anchor tabs are fully seated in the floor pan reinforcement slots. Owner notification began September 19, 2003. Owners should contact GM at 1-800-458-8006.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2004 Cadillac SRX:
Sun roof glass failure
Of the 17 complaints, there were 9 injury incidents resulting in 19 individuals being injured.the injuries consist of cuts and scrapes to occupant's face, arm, hand or leg.some injuries were the direct result of the falling glass fragments while other injuries occurred when occupants were exiting the vehicle or while handling the glass fragments.in addition, there were five warranty claims related to the issue for a…
Sunroof glass failure
Odi's investigation of the Cadillac srx glass roof did not identify any defective manufacturing process, design, or quality control issue with the srx glass roof system.GM believes that the most likely cause of breakage is stone or sharp object impact against the glass.the investigation included a peer multi-vehicle analysis.that analysis found that other vehicles with large glass roof systems experience random…
What 2004 Cadillac SRX owners say
Stability & traction control all 52 →
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 of an unknown recall related to the failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and a dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the electronic stability control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
At any speed and at least 100 times or more, the vehicle stability control activates and causes the vehicle to pull to the left. At freeway speeds it can be a very strong pull to the left and it also makes a noise. The dealer doesnt seem to know why. When the stability system kicks in at 60 to 70 MPH and it pulls to the left so hard it it is dangerous, it also makes a sound but I dont know what the sound is. It is dangerous as I have to correct for the sudden pull to the left. I also researched this on the internet and found that many people are having the same experience as me. I believe that there should be a recall on this problem and it should be solved. If this rapid pull to the left gets any worse, I believe it is possible that it could cause a wreck or roll over due to over correction of the pull to the left. Please investigate this problem.
Electrical system all 36 →
Ran out of gas after putting gas in the car tried to start it and the ignition got stuck and continued to try to start on its own I had to pull the back to the off position I tried to start it again and it would not start and the lights on the dash And the radio control center did not come on. And car will not even try to start before this the car had been cutting off while driving down the road for no reason and it kept showing a check stability control warning and low tire pressure even though tires were not low at all
I was driving my vehicle once again, and the engine reduced power came up on the screen. This happened once on the freeway driving 70 miles per, the vehicle's speed went down all the way to 20 miles per hour, I had to pull over because it lost power then it shut off. This is very dangerous I could have been seriously hurt or another vehicle could hit me across the freeway. This also happened November 3, 2017, as I was rolling out of the driveway the vehicle cut off in motion. Something is wrong with this vehicle losing power without no notification to the driver until it happens. This needs to be recalled for these 2004 SRX Cadillac vehicles. Also the screens constantly says check stability system, or reduced engine power and traction control. Please this has to be a recall before someone gets killed.
Engine & cooling all 35 →
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel system was faulty, a yaw sensor was faulty, and a battery sensor was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
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 of an unknown recall related to the failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and a dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the electronic stability control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2004 Cadillac SRX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Cadillac SRX a good car?
Based on 216 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 SRX rates better than average: 42% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SRX at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Cadillac SRX?
The stability & traction control — 52 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (36) and engine & cooling (35).
How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac SRX have?
There are 7 recalls for the 2004 Cadillac SRX, the most recent from July 2, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac SRX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2008 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010 and 2012. See the full Cadillac SRX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Cadillac SRX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 35% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.