Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 98 | 58% | 63,000 miles |
| 2015 | 302 | 68% | 51,000 miles |
| 2014 | 266 | 68% | 59,000 miles |
| 2013 | 217 | 55% | 65,000 miles |
| 2012 | 234 | 56% | 76,000 miles |
| 2011 | 198 | 44% | 80,000 miles |
| 2010 | 225 | 47% | 79,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% | 152,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% | 180,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 10% | 74,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% | 76,000 miles |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% | 44,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night at various speeds, the low beam headlights were very dim, causing the contact to drive using the high beam headlights to properly see the roadway. The contact replaced the halogen headlight bulbs with LED bulbs; however, the low beam headlights were still dim while driving at night. The contact became aware that the reflective surface on the headlights was burned out. The contact stated that the halogen bulbs appeared to be degrading, and there were bubbles on the bulbs. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the low-beam headlights did not provide proper illumination while driving. The contact stated that the low-beam headlights illuminated the roadway very dim, and the high-beam headlights worked as intended. As a result, the visibility of the roadway was impaired, and the high-beam headlights were needed to drive safely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the headlight relay could be replaced; however, it might only be a temporary fix. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the headlights were significantly dim, and she was unable to see the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and the light bulbs were replaced; however, the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who informed the contact she would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. …
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night with the headlights activated, the illumination from the headlights were very dim causing a difficulty with seeing the roadway. The contact also stated that she was unable to view objects unless they were within 10 to 20 feet of the vehicle. The failure almost caused the contact to crash into an outdoor trash can that was on a street curb. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was then made aware that a satisfaction program for the headlights had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the satisfaction program had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 42,400.
The Headlights for my car - Cadillac 2014 SRX At night the headlights are not bright enough to see and driving is dangerous. The car is available for inspection upon request. I was driving at night making a turn and I hit a small sign post on a back road because I could not see it! I put others at risk driving with my high beams on blinding the oncoming cars. If people are walking on the road I can not see them and therefore put them at risk. Additionally I put myself and my family at risk. I am a first responder working in a Doctor's office after dark and have to drive home on back roads that are very dark and not lit with street lights. The dealer at Ingersoll Auto of Danbury CT confirmed the headlights do not work properly and are not bright enough to see at night. They said they are defective. When I purchased the car and could not see at night driving I contacted my dealership. …
The contact's wife owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact initially received a warranty letter from the manufacturer that informed his wife that she may be reimbursed if she had the headlights replaced. Over time, the contact stated that while driving at night, the low-beam headlights would not provide adequate illumination for safe driving. The high-beam headlights were used to provide adequate illumination for safe driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who informed him they could offer no assistance with the headlight failure. The contact paid out of pocket to have the headlights repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer offered no assistance after he was informed that he no longer qualified for the warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway, limiting the driver's vision while driving. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable, and the driver's side headlight was very dim. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to use the high-beam headlights while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there was a Class Action Lawsuit on similar vehicles for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH at night the contact noticed that the illumination from the headlights was very dim, making it difficult to see what was in front of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The headlights were not replaced due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac SRX years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (302), 2014 (266), 2012 (234), 2010 (225) and 2013 (217) model years. Headlight complaints make up 68% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Cadillac SRX headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Cadillac SRX model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Cadillac SRX headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (129 mentions), followed by the turn signal (3).
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.