Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 | 3% | 1,000 miles |
| 2015 | 18 | 4% | 36,000 miles |
| 2014 | 21 | 5% | 40,000 miles |
| 2013 | 31 | 8% | 51,000 miles |
| 2012 | 11 | 3% | 53,000 miles |
| 2011 | 36 | 8% | 42,000 miles |
| 2010 | 46 | 10% | 65,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 15% | 76,000 miles |
| 2008 | 11 | 23% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 12 | 23% | 69,000 miles |
| 2006 | 13 | 19% | 100,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% | 109,000 miles |
| 2004 | 34 | 16% | 86,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle was purchased 11 days ago. Today, with about 581 miles on the odometer. When starting to drive, the vehicle would accelerate; however, on the upshift from 1st into 2nd (not sure, it could be from 2nd to 3rd, the transmission shifted into neutral instead of shifting to the next gear. Pulled over and stopped. Then tried to accelerate again from stop. Same problem, transmission would shift from 2nd gear into neutral, while the shift lever was in "d". Reverse does not work at all. Had vehicle flat-bedded to dealer. Awaiting diagnosis. Did call on-star. They did a diagnostic check and said it showed that something wrong with interface between engine and transmission. Engine light was on during this whole fiasco. On star says the wheels are not receiving power from the engine. …
We purchased the vehicle on April 9,2016, with 5 miles on it . We took the car out of town on April 11,2016. After approximately 400 miles, while in city traffic ,the engine began revving and the car jerked, and popped out of drive. I immediately called on star. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. Diagnosis the following day was extensive internal transmission failure. Evidently, a metal piece broke loose in the clutch plate and lodged in the valve body. Today is May 11, 2016 and we still do not have possession of the vehicle. We were told it has been repaired and transported, but are skeptical.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while responding and made an abnormal squeaking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with differential failure. The contact was informed that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Elsie Fletcher MD OAG Consumer Protection Division [phone] Regarding notice received dated 5/7/2025 of case closing 5/28/205: Requesting reopening of [redacted]. Please find attached requested documentation of "Ourisman" brand GM auto repair facilities "Chevrolet of Bowie" and "Chevrolet of Marlow Heights". These new, used, and certified pre-owned car dealerships are providing lock-smithing, auto repair services, advertising check engine light services for GM models unidentified or unavailable by JD Power and the N.A.D.A (National Automobile Dealers Association) for trade-in pricing. This results in: 1) Refurbished, aftermarket automobile repair parts resold by AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and Rock Auto of suspect year compatibility and road worthiness. …
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to move. The contact noticed there was no transmission fluid in the reservoir. The contact added transmission fluid, but the vehicle was still inoperable. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 123,000.
I have been trying to enjoy this vehicle from the time it became part of my life. The first 6 months, I was unable to close the sunroof, because of that my passenger seat cracked since its been exposed to the sun for 5 years, the driver's side window could not roll down which we fixed; I never owned a vehicle where I could not access my trunk. The first 6 months of having this vehicle the lifgate became inoperable. the lift gate does not work. The sensors of the vehicle are useless, the car radioi does not work the cue sticks, which can be distracting and can cause an accident so I use the YouTube on my phone for entertainment. The sensors led to the transmission deteriorating to the point of the transmission fluid burning faster and deteriorating the components of the transmission. This is going to cost me 6000.00 These are known manufacture defects for the SRX 2014. Please help
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.
Related recalls (4)
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.
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
GM is recalling 17,301 my 2004 Cadillac srx vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the transmission shift lever can be moved from the "park" position with the ignition "on" and without the operator depressing the brake pedal or, in some cases, the shifter can be moved…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pawl stopper and a bushing within the shifter assembly free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2008.
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and May experience a fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2008. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006 or http://www.Cadillac.com; Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.Pontiac.com;…
NHTSA investigations
Failure of the rear differential
Odi evaluated two different alleged defects involving rear drivetrain components during this preliminary evaluation.GM is conducting a recall to address one of the defect conditions and odi has opened an engineering analysis to continue its investigation of the other alleged defect.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac SRX years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (46), 2011 (36), 2004 (34), 2013 (31) and 2014 (21) model years. Transmission complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Cadillac SRX transmission problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 14V-212 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Apr 25, 2014); 11V-595 (automatic transmission, Dec 20, 2011); 08V-527 (automatic transmission, Oct 9, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Cadillac SRX transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (19 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (7).
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.