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 2013 Cadillac SRX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a three to four seconds lag in acceleration. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V212000 (Power Train). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
Two incidents of the same failure, although a few years apart. Vehicle placed in "Park" (foot on the brake, which is necessary in order to shift into P); when brake pedal released, vehicle suddenly revs and lurches forward. First time, in garage, and so minor damage except to items in garage; second time 3/7/2025, totaled this vehicle plus major damage to another vehicle.
2013 SRX recently purchased 11/2021 all recalls performed after trying to accelerate display goes black dials bottom out I hear engine revving up but no acceleration, could have been rear ended, dealer replaced rear diff clutch control module, LR upper control link, both front lower control arms, now I am experiencing a bump hard shift
Rear Toe Link and . Lag in Acceleration was completed on 05/08/2014 but the problem persists also electrical failure seat gets stuck or engine wont turn on , blind spots makes sound when no vehicle around Engine has no power TCM transmission Control Module code comes and goes
I called on August 25 to get my Cadillac serviced at the Luxury Automall in Sioux Falls, SD. I had been experiencing toe link issues (service stabilitrak error message and jerking and swaying from the back end). I was bounced around from operators at the dealership before being told I wouldn't be able to be seen until Sept. 14th (20 days later) and that I should stop driving the vehicle. I work over 50 miles away from my office and told the person I spoke to that it wasn't an option for me to stop driving the vehicle because I need my source of income to support myself. I also informed them that I don't have any other form of transportation and asked if I could get a loaner vehicle until they could check out my vehicle. I was told they wouldn't be able to provide me a loaner vehicle until my vehicle was inspected and deemed unsafe to operate. So I continued driving my vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact felt that the transmission failed and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer determined there was no transmission failure. Later, the transmission jerked and caused the vehicle to crash into a building. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was unable to be controlled. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who could not determine what caused the failure. The contact found NHTSA campaign number:14V212000 (power train). The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired according to the recall and the vehicle was performing as designed. The contact did not recall having the recall repair performed. The failure mileage was 8,000. Updated 6/3/15 updated 10/2/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a delay and hesitation when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that there was a delay in response when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated while driving at higher speeds there was an abnormal sound being emitted from the rear suspension. The contact stated that there was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to jim clark Chevrolet-Cadillac (911 goldenbelt blvd, junction city, ks 66410) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V212000 (power train) and 14V571000 (suspension) however, the repairs failed to remedy the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 8,400.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. While driving approximately 13 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk and the electric seats and GPS did not work. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (king o'rourke GMC Buick, Cadillac in smithtown, ny, [phone]) where the failures were repaired under the warranty. The contact also stated that the power liftgate did not work. The same dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled for November 3, 2017. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the failure would be investigated. The contact was issued a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. . Consumer stated water damage in car due to failed sunroof drains. Front passenger and rear passenger carpet and water in trunk. Updated 8/6/18
I purchased a 2013 SRX used in January of 2017 and on several occasions today being the latest, after coming to a complete stop at 4-way intersections, when I try to press the gas pedal and move into the intersection the car coasts without power and leaves me stranded for a few seconds. With the gas pedal pressed all the way to the floor the vehicle all of a sudden bolts forward causing the vehicle "peel out". Being stranded in the intersection is scary and I am afraid I will be hit. This is a safety concern, but it does not happen on a consistent basis for the dealership to locate the problem. I see on the internet several other concerns that sound very similar to this.
The transmission locked up when going up a hill in the adirondack mountains. The car would not accelerate nor would it shift and we had to immediately pull off the road. It lurched as if trying to shift was unable to do so. If we had been in the passing lane on an interstate when it happened it could have been very serious since we lost control of our speed. The car would not go into reverse or in neutral after it stopped. We were towed to a dealer the the entire transmission had to be replaced. The dealer contacted GM and, after describing the problem, was told immediately what had happened to the transmission. Clearly, this was not an unusual problem.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured May 29, 2012, through June 26, 2013, and equipped with 3.6L engines. In the affected vehicles, in certain driving situations, there may be a three to four second lag in acceleration due to the transmission control module (TCM)…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006.
Transmission complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 Cadillac SRX, 8% of the model year's 393 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Cadillac SRX transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-212 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Apr 25, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Cadillac SRX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 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.