Most common 2009 Cadillac SRX problems
Share of the 27 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 →
What 2009 Cadillac SRX owners say
Air bags
I was driving my 2009 Cadillac SRX. Another vehicle ran a stop sign and struck me on the driver's side. The point of impact was on the left front wheel and the left front door. The side airbags failed to deploy inspite of extensive damage to the vehicle. The frame was bent, the door would not open and the car was not drivable. The repair costs are estimated @7500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Cadillac SRX. When the vehicle was started, the service air bag indicator consistently illuminated. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was started. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
Car jerks and shudders heavily when accelerating at 2000 RPM or between 40 and 60 MPH. Changed to new drive shaft, transmission rebuilt but nothing works. It is a serious safety concern. It happens at highways.
The chain in the transfer case of my vehicle became loose. At first the chain was skipping on the sprockets only when I let the car roll and then accelerate, it gave a jump until it got tight again, but after few hundred miles of driving like this it started to skip whenever I try accelerate and it's under load for example on a ramp to a freeway or uphill, this becomes really scary to drive. I'm afraid that one day it will start to roll backwards uphill while trying to accelerate. This issue is discussed online on forums in length by the Cadillac community and everybody is wondering how Cadillac has avoided this from getting a recall since it such a common problem! Here are some links for proof how common this problem is. …
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the reduce engine speed warning light illuminated and the vehicle decelerated independently. The contact also stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the accelerator pedal sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,762.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Cadillac SRX. While shifting into reverse, the vehicle accelerated forward, crashed into a store, and struck one person. The person struck by the vehicle sustained broken ribs that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.
2009 Cadillac SRX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 22 / 17 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 20 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Cadillac SRX a good car?
Based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 SRX rates better than average: 89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SRX at the same age. It is one of the best SRX years by this measure. 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 2009 Cadillac SRX?
The air bags — 5 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about side/window. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (4) and speed control & acceleration (4).
How many recalls does the 2009 Cadillac SRX have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Cadillac SRX. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2009 Cadillac SRX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 53,000 miles; 48% 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.