Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Cadillac SRX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 had emissions recall work completed in 2008. Since that time GM and Cadillac have had numerous recalls in subsequent model years with the same issue. Emissions problems have reoccurred. The problem is actually not being fixed if it keeps reoccurring. This affects the air we breathe. Vehicle has been inspected.
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.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a lot, a fire erupted from the front under hood area without warning. Bystanders alerted the fire department and the fire was extinguished. No one was injured. There was extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. The police were on the scene and a report was taken. The fire department determined the fire originated from the master cylinder and the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to await further inspection by the insurance adjustor and a factory representative. Updated 9/5/2006 - prior tot he fire the consumer noticed that the power steering failed while making a right hand turn. The vehicle was parked when the smoke and flames appeared. The vehicle was deemed a total loss.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. While driving various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle would stall and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. On some occasions, all the warning indicators would illuminate. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road and powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred after a few minutes of driving. The vehicle was taken to Chevrolet of goldsboro (3300 us 70 bypass east, goldsboro, nc 27534, [phone]) where it was diagnosed, but the contact was unaware of the results. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.
Tl* 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, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Driving straight down a two lane road immediately started losing power. The tc light and engine light came on and stayed on. Also, the stability system check came on. Try to reset but tested it according to manual and as backing out of driveway the lights come back on and stay on. Purchased vehicle in April 2017 and one thing after another seems to happen. How do I know recalls have been fixed? When on look up on NHTSA shows there are no unfixed recalls but I believe they've never been fixed. Also, after rainy days if you lift up tailgate water comes pouring out.
I origanally took car in for bad egine in which potamkin dealer in manhattan replaced with a brand new one. This was in June of 2014 and I had to take it back about 4 to 5 different times for issues with the engine and that cause problems to the transmission. Theres too much problems with this car to even explain in detail and the car has been there over a year in and out.
Ac compressor froze when I turned the ac on. This in turn snapped my serpentine belt and my car broke down. Replaced serpentine belt ($150) and ac compressor ($500) was replaced along with condenser ($200).
Engine complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Cadillac SRX, 16% of the model year's 216 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Cadillac SRX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Cadillac SRX, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Cadillac SRX engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 10 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.