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: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the “service rear axle" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufac... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - ENGINE
Sep 7, 2021
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
At 3,000 miles on this new car, the motor began to rattle, shake, and then heat up to 240-260 degrees when the dashboard flashed and the vehicle and lights turned off. The brakes were not powered and because I was towing a trailer at night, I nearly crashed. My wife and 5 children were in the car with me. I have since learned that there is a major problem with these new Cadillacs, but if I woul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
When in reverse, the backup camera occasionally goes black and does not give an image. Reversing this large SUV without a backup camera is difficult and hazardous.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
I have been having issues with my vehicle stalling and trembling. The Stabilitrak message, check engine light, and service traction control message has turned on a couple times when starting the car. On Aug 9th, I received a letter in the mail stating that my car has a safety recall. The same day I called the Cadillac dealership where I bought the car and scheduled an appt to check these issues an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
I have been having issues with my vehicle stalling and trembling. The Stabilitrak message, check engine light, and service traction control message has turned on a couple times when starting the car. On Aug 9th, I received a letter in the mail stating that my car has a safety recall. The same day I called the Cadillac dealership where I bought the car and scheduled an appt to check these issues an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
My vehicle has service rear axle and stabilitrak warnings on and an open recall that was supposed to be addressed by August 12th still no remedy. The service bulletin states not to drive the vehicle if those warning lights are on due to the recall. My vehicle drives terribly and so I have listened and waited for remedy. I can't keep going without a vehicle so this needs to be moved along faster
Incident date: May 13, 2021
The headlamp assembly is faulty. There is virtually no visibility from headlights. The headlamps were so bad, I was put at risk because I was almost hit head on by an oncoming vehicle at night. I had to veer off the road to avoid collision, risking mine and my daughter's life. It has been inspected by dealership and confirmed the headlight assembly faulty because of damage to internal component... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
20-inch aluminum alloys wheels are all bent. I purchased this vehicle from a dealer near Lansing, Michigan. Upon test driving there were 2 wheels low on air. The dealer inspected the wheels and assured me they were fine. Once I got home I took the car to a local dealer who confirmed that all 4 rims were bent. This was also confirmed by the local tire shop. 4 rims for the vehicle were almost ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, he lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to drive over 25 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact was able to continue driving under 25 MPH to his residence. The contact called the local dea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
It’s doing everything they said it would when I need to stop driving it due to recall
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
It’s doing everything they said it would when I need to stop driving it due to recall
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
It’s doing everything they said it would when I need to stop driving it due to recall
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the driver’s side headlight was not functioning properly, making it difficult to see ahead on the road when the headlights were turned on. There was also condensation on the driver’s side headlight. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two separate occasions however, the mechanic could not diagnose the cause of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The rear differential started making a loud whining noise around 53,000 miles. It then turned into a grinding noise. I had it checked by a mechanic and he confirmed it was rear differential that needed replacing. He recommended not driving the vehicle since the differential could completely fail and cause an accident. Not having any mechanical experience, the noise was the only indication of a pro... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2021
2012 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HAZARDOUS HEADLAMPS ON VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE BUT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2021
2013 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO A HEADLAMP SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO THE REPAIR SHOP NOT BEING A CADILLAC DEALER. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE PROPER DEALERSHIP.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2021
2010 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTA SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PERFORM REPAIRS.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
I came out to my car last year in the summer and my screen was shattered in the corner it has gotten worse and not I can not even use the touch screen any longer.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
CUE screen is “cracked”. Can no longer see about 1/2 of back up camera screen. Barely missed backing into my neighbors car.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2021
The CUE system freezes up and is unusable. It is intermittant.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
There was no indication that the Automatic Braking System, Air Bags and Seatbelts were not working properly. In August 12, 2021, I was in an auto accident where I rear-ended another dodge car. The air bags did not deploy and Onstar was not notified. I believe I hit the steering wheel. I went to the emergency room and have seem my primary doctor once. I have a follow-up appointment this week f... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
There was no indication that the Automatic Braking System, Air Bags and Seatbelts were not working properly. In August 12, 2021, I was in an auto accident where I rear-ended another dodge car. The air bags did not deploy and Onstar was not notified. I believe I hit the steering wheel. I went to the emergency room and have seem my primary doctor once. I have a follow-up appointment this week f... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
There was no indication that the Automatic Braking System, Air Bags and Seatbelts were not working properly. In August 12, 2021, I was in an auto accident where I rear-ended another dodge car. The air bags did not deploy and Onstar was not notified. I believe I hit the steering wheel. I went to the emergency room and have seem my primary doctor once. I have a follow-up appointment this week f... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The Dim headlights are too dim to drive in evenings and cloudy, foggy, or any time lights are needed
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
The Low Beam head lights put out only enough light to see 10 feet in front of the vehicle at night. Therefore the car can not be driven at night. Neither the driver nor the passenger can see forward enough to prevent any accident. My research has found that this particular model has had many complaints about the issue with little to no resolutions from the manufacturer. Installing new OEM bulbs ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlamps failed to illuminate while using the low-beam headlamps. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH at night the contact noticed that the illumination from the headlights was very dim, making it difficult to see what was in front of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The headlights were not replaced due to th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the service traction control 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 stated that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed not to drive the vehicle. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the service traction control 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 stated that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed not to drive the vehicle. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that an abnormal clicking sound would emit from the rear passenger’s side tire with the tire sensor warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Over time, the tread on the rear passenger’s side tire began to wear and the contact had the tire replaced. The contact was informed by a mechanic that the failure was caused by the rear t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
ON 8/24/2021 APPROX 9:45AM I RETURNED HOME FROM THE MARKET AS I WAS PARKING MY VEHICLE (BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE) ISHIFT MY VEHICLE CONTROL TO THE REAR POSITION AND IT LOCK UP IT WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE I WAS SHOCKED AND UPSET BECAUSE THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE WAY OF PASSING VEHICLE SO I TUNED MY FRONT WHEELS IN AS MUCH AS I COULD BUT THAT WAS ALL I COULD DO I HAD TO KE... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
ON 8/24/2021 APPROX 9:45AM I RETURNED HOME FROM THE MARKET AS I WAS PARKING MY VEHICLE (BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE) ISHIFT MY VEHICLE CONTROL TO THE REAR POSITION AND IT LOCK UP IT WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE I WAS SHOCKED AND UPSET BECAUSE THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE WAY OF PASSING VEHICLE SO I TUNED MY FRONT WHEELS IN AS MUCH AS I COULD BUT THAT WAS ALL I COULD DO I HAD TO KE... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
ON 8/24/2021 APPROX 9:45AM I RETURNED HOME FROM THE MARKET AS I WAS PARKING MY VEHICLE (BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE) ISHIFT MY VEHICLE CONTROL TO THE REAR POSITION AND IT LOCK UP IT WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE I WAS SHOCKED AND UPSET BECAUSE THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE WAY OF PASSING VEHICLE SO I TUNED MY FRONT WHEELS IN AS MUCH AS I COULD BUT THAT WAS ALL I COULD DO I HAD TO KE... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
I received a recall notice for a safety issue with my cadillac srx 2011. Recall #N212340980 regarding the real toe link. My vehicle is already showing signs of this issue and has been for over 2 years. Cadillac is not prepared to handle this issue. I called to make an appointment and was told they do not have the parts yet to fix the issue. Not to drive my car for safety reasons. I do not have acc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
I received a recall notice for a safety issue with my cadillac srx 2011. Recall #N212340980 regarding the real toe link. My vehicle is already showing signs of this issue and has been for over 2 years. Cadillac is not prepared to handle this issue. I called to make an appointment and was told they do not have the parts yet to fix the issue. Not to drive my car for safety reasons. I do not have acc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
I received a recall notice for a safety issue with my cadillac srx 2011. Recall #N212340980 regarding the real toe link. My vehicle is already showing signs of this issue and has been for over 2 years. Cadillac is not prepared to handle this issue. I called to make an appointment and was told they do not have the parts yet to fix the issue. Not to drive my car for safety reasons. I do not have acc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
My new car has a serious lag issue. The car is not responsive to the gas pedal. You have to press the gas a lot to get moving. Once moving a lot lag. If I press it fast. Completely non responsive. My car is slower than any other car I have driven. Although this is 310 HP. Feeels like 150 HP. And I get only 12-15 miles to the gallon. Regular driving in suburbs and highway.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
My new car has a serious lag issue. The car is not responsive to the gas pedal. You have to press the gas a lot to get moving. Once moving a lot lag. If I press it fast. Completely non responsive. My car is slower than any other car I have driven. Although this is 310 HP. Feeels like 150 HP. And I get only 12-15 miles to the gallon. Regular driving in suburbs and highway.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 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 notified of the issue and advised the conta... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2021
I have notice several Cadillac SRX, the headlights on the passenger side are very dim. Have talk to several people that owns Cadillacs SRX and they are having the same problem. Very unsafe to drive at night. Have had the bulbs changes it didn't correct the problem. I'm very dissatisfied. Will you please help.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2020
The low beam headlights are VERY dim, like driving with night light bulbs. Cannot see in dark, MUST drive with high beams on. Apparently there was a class action suit filed and settled on this matter already, but there was a time limit which we were unaware of.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2017
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated the touchscreen became inoperable in 2017. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the cue screen needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred in 2021. The manufacturer was notified however no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 28,124 and 63,991.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2020
Car shook bad and made it hard to make turns, I broke down on the side of the road and had to buy a new drive shaft
Incident date: Mar 15, 2020
Car shook bad and made it hard to make turns, I broke down on the side of the road and had to buy a new drive shaft
Incident date: Mar 15, 2020
Car shook bad and made it hard to make turns, I broke down on the side of the road and had to buy a new drive shaft
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact mentioned that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, the Service Stabilitrak, and service traction control w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact mentioned that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, the Service Stabilitrak, and service traction control w... Read more