Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Cadillac SRX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated she noticed that the headlight of the vehicle was lower than usual. The headlight was replaced. On a separate occasion, the contact had the vehicle diagnosed by a mechanic who stated that the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
there was a sunroof recall on my year of vehicle, with this being a used vehicle the previous owners did not know about the sunroof recall and this is why they sold the vehicle not knowing the issues it caused, so I purchased this vehicle wanting it to be my forever vehicle and still do, i am wanting the sunroof drain issue fixed as this has messed with all of my electronical functions in my vehicle, when it rains or snows the electrical information stops working as it has gotten wet due to the drain shrinkage not being fixed, I cannot drive my vehicle safely when this happens, i have to wait until it dries to drive my vehicle again. Please help me with getting the recall reinstated so i can properly get this issue fixed that the previous owners did not know about and i can keep my vehicle safely driving on the roads.
Headlamps fully engaged but dimming with time. Unable to see road clearly at night. Dealership(s) confirmed issue and reproduced issue. Confirmed by manufacturers. No prior warnings. Class action lawsuit won on behalf of owners but not all owners were informed of settlement and procedures to address and correct issue. Class action settlement period lapse in 2020 with no other recourse to help owner of vehicle now. Headlamp issue persists to this day.
My 2012 Cadillac SRX gets water into the back of the car when it rains. There is a module in the back which when it gets wet shuts off all the electrical components in the car. The rain enters the car and gets trapped in the wheel well and all through the other components in the rear of the car. I have had this happen before and repairs cost up to 1000.00. General Motors needs to be accountable and a recall needs to be issued.
Water is getting inside of the car's shell and interiors. The carpets and ceiling gets wet and drips. Mold is visible and inhaling causes allergic and breathing issues. Water is a major issue on the interior of the windshield and other windows. I can hear water traveling inside the roof when I drive. This is causing electrical problems. My trunk is not working to open. My sunroof is also not working.
Left front signal light and right rear signal, other vehicle's cannot see where I am turning, yes where i have my oil changed did their inspection, no problem with the bulbs. yes a mechanic, when turn on the signal to turn right the information center said that the back rear signal had failed and when turning left the information center said the front left signal failed.
The headlights are so dim it's a very bad safety issue. I've replaced them 3 times , still same problem. Everybody I have talked to has the same problem with theirs. Something has got to be done. I'm going to call the head of Cadillac if it doesn't get resolved. My guesses keep blowing and it's also wearing the tires out to quick
I had Baker Cadillac Dealership to perform the toe-link recall as well as a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection on May 28, 2025. This is for a 2012 Cadillac SRX-3.6 Luxury Collection [VIN: [redacted]] that I was going to purchase for my [redacted] daughter pending the inspection results. Because Cadillac technicians performed the inspection and nothing major was flagged, I purchased the car for my daughter. That evening, I was driving the car to fill up with gas, and the brakes completely cut out! I talked to a friend who knows more about cars than I do, told me the brakes cutting out was likely a result of the recall repair needing to reset to the proper values. I didn't think too much of it after that until 5 days ago when I was on [redacted] driving at 70 mph, the brakes completely cut out again. …
I have been having problems with my headlights for about 3 years.my headlights are so dim I have replaced the low beam bulbs 4times. It's cost me 100.00 every time. I took it to the dealership more than once and they said it needs new headlights, the whole assembly. I can't afford it. It's because of moisture inside the headlight glass. Well after complaining for 3 years I finally got a letter in the mail saying it's not a recall but due to moisture inside the headlights they need to be replaced and they will reimburse me up to 800.00 for getting them fixed. And it's for 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX. I'm on disability and I can't afford to pay for them and worry about getting my money back. I can't go anywhere at night because I only have bright lights and I've had a fender bender 1time and almost had several wrecks because the other car couldn't see me. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH smoke began to suddenly fill the cabin of the vehicle. The contact indicated that the smoke was present coming from the ceiling of the vehicle. After stopping and shutting off the engine the smoke seized. The vehicle was then driven to a nearby fire department who examined the vehicle and determined the burning was due to an electrical failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. No fire report was taken. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Electrical complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Cadillac SRX, 8% of the model year's 417 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Cadillac SRX electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2012 Cadillac SRX, though it has 3 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 2012 Cadillac SRX electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.