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 7, 2017
Transmission causes car to shudder or shake/vibrate at lower speeds and lower rpm (auto shifting) It's been like this since it was purchased. If you perform manual shifting at 2500 RPM's or higher you don't experience the same shake/vibration. Ron Craft Cadillac says it's performing as expected.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
2015 Cadillac Escalade had 65,186 miles on it. Was driving home with family and the engine started knocking. The code that was reported was P0300. Constant engine misfire. The replaced it under factory warranty. 1 year later, the same thing happen. Was driving with the family and engine started misfiring. Had it in the shop a couple of weeks before for preventive maintenance. Nothing was c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The headlights get water inside and at times enough water to cause the headlight to fail. I have had both headlights fail as a result of this. Cadillac is aware of this design flaw and was only willing to reimburse customers who were able to pay for the replacement lights up front. This is not fair to people who have purchased Cadillacs who were not able to pay, especially considering that it is a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac XTS. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for a routine maintenance checkup. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the mechanic discovered that the drive shaft had disconnected from the rear differential and needed to be replaced. The contact was then given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle remained i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. While driving the vehicle swayed. The engine power reduced message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diag... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently decelerate with the stabilitrak warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle to resume normal driving. The contact then received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The dealer was notified of the failure and a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac CTS. The contact works for an independent mechanic and place the vehicle on a lift and noticed that both the driver’s and passenger’s side rear brake cable had cracks and leakage of brake fluid from the brake line due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 62 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the sunroof. The contact stated while attempting to exit the highway, the sunroof detached from the vehicle and hit the road. The contact drove to nearby auto glass repair shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact drove another vehicle to the local dealer and was informe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 62 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the sunroof. The contact stated while attempting to exit the highway, the sunroof detached from the vehicle and hit the road. The contact drove to nearby auto glass repair shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact drove another vehicle to the local dealer and was informe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2015
The low beams are so dim, the vehicle cannot be driven at night. Even after replacing both bulbs there was no change. Vehicle can only be driven with high beams on. The dealer knows of the issue and said replacement would be the same system with the same problem. GMC offered a partial reimbursement, but has not corrected the defective system. If their offer was accepted, you would have to sign an ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The floor mat does not stay in place and can get jammed behind the break peddle preventing breaking.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The floor mat does not stay in place and can get jammed behind the break peddle preventing breaking.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2021
After the light housing recall, the lights are even worse at illuminating the road ahead, I only feel safe to see when the bights are on.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle wobbled uncontrollably. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2021
2010 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE FUEL GUAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE HAVING THE FUEL GUAGE REPAIRED, THE CV SHAFT WAS REMOVED AND THE BEARINGS FELL OUT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE BEARINGS FALLING OUT WAS DUE TO NEGLIGENCE. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO CHARGED FOR A FRONT WHEEL BEARING THAT WAS NOT AN AUTHORIZED REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED BY A DIFFERENT REPAI... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2021
2014 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SAFETY RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXHIBIT THE FAILURE.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact also stated that soon after receiving the notice, an abnormal cranking sound began to emit from the rear of the vehicle while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer had been noti... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed in traffic, the rear suspension started to sway without warning. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part for the repair was not available. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that the parts were not yet availabl... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 29, 2021
Incident date: Jan 5, 2021
When the battery goes low the gear change from park to neutral . That happen to my vehiculo I found few feet outside brim my parking space and it was the gear in neutral
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2019) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Sep 29, 2021
Incident date: Jan 5, 2021
When the battery goes low the gear change from park to neutral . That happen to my vehiculo I found few feet outside brim my parking space and it was the gear in neutral
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
headlamps are very dim unable to see clearly at night and when raining
Incident date: Sep 11, 2021
The side detection light in both side mirrors stays on even when the vehicle is turned off. This may cause an accident while driving The problem is confirmed by the dealer No No
Incident date: Sep 11, 2021
The side detection light in both side mirrors stays on even when the vehicle is turned off. This may cause an accident while driving The problem is confirmed by the dealer No No
Incident date: Sep 11, 2021
The side detection light in both side mirrors stays on even when the vehicle is turned off. This may cause an accident while driving The problem is confirmed by the dealer No No
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
Was driving on interstate and top panel on convertible top flew off.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
I received a notice 21V473 from the NHTSA, via an email and a written letter nearly 90 days ago. GM dealers are stating they do not have the parts to repair this safety recall notice. How long do owners of these UNSAFE vehicles have to wait for these parts to be manufactured? NHTSA should be imposing some kind of DAILY fines on GM for these delay tactics. Am I suppose to not drive this vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
On Sept 26 2021 I was driving my car when I noticed it began jumpy and would hesitate at high speeds then when coming to a stop. After coming to a stop my car seemed it was stalling out while sitting at the stop light. Proceeded to go and my car didn't want to go into 1st-3rd gears. I just got this car 5 months ago It is very concerning when I need to make a sudden acceleration and cannot. I am h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
On Sept 26 2021 I was driving my car when I noticed it began jumpy and would hesitate at high speeds then when coming to a stop. After coming to a stop my car seemed it was stalling out while sitting at the stop light. Proceeded to go and my car didn't want to go into 1st-3rd gears. I just got this car 5 months ago It is very concerning when I need to make a sudden acceleration and cannot. I am h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
On Sept 26 2021 I was driving my car when I noticed it began jumpy and would hesitate at high speeds then when coming to a stop. After coming to a stop my car seemed it was stalling out while sitting at the stop light. Proceeded to go and my car didn't want to go into 1st-3rd gears. I just got this car 5 months ago It is very concerning when I need to make a sudden acceleration and cannot. I am h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
I recently purchased this vehicle and have discovered that you cannot see the road at night with dim beam, the cause is the reflector compartment on the light modules burns up from the heat generated by the light and takes away the reflector capabilities that give out light to the road. I am forced to currently drive with main beam everywhere which is a big safety issue. I investigated to see if t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, the vehicle was shifted to reverse and then shifted to drive however, the vehicle moved backward. The brakes would not engage when depressed to stop the vehicle from moving backward. The contact applied parking brakes to stop the vehicle. The contact had assistance from an independent mecha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
When driving, I accidentaley hit a curb on the front left rim and the side air bags deployed. There was no damage to vehicle other than hitting the rim. I want to know if there is a recall on this or if there has been any other incidents of this kind. The only deployed air bags were the side ones by the windows The front air bags did not deploy. I need answers to why the car deplyed air bags when ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Ive received an official diagnosis from Cadillac, I need a rear differential replacement due to safety issues. If the wheels lock while driving, it can cause an accident. There is a recall associated with the same year Cadillac, but only the sport version so they refuse to fix mine. My car has only 80k miles on it and it was not supposed to go bad so early. It is NOT my fault. It is obvious that C... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 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 as well as Five Star Cadillac (495 Watson Blvd Suite B, Warner Robins, GA 31093, (478) 302-0612) and Hennessy Cadillac (3377 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096, (770) 680-70... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, smoke coming from the interior of the dashboard. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and disconnected the battery from the vehicle and opened the dashboard and saw wiring in the harness of the dashboard melting. The contact put water on the dashboard to stop the smoke. The contact had som... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
driving 40mph and the brakes started having issues. the pedal had to be pressed all the way to the floor and pumped to get the car to stop. from my research I see that this is a very common issue with this vehicle. this is a major safety issue that's going to eventually lead to a fatality if it hasn't already. if this is not a safety issue and a manufacturers defect then I really don't know what i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
I bought my 2016 Escalade and was told there was a safety recall on the car. After 3 days, I took the car to a Cadillac dealership to have the recall fixed. When returning to pick the car up, I was told that the vehicles EBCM unit was faulty and could not be updated, and that the module had to be replaced. I was also told that to do the update, the "flash" erased the module, so essentially, my SUV... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2021
The brakes get soft and go almost to the floor at times. This usually happens after having to brake hard for a sudden stop. It takes constant pumping of the brakes for them to work properly again. I just had my brakes checked and the pads and rotors are good, so the problem could not be diagnosed. There have been no warnings or alerts for this problem and no recall letters. This is definitely... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
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 dia... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
Low beam headlights are dim. The vehicle is unsafe to drive at night or in low light conditions There has not been an incident at this time. Because of the dim light condition I am afraid to drive the vehicle at night
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2004) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 24, 2021
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the ABS and traction stability warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the shocks and struts replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2021
2013 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO OPEN SAFETY RECALL.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2021
2016 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BROKEN SUSPENSION TOE LINK. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK FAILED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CROSSOVER SIDEWAYS INTO THE MEDIAN. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TOWING AND REPAIRS AFTER BEING NOTIFIED OF A SAFETY RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Picture is not of my truck...I have and Ext. truck.........Low oil pressure light keeps coming on saying stop engine...just had oil change to and traction control...stabilitrak...tire monitor all on Is there a recall on this the beeping noise drives me crazy .. oil light starts when driving
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Picture is not of my truck...I have and Ext. truck.........Low oil pressure light keeps coming on saying stop engine...just had oil change to and traction control...stabilitrak...tire monitor all on Is there a recall on this the beeping noise drives me crazy .. oil light starts when driving
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Picture is not of my truck...I have and Ext. truck.........Low oil pressure light keeps coming on saying stop engine...just had oil change to and traction control...stabilitrak...tire monitor all on Is there a recall on this the beeping noise drives me crazy .. oil light starts when driving
Incident date: Sep 22, 2021
2011 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GM SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE BEING ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. ON THE THIRD DAY OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS WHILE THE DRIVER WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2021
2011 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2021
2012 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK SAFETY RECALL.