2004 Cadillac SRX Transmission Problems

Which parts fail

• Automatic transmission
  4
• Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
  3
• Driveline › Differential unit
  1

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  310%
• 25k–50k
  13%
• 50k–75k
  620%
• 75k–100k
  930%
• 100k–150k
  827%
• 150k+
  310%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Cadillac SRX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

My 2004 cad. SRX showed a left rear flat tire. I pulled the vehicle to a level, asphalted, scenic overlook area, 23 miles from page, az. I could not get the shifter from drive into park gear, nor would the key turn or release from the ignition. I got out to check and change tire, spare would not release, either. I called on-star, gave emergency details, to first advisor, then advance diagnostics. I got out of car, it surged, backwards, with the emergency brake, completely on, and it accelerated, taking me with it, I pushed away, and it kept accelerating over the scenic overlook, being destroyed. On-star never contacted the police, ambulance, or me, even 1 week after the accident, I had to call them and request the audio or transcript of the malfunctions, and crash.

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. While driving 30 MPH, the contact heard a loud knocking noise coming from the middle or rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver side door failed to lock. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Hood hydraulics bar doesn't stay up on front.rear hydraulics hatch door doesn't stay up. Brake line is rotted yet was garaged for most of its life.caddy repair noticed this. Front and rear differentials are bad.they are leaking.brought it in because of the noise to mechanic and too costly to repair. Extended warranty was useless. They didn't cover it although it states they cover differentials if... Loud noise on acceleration. Very costly repairs and dangerous.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. While accelerating from a completed stop, there was an abnormal grinding noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. While driving various speeds, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and heard a loud abnormal noise. In addition, the vehicle shook. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transfer case fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the transfer case shifted into neutral without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number:14V374000 (power train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

I made a free right hand turn into traffic from a stationary position but when I attempted to accelerate there was a loud thunking/ratcheting sound from under my car and it wouldn't move. I was almost rear ended by an angry driver and I was furiously honked at by multiple people. Mechanic informed me that the noise is from a failing transfer case which seems to be a common issue for this particular vehicle based on web research.

While test driving a new cadilac SRX equipped with automatic all wheel drive, v-8 engine and 20" tires (oversided the reg 18" standard tires and wheels) vehicle steering froze making left hand turn going approx 10-12 MPH....right front tire and wheel . Failed...causing skid into curb....preliminary inspection showed failure of all wheel drive or right wheel lugs/tire failure causing loss of tire/wheel.

At about 65-70K miles the rear differential started making noise in my 2004 Cadillac SRX. I took it to the major Cadillac in kansas city, they told me it was normal. The whine turned into a mechanical clucking sound when the car accelerating from a stop. I returned to the same dealership. They told me it was a common software updated that need to be installed (and charged me about $250). When I picked it up, pulling out of the parking lot, the noise was still there. I asked for a refund or for them to actually fix the issue. I was told to return when my service rep was in. The next day the dealer was shut down by GM. I understand some of these details don't directly to the issue (which I will further explain), but seems to be a symptom of how the GM dealers handle issues. Today I took it to one of two remaining GM shops in town. …

Related recalls

Transmission complaints in other SRX years