Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 an unknown speed, the vehicle began to shift independently into third gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and shifted gears to drive before continuing to drive to his destination. The contact stated that he experienced the failure several times. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the timing chain was replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle would not shift gear properly with the "service rear axle" message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle received an unknown software reprogramming however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Problem: My 2010 Cadillac SRX with 87,000 miles been having issues with downshifting , my vehicle would not shift to second or higher gear while driving and makes it very unsafe on the road. When this occurs I would try to pull over safely to park. My SRX would be drivable if shifted to park and then shift to drive or if i turn off the vehicle and re-start. I have been back and forth going to my mechanic( s). I was told possible TCM issues but no definite diagnosis. I have been reading a lot of 2010 SRX owners on Cadillac forums with exact similar issues and decided on making this official to report to NHTSA hoping it would open an investigation and figure out the defect on this type vehicle. My vehicle issue or problem started to become symptomatic around year 2021 and my SRX has around 63,000 miles on it. …
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact received 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 contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the traction control, stabilitrak, and rear axle warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started to shake uncontrollably, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn, with an abnormal noise. The contact mentioned that the tires were wearing unevenly due to the defective toe link. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to fix the defect. The dealer was contacted and hung up the phone when the contact asked for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. …
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 , …
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.
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. I have attached the diagnostic sheet from certified Cadillac dealership in this case request. I did contact Cadillac customer service, they suggested to contact NHTSA regarding this recall
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.
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
My vehicle has service rear axle and stabilitrak warnings on and an open recall that was supposed to be addressed by August 12th still no remedy. The service bulletin states not to drive the vehicle if those warning lights are on due to the recall. My vehicle drives terribly and so I have listened and waited for remedy. I can't keep going without a vehicle so this needs to be moved along faster
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
General motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Cadillac srx vehicles manufactured from October 26, 2008, through June 23, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, "theft protection." these vehicles May have a transmission shift cable that was…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will ensure that the transmission shift cable is properly routed and seated in the transmission cable bracket. This service will be performed free of charge.
Transmission complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Cadillac SRX, 10% of the model year's 474 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Cadillac SRX transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-595 (automatic transmission, Dec 20, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2010 Cadillac SRX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.