Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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 50 mph in the rain, due to the dim lighting on the headlights he failed to see a sofa in the middle of the freeway and crashed into it. The contact stated he did not sustain any injuries nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer and repaired the structural damage on the body but did not inform the failure of the dim lighting. The contact stated he continues to experience the same failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlights would fail to operate once moisture entered the headlight module. The contact stated that either the check right headlamp or check left headlamp warning message would appear on the instrument panel during the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that if the headlights were replaced by an independent mechanic, she might be reimbursed through a manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. Consumer stated problem is ongoing.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the headlights suddenly stopped illuminating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlamps were damaged due to condensation and moisture inside the headlight assemblies and the headlight assemblies need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced for the same failure however, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 98,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated when she turned on the headlights, she noticed that the passenger's side headlight was not illuminated. The contact then noticed that the headlight assembly had water on the inside. The contact was able to drain the water out the headlight assembly and the headlight illuminated; however, the failure occurred with the driver's side headlight assembly. The dealer was contacted and stated that the headlight assemblies were out of stock. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 170,310.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights were significantly dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon inspecting the headlights, the contact noticed that water had leaked inside the headlight housing. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the headlight replacement would be at his own expense since an unknown recall had already expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to illuminate as needed. Additionally, water would seep into the headlights. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that he had to pay out of pocket for the headlight replacement and to contact the manufacturer for reimbursement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,024.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that there was water inside the headlamp housing. While driving at night, the headlights failed to produce adequate lighting; the hi-beam headlights was needed for safe nighttime driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
When driving at night with my headlights on regular low beam, I can't see a [redacted] thing! It is beyond dangerous to drive with low beams on. Unfortunately it has resulted in me driving with my brights on causing oncoming motorists to deal with being vision impaired, making it another dangerous situation! This is completely ridiculous that Cadillac will not recall these headlamps. I am not able to afford the replacements and was totally unaware of this issue when I purchased this SUV last April. What a shame! I love the car, just hate that I can't see driving at night.
Headlights suddenly went out while driving. Only the fog lights worked. Very dangerous! I am appalled that Cadillac hasn't recalled these vehicles and even more appalled that there is thousands of complaints regarding this same issue! Complaints recorded and sent to Cadillac and yet no recall? Why? I cannot drive my vehicle at night now. Replacing the headlights is a temporary fix because as soon as it rains or snows condensation gets into the headlights and they go out again. I want to know when Cadillac is going to standby their product and take responsibility? God forbid, there is a loss of life due to this gross negligence.
Head Light Assembly - The dim lights are life threating. This is a know defect, and should have been part of a recall. A class action lawsuit was filed. GM loss, and replaced the head light assembly for the minimum amount of time ending in 2019. My car has 89,000 the dim lights have probably never been good. This should have been a total recall, instead, GM quit paying for headlight replacement in 2019. If you call GM/Cadillac [phone] they will tell you they quit because that was part of the settlement. Every head light assembly should have been replace, a total recall.
Headlight complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2010 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 225 complaints about the lights of the 2010 Cadillac SRX, 47% of the model year's 474 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Cadillac SRX headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to lights 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.