2010 Cadillac SRX Engine Problems

60 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2010 Cadillac SRX to NHTSA — 13% of all 474 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 90,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 13 SRX model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 15). One related recall has been issued.

60complaints
90ktypical miles
1related recalls
1crashes
3fires
3injuries

Which parts fail

  • Engine
    2

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    919%
  • 25k–50k
    36%
  • 50k–75k
    510%
  • 75k–100k
    1225%
  • 100k–150k
    1633%
  • 150k+
    36%

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 approximately 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the engine compartment was on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the fire. The vehicle was occupied during the fire; however, no injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not necessary. The contact stated that a Police and Fire Department report was filed. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.

211,000 miles · Jun 2025 · fire

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.

98,000 miles · Jun 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the issue. The contact was unsure whether she had experienced a failure related to the recall. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

115,000 miles · Oct 2021

The vehicle was purchased approximately one month before this incident and was represented as inspected. While driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly exploded near the exhaust area. The engine then began smoking and caught fire. The brakes did not work, and the doors locked, preventing the driver from pulling over normally. The driver had to jump out of the moving vehicle while it was on fire in order to save her life and the lives of her daughter. The exact cause is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle is available for inspection. This incident poses a serious safety risk.

Mar 2026 · fire · 3 injuries

Hello, I wanted to let you all know that I have a 2010 cadillac srx, to which in the past these type of vehicles had had a transmissions issues, thus recalled...Well the vehicle I own, is doing and having the same transmission problem/issues...and Yet it is not under the Recall list...The Cadillac dealership, has my car and is wanting to open up the transmission and inspect it for almost 2 thousand dollars( i like on a dissability montly income) ..I had this same car diagnosed at 2 different auto shops , whom provided me with the folllowing 2 error codes P076 and p0700, which are the transmision control solenoid and the transmission control module...but back at the cadillac service dealership , here in amarillo tx...they want almos $6000 for a new transmission replacement or half of that for rebuilding the current one...When i strongly believe that my car is part of the same recall , …

Sep 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently downshift without warning. After a few minutes, the contact would be able to resume normal driving upon restart. The contact called a dealer about the failure and was informed that unless a warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel, they could not diagnose the failure. Recently, the contact stated that while driving out of a parking lot, the vehicle would not shift out of first gear with the check engine warning light illuminated. After, calling her husband for assistance, her husband was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle resumed normal operation. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Aug 2019

I am not a mechanic so I don't know what All I know is what I like I experienced and when I was driving down the road, my Cadillac shut off like it had no power to it no power steering no lights no dash lights no warning lights or nothing pulled over my car will not start back up I had to have it towed when I got home and looked inside the casing around. The battery had melted with a bunch of wires and tubing that was on top of the battery completely melted everything inside.

Jul 2024

Service rear axle message is displayed on the driver information center. The code indicates AWD has been turned off which can put my safety and or safety of others at risk. Service Bulletin (PI0703B) was issued for numerous 2010 Cadillac SRX, unfortunately the recall wasn't issued for my vehicle (VIN). The service bulletin was for DTC c0407 with symptom code 64, the exact same code that was found with my vehicle.

May 2022

The car makes a knocking noise from the engine and in order to drive, you have to hold in the traction control button. I was told that the connecting rod broke and has to be repaired & I believe that should be a recall with the engine.

Aug 2022

I was in a minor collision. Ran into the back of someone. My airbags didn't deploy and my engine immediately caught on fire and in a few minutes my whole care was on fire and destroyed. There was no known reason how or why the fire started.

40,000 miles · Nov 2016 · crash · fire

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA recall 10V-223 · May 25, 2010 · 547 vehicles

General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 Cadillac srx equipped with a 2.8l v6 engine. If low octane (regular) fuel is used in the vehicle instead of the required high octane (premium) fuel as stated in the owner manual and on the fuel filler door, the combination of regular fuel usage and aggressive driving maneuvers…

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before June 11, 2010.

Engine complaints in other SRX years

2004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016353018854602815176114
Engine complaints per model year, Cadillac SRX.

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2010 Cadillac SRX?

NHTSA has 60 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Cadillac SRX, 13% of the model year's 474 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2010 Cadillac SRX engine problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-223 (engine and engine cooling, May 25, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2010 Cadillac SRX engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 3 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.