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: Dec 1, 2020
Low beam headlights became really dim making it hard to drive after dark. Headlights show water intrusion (water droplets, fogging) at times. Replacing the headlight bulbs with brighter LED bulbs did not improve the visibility. Necessity to use high beam often is a risk to opposing traffic.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2017
The low beam headlights are so dim it is almost impossible to drive at night. While turning into my driveway at night, my neighbor who was walking her dog stepped into my driveway to get out of the way of oncoming traffic not realizing who was driving down street, I did not see her until the last second. I have spoken with dealer twice and they told me to call GM Divisional Headquarters which I ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced. The contact stated that before she received the recall notice for repair her vehicle was driving perfectly fine, but after picking up her vehicle from the dealer the vehicle was not driving properly. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were very dim. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
The Escalade radio console keeps shorting out, operating irregularly, and stays "on" after the car has been turned off resulting in a stall and/or battery to drain leading to the car not starting, which has required several battery jumps.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
Unable to see safely driving at night especially during rainy or snowy driving. Headlamps are so dim my automatic high beams go on constantly even when opposing traffic are coming towards me. I purchased the Cadillac used 2021. I called the Cadillac dealer they stayed Cadillac used to reimburse owners prior to last year. I cannot afford $3400 for replacing the headlamps! This is putting my family ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
2014 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FROM VEHICLE REPAIRS MADE REGARDING REAR AXLE.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
2013 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HEADLIGHTS SAFETY RECALL.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
Low beams are so dim as to be dangerous, not only for passengers, but also for people, animals and property outside the vehicle. Visibility is so incredibly poor as to not illuminate a pedestrian in a crosswalk early enough to facilitate a safe stop. Nothing in writing from the dealer, but agent aware of the problem with no fix. The problem is constant, not intermittent. Became most apparent appro... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that he was unable to see the road while driving in inclement weather with the low-beam headlight activated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and he was informed that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The v... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the gear shifter would not shift out of the park position. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2021
Low beam headlights are so dim as to be useable.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2019
My headlights are so dim, they look as though they are not even on! I cannot drive at night anymore. I was informed that there was a recall in 2019 for this issue, however I never saw one.This should indeed be a safety issue, because these headlights don’t light up sh*t. GM should be ashamed of themselves!
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, turning off the engine, and removing the ignition key, the front seat passenger exited the vehicle and when closing the passenger’s side door all airbags in the vehicle were erroneously deployed. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side frontal air bags along with both side curtain ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
Front headlamps, Low visibility driving at night, high safety hazard I cannot see the road to drive safely The headlights have been inspected and confirmed that projector headlamps are delaminating and need replaced There is a known defect in headlamps assembly reported to GM for this issue I am seeking to receive reimbursement for this repair from GM
Incident date: Oct 19, 2021
Vehicle burst into flames while driving 70 mph on highway.
Fire
Incident date: Oct 19, 2021
Vehicle burst into flames while driving 70 mph on highway.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
The headlights are very dim causing safety driving issues at night. I first noticed driving at night returning from a trip to Arkansas driving on poorly lit highways
Incident date: Feb 7, 2019
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle lost motive power while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The contact stated that the ABS and Stabili Trak warning lights illuminated and the message to service Stabili Trak was displayed. The contact stated he noticed the failure for the first time 02/07/2019, and the vehicle was taken to the King O'R... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2019
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle lost motive power while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The contact stated that the ABS and Stabili Trak warning lights illuminated and the message to service Stabili Trak was displayed. The contact stated he noticed the failure for the first time 02/07/2019, and the vehicle was taken to the King O'R... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud whistling sound coming inside the vehicle. The contact looked up and noticed that the sunroof glass had detached from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and retrieved the sunroof glass. The vehicle was then towed to an auto body shop to be inspected. The contact was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2021
Body Issue- Left and Right Front Doors of Vehicle air popping and Grinding when opened. No Damage or Accidents have occurred to the Vehicle for this Function to have a Error.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2021
Body Issue- Left and Right Front Doors of Vehicle air popping and Grinding when opened. No Damage or Accidents have occurred to the Vehicle for this Function to have a Error.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
When I get on the freeway and go around 68 mph my vehicle starts shaking and I constantly get a stabilitrak message that flashes on and off. I have to hold the steering will tight because it swerves a little and had to start driving away from cars. I took it to get the wheels balanced and it still does the same thing. The mechanic from the dealer ship I purchased the vehicle from said he could not... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
When I get on the freeway and go around 68 mph my vehicle starts shaking and I constantly get a stabilitrak message that flashes on and off. I have to hold the steering will tight because it swerves a little and had to start driving away from cars. I took it to get the wheels balanced and it still does the same thing. The mechanic from the dealer ship I purchased the vehicle from said he could not... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
When I get on the freeway and go around 68 mph my vehicle starts shaking and I constantly get a stabilitrak message that flashes on and off. I have to hold the steering will tight because it swerves a little and had to start driving away from cars. I took it to get the wheels balanced and it still does the same thing. The mechanic from the dealer ship I purchased the vehicle from said he could not... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at night, the headlights were dim and making it difficult to see the road ahead. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made the mechanic aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the dealer had been pushing back the recall repair appointment. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
These headlights have turn so dim its dangerous to drive at night. Its the lens inside that s deteriorating and nothing to do with the bulb. The dealer wants around 1500 to replace. This is a common problem with this vehicle. Cadillac offered only 50% of the repair but when i took it back to the dealer for service I got the run around again even though I had a reference number. Many people... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at night the illumination from the low-beam headlight was not adequate for safe vehicle operation. The contact stated that it was difficult to see a safe distance ahead of the vehicle. The contact instead had to use the hi-beam headlights for adequate illumination at night or in low light driving conditions. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2021
Transmission While at a red light/complete stop car will jerk out of nowhere for no reason. It also did it while driving down hill at a steady speed of 70 mph. Could have been a bad accident if a big rig or other vehicles would have been behind me.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, the Stabilitrak warning light was illuminated for a short time and turned off when depressing on the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that on 11/19/2012, while his wife was driving 45 mph, the reduced steering capacity, pull over immediately and other multiple unknown warning lights w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, the Stabilitrak warning light was illuminated for a short time and turned off when depressing on the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that on 11/19/2012, while his wife was driving 45 mph, the reduced steering capacity, pull over immediately and other multiple unknown warning lights w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The headlights are extremely dim cannot drive the vehicle at night. If I do use at night I have to use the high beams. Seems to be a know problem with Cadillac SRX. I was told by dealer they would have to replace both headlight assemblies to fix this problem at a cost of over 2000 dollars.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
Car has stalled out 5 times since NOV 12,2021 to Nov 22, 2021 and now the car has broken down in the middle of the road and will not start back up. We were at a red light when it just turned off and does not work now. It was smoking and smelled horrible like burning plastic. I had to remove my kids from the car because they could not breath anymore.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
Car has stalled out 5 times since NOV 12,2021 to Nov 22, 2021 and now the car has broken down in the middle of the road and will not start back up. We were at a red light when it just turned off and does not work now. It was smoking and smelled horrible like burning plastic. I had to remove my kids from the car because they could not breath anymore.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2019
Bought this car used, first time after dark realized headlights were not shining well enough to drive. We parked the vehicle until we could purchase and replace complete headlamp assembly. Multiple internet sites were found where other owners had same issue. We paid $300 for a set of replacement assembly and installed ourselves, otherwise it would have cost $1000 at the dealer. We went with this o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
I tried to explain to the dealership that unaware of the recall my cars breaks had failed and crashed my vehicle. They said the only thing that was affected was the key. I had told her that the result of my crash was from my breaks not working due to the recall. She told me no that that wasnt affected. I just want my car to be safe on the road as i have kids, and family that ride with me regularly... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
I tried to explain to the dealership that unaware of the recall my cars breaks had failed and crashed my vehicle. They said the only thing that was affected was the key. I had told her that the result of my crash was from my breaks not working due to the recall. She told me no that that wasnt affected. I just want my car to be safe on the road as i have kids, and family that ride with me regularly... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
I tried to explain to the dealership that unaware of the recall my cars breaks had failed and crashed my vehicle. They said the only thing that was affected was the key. I had told her that the result of my crash was from my breaks not working due to the recall. She told me no that that wasnt affected. I just want my car to be safe on the road as i have kids, and family that ride with me regularly... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE NA
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
Nov 19, 2021
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE WERE INTENSELY BRIGHT.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired but after retrieving the vehicle it was discovered that the ABS, Stabilitrak and traction control warning lights were all illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The service center refu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired but after retrieving the vehicle it was discovered that the ABS, Stabilitrak and traction control warning lights were all illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The service center refu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Vehicle headlights are very dim and night visibility is extremely limited and very dangerous. Driving in rain proves impossible. Seems to be a known issue that Cadillac owners are repairing themselves to the tune of between $1400-3000. Models SRX, years 2010-2016 After reading many user/enthusiasts web forums, I see this issue being reported by hundreds of owners.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Vehicle headlights are very dim and night visibility is extremely limited and very dangerous. Driving in rain proves impossible. Seems to be a known issue that Cadillac owners are repairing themselves to the tune of between $1400-3000. Models SRX, years 2010-2016 After reading many user/enthusiasts web forums, I see this issue being reported by hundreds of owners.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2020
This is the 3rd tire now that I am going to have to replace. PEPE Cadillac replaced the 1st one on 4/21/20 and another one on 6/30/21 and now another one any day. It seems like the tires start bulging off the rim and as per the dealership they are unsafe to drive and need to be replaced. It cost me $276.51 and $274.49 respectively and whatever its going to cost now to replace the 3rd one. Firs... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Condensation in headlights.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who accidentally reset the air bag code when it was connected to the code reader. The failure recur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
Rear differential lock up at high speed. Loss of control. Apparently a common problem with Cadillac rear differentials. Most occur under 50,000 miles. Mine had 54,000 miles. Seals fail and differential fluid drains out. Some people have had 3 replacements under warrantee. Cannot find and replacements as they are "back ordered" according to dealerships.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
Headlights are so dim at night that I have to use highbeams to see properly which is extremely dangerous. This is a ongoing problem I have had since I bought the vehicle and it is getting worse. I try not to drive at night because of this issue. A recall by GM should be immediately initiated. The estimate I received to replace is more than $1,600! Why would there be such a high cost to replace wh... Read more