Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 21,483 complaints for CADILLAC
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac DTS. The contact was driving at 55mph on the highway and the vehicle slowed down independently and the screens went blank. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was shut off but would not restart. The contact called the police and the officer called a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic on 3 occasions... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the rear end of the vehicle without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they diagnosed the failure as a leak in the rear differential. The contact was initially informed that the repair would be covered under warranty; however, a few day... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
The headlights are so dim that they are a hazard unless i drive with my high beams on. the other night someone was walking at night and I was unable to see them until I was very close tot hem. My husband remarks how he can barely see at night, We have changed out the headlights and it made no difference. My Uncle has a 2014 Model and he has commented he has the same issue. They are a true hazard a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the front headlights had become increasingly dim while in operation. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer to purchase replacement bulbs but was informed that the entire headlight module had to be replaced to fix the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered him a gift card for an oil change. The vehicle was r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
My lift gate has stopped working. I cannot open the back of my car in any way! I am handicapped and the power lift gate is very important to me because I have to store my walker in the car when I drive. Now since I can’t open the back of the car it is very difficult to get anywhere for me. When I looked up the issue, it seems Cadillac has a problem with this model (SRX) from 2010-2016. The issu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
While sitting at a friend's house on a hill my brakes went completely out once I hit them they went to the floor and we eended up hitting a tree stump that saved us from going off a steep cliff to possibly hurting each and everyone of us in the car.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
While sitting at a friend's house on a hill my brakes went completely out once I hit them they went to the floor and we eended up hitting a tree stump that saved us from going off a steep cliff to possibly hurting each and everyone of us in the car.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
Headlights low beams are dim. Causing dangerously restrictive visibility when driving at night. A google search indicates that this problem is widespread and very common. I first noticed this about six months ago.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the rear windshield shattered. There was no impact to the rear windshield that could have caused it to shatter. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and requested photos of the vehicle, the con... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
The vehicle lights are dangerously dim. Changing the bulbs hasn’t fixed the problem. The headlights as a whole weren’t sealed properly allowing moisture in.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Fuel supply stops and engine stalls when I get near or below 1/4 tank. I can restart the engine and it will run for anywhere from a few seconds to sometimes a minute, but mostly only a few seconds. Limp my car this way to a gas station, fill the tank, problem solved. I know it had fuel in the tank as it only took 11 gallons with my 16 gallon tank. Installed a new fuel pump, problem continues. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
I was driving north on I-65 traveling about 65mph and the Rear Air Suspension failed and dropped to the point the tires were about 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the finder wells. I lost control of the car, the rear end was bouncing, almost causing me to crash. Not only that, but I had to drive it home with the hazards on, while driving on I-65, people passing me at 70mph. Cadillac knows about this fault a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
I was driving north on I-65 traveling about 65mph and the Rear Air Suspension failed and dropped to the point the tires were about 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the finder wells. I lost control of the car, the rear end was bouncing, almost causing me to crash. Not only that, but I had to drive it home with the hazards on, while driving on I-65, people passing me at 70mph. Cadillac knows about this fault a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
Purchased a 2016 Cadillac SRX Luxury Edition used with 60,000 miles. First time driving at night, I noticed headlights on dim were very dim. Barely could see the roadway unless lights were on bright. I done some research on issue and found that it seems to be a common problem with this model from 2010 to 2016 year model. Cadillac has known of the problem, but has not thoroughly done any action to ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
During normal driving, my service stibilatrak light comes on. While the message is on, the TCS kicks in and it grabs the wheel and stops the car. I've been reared ended once and two barely missed collisions. When the TCS activates, it stops the car completely and the only way to drive the car is to turn it off for a few second and then restart it. That resets the computer and turn the message ligh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
During normal driving, my service stibilatrak light comes on. While the message is on, the TCS kicks in and it grabs the wheel and stops the car. I've been reared ended once and two barely missed collisions. When the TCS activates, it stops the car completely and the only way to drive the car is to turn it off for a few second and then restart it. That resets the computer and turn the message ligh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
During normal driving, my service stibilatrak light comes on. While the message is on, the TCS kicks in and it grabs the wheel and stops the car. I've been reared ended once and two barely missed collisions. When the TCS activates, it stops the car completely and the only way to drive the car is to turn it off for a few second and then restart it. That resets the computer and turn the message ligh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the Forward Collision-Avoidance System malfunctioned, which resulted in the contact having to manually brake to avoid an accident. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
2012 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO A NHSTA SAFETY RECALL.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2018
The headlights on my 2014 Cadillac SRX are unusable because they are so dim. I am at the point where I don’t drive at night. Although I did try putting new bulbs in that did not fix the problem. There is some defect in the lens, reflector, or housing. Not being able to see the road at night is a huge safety concern and running with my hi-beams on all the time is a safety concern for other motori... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
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
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was smoke coming from under the hood. Upon inspection, it was discovered that engine oil had leaked onto the hot surface in the engine compartment. The leaking oil also caused damage to the alternator. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
The rear camera guidelines on my 2018 XT5 Lux don’t appear on the backup camera display when shifting into reverse. Happens around half the time. As soon as I shift into drive, the guidelines then appear. I can then shift back into reverse and the guidelines are there.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2020
The headlights incur condensation inside the headlight body, which makes the light from the headlights very dim. At night, this creates a very serious safety concern. 1. Other cars are not able to see you at night. 2. The driver is unable to see the road or other objects at night. There apparently was a lawsuit in 2 states on this safety concern, which they won. Please recall this, before... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
Low beam headlights are dim cannot see the road at night. When driving at night you have to use high beam to see the road.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
Cadillac sent a notice of the recall. The authorized Chevrolet dealership repair facility and Cadillac told me that they would not accept the risk that the dashboard would not crack in installation of authorized Chevrolet dealership repair facility defective part and that 'I' would have to sign a waiver saying 'I' accept the risk that they 'could' damage my car and would be 'my' responsibility if ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
headlamp replacement... second one i had to do on my SRX. I know it never made it to recall but you were reimbursing owners now your not. i called gm they said they would help me then i get it fixed and he calls back and says no
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
The low beam headlights are extremely dim, and it is a commonly known issue with these Cadillac SRX models. This is a 2015, but all owners of these model years complain of the same issue. There was a class action lawsuit previously on these headlamps, it focused on moisture entering the headlamp assembly. I had the Cadillac dealer inspect, they determined there was no moisture degrading the lam... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
The Low-beam headlights are so hot they are melting the reflective coating off the headlamp housing causing the headlights to not project. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed asap. When driving at night you cant see 15 ft in front of you without the high beams. I have spoke to Cadillac and this is a known issue. Last night there was a pedestrian walking down the side of the road and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
All light come on in engine
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
All light come on in engine
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
Factory headlights have bulbs that are known to be too hot and many owners have dim issues on low beams - we can’t drive safely at night or early am as our drivers side headlight is not reflecting any light to the road and dim on passenger side. The issue we are told is the bulbs heat has caused burning to the assembly and dulls the projected light. There was a reimbursement some for Californi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 -35 mph, there was a rattling noise detected from the front end of the vehicle. The brake pedal was applied but, failed to respond and crashed into a 2018 Ford. There were no reported injuries or fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacte... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving the headlights were dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 8... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2021
Cadillac ATS is sold with a faulty driver console. The console is known as the Cadillac User Experience (CUE). Faulty-console is a serious safety issue for the following reasons: 1. Driver distractions: loss of navigation and unexpected changes in radio and air-conditioning are constant distractions. These distractions take the driver's attention away from the roadway. They also force driver's t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The low beam headlights provide very little illumination. Driving this vehicle at night is a safety hazard due to low light illumination. As a result, I use the high beams for better illumination coverage at night or under low light conditions. This problem is progressive and has degenerated over time. The vehicle was taken to a dealership and local repair shop. Replacing the headlight asse... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the recall repair was not being completed, it caused the inner sidewalls of the rear tire... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Extremely dim low beam headlights. I can’t see to drive it at night on the low beams. The high beams still work, but blind oncoming traffic. This puts me and other drivers at risk. It is available for inspection. This issue started 6 months ago. This seems to be a serious problem with several years of this make and model.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The wiring in the Cadillac is soy based and squirrels have ate the wires out of my engine three times. It makes the steering compromised and unsafe. The warning comes up drive with caution steering compromised. Not exact but you get the jest
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The wiring in the Cadillac is soy based and squirrels have ate the wires out of my engine three times. It makes the steering compromised and unsafe. The warning comes up drive with caution steering compromised. Not exact but you get the jest
Incident date: Nov 2, 2020
I bought this car in 2020 and my first night of being out at night I COULD NOT SEE 2 feet in front of me. I was darn near ran off the road. Supposed all recalls were done on my car--NOT!!!!!!This is serious stuff and I'm seeing on a Cadillac forum all the outcries and the extreme costs people are paying. PLEASE PLEASE Do something-ALSO BE SURE SO CALLED RECALLS ARE DONE!!!!
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
The recall was performed on my Cadillac SRX back in November. The recall fix that GM put out has now cause more problems than there was before the fix. What has happened is that the solid toe link is to long and has put my cars alliagnment way out to the point that the car is not safe to drive. I had new struts, shocks and front toe links put on just before the recall fix and there was nothing wro... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, a metal noise was heard. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear brakes were replaced however, the contact was informed that the failure was the rear differential axle. The vehicle was not r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
My brake pedal has gone to the floor at random times while driving. When it happens, approx. the last 10% of pedal travel has limited braking power. After this occurs, the pedal will return back to normal, after a day or so. This situation occurs after the ABS system is activated during a hard stop, sliding on ice or snow, or when the ABS is triggered. I have seen reports on internet that indicate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2020
The seals on the headlights let moisture in, causing the lights to be dim.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
The contact owned a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and approaching traffic ahead the driver depressed the brake pedal to stop and the vehicle suddenly lost control, spun out, and drove into the opposite lane before two other vehicles crashed into it. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed. The front passenger sustained a left shoulder injury whic... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
The contact owned a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and approaching traffic ahead the driver depressed the brake pedal to stop and the vehicle suddenly lost control, spun out, and drove into the opposite lane before two other vehicles crashed into it. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed. The front passenger sustained a left shoulder injury whic... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
Headlights are so dim that you cannot see to drive at night or after dusk. I have to use the high beams in order to drive at night, so I drive with the high beams, then other drivers are flashing their lights at me to dim my lights, I can’t believe there is no recall on this problem because if there is a safety problem, it would be driving at night and not being able to see where you are going. ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated th... Read more