Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Cadillac SRX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, additional brake pedal travel was required to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the traction control and service stabilitrak warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel and the steering wheel became firm. The contact restarted the vehicle to resume normal driving operation. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 144,464. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that there were electrical shortages on the dashboard, the smoke odor was detected while starting the vehicle, water was getting into the liftgate, all the warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle would hydroplane when it rained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and another dealer, Herman Jenkins Motors Inc (2030 W Reelfoot Ave, Union City, TN 38261) on separate occasions for an unknown diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that all of the recalls for the vehicle were repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STABILITRAK AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED, AS WELL AS OTHER LIGHTS. THE BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the brakes failed to operate as needed. The brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the brake lines were rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 74,850. The VIN was not available.
* Component systems ABS, braking, steering, loud noises in rear wheels, grinding, are all malfunctioning. The left rear tire was tited while driving, I was told it was unsafe to drive. It's currently at the dealership. * Safety concerns are in the documentation. There are others in Add. Encl. VI - X. Due to the download restrictions, I was unable to submit. * The problems were also noticed by another service center wile putting tires on. * Warning Lights are consistently on: ABS, Engine, Stabilitrac. I can't remember the exact initial date, I know it's been years. I have called this to the attention to the service manager every time the car has been repaired. I have always taken it to the same Cadillac dealership and it's been the same service manager. I am sure, through all of the service records, the initial date can be found. It's been always overlooked. …
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The brake light warning light was illuminated. In addition, the brake overheating warning message was displayed. The contact stated that in order to turn the brake light off, he had to use his foot to lift the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised him that it could be multiple causes. The contact stated he then contacted the manufacturer who advised he would have to pay out of pocket for repair. The failure mileage was 117,000.
After hitting a small pot hole, the car would not come to a full stop...pushing n pumping the the brakes to the floor. This is the 3 time in the past 3 months this has happened. I have new brakes n new tires, why is this happening? It's very scary, almost got in an accident for the brakes would not engage after hitting the pot hole at no more than 35 mph. [redacted]
My front passenger side brake keeps locking and overheating. I have replaced the calibers 2 times, my brake pads 2 times and the brake hose all in a period of 3 months. My back rear brake light also gets stuck and stays on after i put my car in park and turn off my car. In order for me to release it, I have to press down firmly on the brake pedal and or restart the car, drive around put it back in park and then press down firmly on the brake pedal for it to turn off. The back rear light staying on and the front passenger brakes overheating happen intermittently multiple times throughout the day or week with no particular pattern. When my front passenger brake overheats, it begins to smoke and shake/vibrate violently which causes me to have to pull the car over and wait about 15min for it to cool down before getting back on the road. …
The brakes randomly fail. When depressing the brake, it will be spongy and the pedal will go all the way to the floor without fully stopping the car. If the brakes are pumped, they usually return to normal. When researching this online, it became apparent that this is a common problem, and after speaking to Cadillac, my impression is that they are not proactively trying to solve this potentially life threatening design flaw.
Driving to work, went to stop at a red light, "no" brakes. I pumped the pedal a couple of times, finally attained enough pressure to stop the car. There were no signals, warning indicators noting to warn me of the stopping ability of the car. The previous day, the car was fine, good solid brake pedal. Took the car to the dealer, the car was inspected, fluid levels fine. Dealer suggested to bleed the brake system for entrapped air. I thought this was extremely strange. Also recommended the front brake pads were 60% gone, should be replaced. I followed the dealers recommendations, and the car responded, everything is fine now except I could have been killed or others injured by this failure.
I was rear-ended while I was stopped in traffic. There was minor damage to my rear bumper however this caused numerous issues with my car immediately thereafter. I experienced numerous electrical issues and then it got worse. I lost steering, brakes and and the engine stalled. The car became immobile and had to be towed to the dealership. After they serviced the vehicle, they found that the battery shorted out and the ECU had failed. I believe that because the problems occurred immediately after the collision that it was the collision that triggered them. I feel that this is a design flaw that could be very dangerous in such a situation.
Brake complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2010 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Cadillac SRX, 5% of the model year's 474 complaints. The component named most often is antilock › abs warning light (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Cadillac SRX brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2010 Cadillac SRX, though it has 6 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 2010 Cadillac SRX brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.