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: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at night, the front headlights failed to adequately illuminate the roadway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the headlights to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The contact attempted to call... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
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 ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drive rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the struts and shocks replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall regarding the failure. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
There was a reimbursement program for 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX's due to dim headlights. I didn't have mine fixed during the reimbursement program 1) because the timeline for reimbursement fell during the pandemic and shelter in place orders in my area; 2) I am a high-risk for getting COVID due to preexisting health conditions and 3) my headlights were not that bad. Fast forward to a year later, an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the traction control and stability control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was later serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the failure recurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and dealer were notified of the failure. The approximate failur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
I was driving in the rain with the front windshield wipers on and when I attempted to adjust the speed with the lever on the steering wheel column the front wipers stopped working roughly 1/2 the way up on the windshield. It was raining, and I was not able to see the road in front of me. I managed to pull into a retail parking lot and waited for the rain to subside before continuing to drive the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2021
My roof panel is separating from the roof frame of my 04 Cadillac XLR. If it come off it will cause property damage to another vehicle or death! It a GM defect that should be recall !!!! Thanks!
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
Dim lights housing burned out. Diagnosed by local mechanic and confirmed by Cadillac dealership in Smyrna, Ga. Service dept. says all SRX are having this problem, but he also stated that the recall was already done. The actual recall I received was about condensation in the lights which does not seem to be a problem for my vehicle, so if people are taking their vehicles in and being told the recal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
Dim lights housing burned out. Diagnosed by local mechanic and confirmed by Cadillac dealership in Smyrna, Ga. Service dept. says all SRX are having this problem, but he also stated that the recall was already done. The actual recall I received was about condensation in the lights which does not seem to be a problem for my vehicle, so if people are taking their vehicles in and being told the recal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
2014 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH HEADLIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DID NOT DISPLAY ENOUGH LIGHTING. THE HIGHBEAM LIGHT ON THE LEFT SIDE DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC THAT THE REFLECTOR PLATES WERE DETERIORATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlamps failed to provide adequate lighting while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated he received a letter regarding moisture in the headlights. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic stated that the headlamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
you can not see the highway at night.one has to slow down or stop to see.the only way to see is with the high beams on,which is unsafe for other drivers coming toward you.on other ocassions,i simply had to pull over to the side of the road.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
you can not see the highway at night.one has to slow down or stop to see.the only way to see is with the high beams on,which is unsafe for other drivers coming toward you.on other ocassions,i simply had to pull over to the side of the road.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the headlights became very dim causing a visibility issue. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that there was moisture entering the headlight housings and that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Engine timing chain had stretched and jumped a notch on the sprocket, which caused the check engine light to come on, and that's the only reason I knew there was an issue. If I had kept driving it and it jumped another notch, it would have stalled, making the vehicle hard to control. I've read numerous other owners have had the same issue with this vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
Low beam headlight are so dim, that it creates a safety hazard driving at night. The reflector material on the inside of the light bulb housing assembly has deteriorated to the point that the light bulbs light cannot project out the front of the light assembly. This makes driving at night very dangerous. We have not experienced an incident or accident concerning this problem, but I will not have ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
Low beam headlight are so dim, that it creates a safety hazard driving at night. The reflector material on the inside of the light bulb housing assembly has deteriorated to the point that the light bulbs light cannot project out the front of the light assembly. This makes driving at night very dangerous. We have not experienced an incident or accident concerning this problem, but I will not have ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated the suspension and rear axle service message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not available. The contact was informed that parts were on backorder. The c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2018
The contact's husband owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights would dimly illuminate and would not operate as needed without warning. The contact would be forced to use the high beam headlights for clear visibility while driving at night. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
Low beam headlights are so dim I cannot drive when dark out. This is a big safety issue. Please advise.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night at an undisclosed speed, the headlights were dimmed, and it was difficult to see ahead. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with headlamp assembly failure. The headlamp assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had not returned the contact's calls regarding the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the driver’s and passenger’s side fog lights were very dim. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN for the fog lights. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
I received a recall from GM as to the toe links in my vehicle. On November 4th it went into the dealership to have the parts replaced and the following morning my car lost control when something happened between the tires and the steering which caused my car to swerve all over the road, lose control, flip and go into a ditch. There were 3 warning lights on, ABS, traction, and Stabilitrak. The car... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
I received a recall from GM as to the toe links in my vehicle. On November 4th it went into the dealership to have the parts replaced and the following morning my car lost control when something happened between the tires and the steering which caused my car to swerve all over the road, lose control, flip and go into a ditch. There were 3 warning lights on, ABS, traction, and Stabilitrak. The car... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
I received a recall from GM as to the toe links in my vehicle. On November 4th it went into the dealership to have the parts replaced and the following morning my car lost control when something happened between the tires and the steering which caused my car to swerve all over the road, lose control, flip and go into a ditch. There were 3 warning lights on, ABS, traction, and Stabilitrak. The car... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 27, 2021
The airbag system failed and was reported the first time in 2020 and it was available for inspection upon request by owner but Cadillac said it wasn't a recall and refused to comply. My safety and the other passenger was put at risk because Cadillac didn't inspect the the fail system upon the owner's upon the owner's first request that caused serious injuries and the vehicle has been in another ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 22, 2021
I have had many issues with Onstar failing. I bought the 2020 Cadillac CT5 AWD 10/2020. It took Onstar over a month to connect to my car to provide AT&T internet plan (via Onstar). On 4/22/21 I was hit in my driver front & wheel, Onstar failed- never contacted us & the airbags did not deploy. I noticed my Onstar light was red. Onstar was repaired during the body shop repair. Soon after I picked up... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 22, 2021
I have had many issues with Onstar failing. I bought the 2020 Cadillac CT5 AWD 10/2020. It took Onstar over a month to connect to my car to provide AT&T internet plan (via Onstar). On 4/22/21 I was hit in my driver front & wheel, Onstar failed- never contacted us & the airbags did not deploy. I noticed my Onstar light was red. Onstar was repaired during the body shop repair. Soon after I picked up... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 22, 2021
I have had many issues with Onstar failing. I bought the 2020 Cadillac CT5 AWD 10/2020. It took Onstar over a month to connect to my car to provide AT&T internet plan (via Onstar). On 4/22/21 I was hit in my driver front & wheel, Onstar failed- never contacted us & the airbags did not deploy. I noticed my Onstar light was red. Onstar was repaired during the body shop repair. Soon after I picked up... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 5, 2020
The headlights seals have failed and it’s is very hard to drive at night. Dangerous They new the headlight seals were faulty from the very beginning yet they still installed them in the car. They voluntarily replaced the headlights on many of the cars but refuse to replace my headlights. I cannot afford approximately 1400.00 to replace headlights that they should be held responsible for. I know... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact initially received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. After receiving the letter, the contact noticed that abnormal rattling noise was coming from the vehicle with the service engine warning light illuminated. The contact then received a second notice for... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact initially received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact then received notification that parts were available and the contact was informed by the dealer that the parts wo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while making a right turn and accelerating at 30 MPH, the vehicle started swaying inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a suspension failure. The dealer repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 2... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the service Stabili-trac and traction control warnings were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle also failed to start and was towed to the dealer. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact stated that her husband replaced the camshaft sensor. The contact stated tha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
I am concerned with the lack of visibility that my low-beams provide. I live in a semi-rural area, where the streets are not well-lit, there are no curbs, and people walk along the edge of the street after dark. I contacted both Cadillac AND my dealer, and they both told me that it’s possible that the deal has eroded and caused dimming. I was told there was a class action suit that addressed t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac STS. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed fuel dripping from the fuel tank. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V542000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the service rear axle warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V473000 (Suspension. The contact called the local dealer and was informed about diagnostic testing. The contact informed the dealer there was no noise or light illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle was inadvertently pulling to the right, while making a turn, the tires felt like they were dragging, and the front passenger’s side fender was making noises while turning. The traction control and another unknown wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
the low beam headlights are dangerously defeative on all srx models. something needs to be done before more people die in crashes at night with these vehicals
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
I've had issues with my headlights going dim, and when I take it in there is nothing, that can be done about it. This has occurred more than once.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2015
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the traction control was off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2015
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the traction control was off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
Head lamps are to dim to drive vehicle after dark
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Headlights are so dim I have to use highbeams to see properly so both the dim lighting and having to use highbeams is very dangerous. This is a ongoing problem I have had since I bought the vehicle new - seems to be getting worse and I find that I try not to drive at night because of it. I believe a recall by GM should be immediately initiated.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the touch screen monitor started jumping up and down and sporadically going in and out while the contact was attempting to use the GPS. Additionally, the hands free and answer screen was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the monitor was faulty and n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact stated that after receiving the vehicle back from the dealer after the recall repair, an abnormal noise was heard, and the vehicle would not accelerate and then stalled. The contact noticed there was red fluid leaking on the ground. The vehicle was taken to another ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2021
Headlights suddenly went out while driving. Only the fog lights worked. Very dangerous! I am appalled that Cadillac hasn’t recalled these vehicles and even more appalled that there is thousands of complaints regarding this same issue! Complaints recorded and sent to Cadillac and yet no recall? Why? I cannot drive my vehicle at night now. Replacing the headlights is a temporary fix because as soo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights became inoperable without warning. The contact stated that the hi-beam was activated which caused a distraction to oncoming drivers. The contact had taken to the vehicle to a dealer where the headlight assemblies were adjusted however, the adjustment failed to correct the failure. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
Headlamps fully engaged but dimming with time. Unable to see road clearly at night. Dealership(s) confirmed issue and reproduced issue. Confirmed by manufacturers. No prior warnings. Class action lawsuit won on behalf of owners but not all owners were informed of settlement and procedures to address and correct issue. Class action settlement period lapse in 2020 with no other recourse to help own... Read more