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: Aug 9, 2017
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was giving off excessive heat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was contacted and informed her that the vehicle was performing normally. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
The headlight casing allow water and condensation to cause the headlights to be extremely dim and makes visibility impossible for night time driving and is a hazard to everyone on the road.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2021
$70k for a vehicle and the screen spidered. Cadillac says not under recall. Not usable.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2021
$70k for a vehicle and the screen spidered. Cadillac says not under recall. Not usable.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that there was condensation on the inside of the headlight housing which resulted in the headlights needing to be replaced. The contact stated no warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the contact heard a roaring noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but did not find an issue with the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving however, the abnormal noise was still heard while the contact was driving the v... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V4730000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight swaying while ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlight housings were filled with water causing the illumination from the headlights to be very dim. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact to pay for the repairs and then there would be a reimbursement of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2021
Headlights leak moisture into housings and degrade headlight visibility at night to the point you can’t see the road!
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
Our mechanic told us that the differential is making a grinding sound and he add differential fluid, but said the problem would only get worse. The car only has 62k miles on it and it is VERY EXPENSIVE to have the differential replace/repaired. I feel that this is a defect of the car and should be recalled by Cadillac to have the differential replaced. For the differential to go bad at 60k mile... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
Our mechanic told us that the differential is making a grinding sound and he add differential fluid, but said the problem would only get worse. The car only has 62k miles on it and it is VERY EXPENSIVE to have the differential replace/repaired. I feel that this is a defect of the car and should be recalled by Cadillac to have the differential replaced. For the differential to go bad at 60k mile... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
There are multiple issues with the electrical / electronics The dealer has never found any data in the systems that shows issues. Driver speedometer screen disappears and will be gone for hours or a trip. Restarting car does not fix. Center console screen that shows camera information disappears and you have no camera. Can be one or multiple trips and restarting car does not fix Dealer says the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
There are multiple issues with the electrical / electronics The dealer has never found any data in the systems that shows issues. Driver speedometer screen disappears and will be gone for hours or a trip. Restarting car does not fix. Center console screen that shows camera information disappears and you have no camera. Can be one or multiple trips and restarting car does not fix Dealer says the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
There are multiple issues with the electrical / electronics The dealer has never found any data in the systems that shows issues. Driver speedometer screen disappears and will be gone for hours or a trip. Restarting car does not fix. Center console screen that shows camera information disappears and you have no camera. Can be one or multiple trips and restarting car does not fix Dealer says the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2020
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal unidentified loud noise detected. There was a loud noise detected from the wheel and while, driving over humps in colder weather. The stabilizer, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the sta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlights would fail to operate once moisture entered the headlight module. The contact stated that either the check right headlamp or check left headlamp warning message would appear on the instrument panel during the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that if the headlights were replaced by an indepe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2021
The Contact owns 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure milea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2021
4 Mar 2021 passenger side front wheel bearing failed while returning home from anniversary trip with 37,733 miles on our SRX. Dealer stated that SRX was out of warranty due to time after purchase. 5 July 2021 passenger side rear wheel bearing failed while returning home from family trip with 40,003 miles on our SRX. Called Cadillac Customer Care and received a case number. Immediately received a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2021
4 Mar 2021 passenger side front wheel bearing failed while returning home from anniversary trip with 37,733 miles on our SRX. Dealer stated that SRX was out of warranty due to time after purchase. 5 July 2021 passenger side rear wheel bearing failed while returning home from family trip with 40,003 miles on our SRX. Called Cadillac Customer Care and received a case number. Immediately received a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2021
4 Mar 2021 passenger side front wheel bearing failed while returning home from anniversary trip with 37,733 miles on our SRX. Dealer stated that SRX was out of warranty due to time after purchase. 5 July 2021 passenger side rear wheel bearing failed while returning home from family trip with 40,003 miles on our SRX. Called Cadillac Customer Care and received a case number. Immediately received a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated he was unable to see the roadway while driving at night using the low-beam headlights. The contact stated that the high-beam headlight was activated to see the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at 10mph and approaching a stop sign, the contact depressed on the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop which caused the contact to crash into the rear-end of the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. There was no medical treatment needed at the scene, however, the driver in ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 4, 2021
I brought my car to my trusted local mechanic, and he informed me that the noise I was hearing from the rear of my car was the differential. He also informed me that it was dangerous because it could lock up, causing my car to go into a skid and lose control. I did some due diligence on the internet and discovered it’s a common problem, and although it has been recalled on the sub model of the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2021
Cam shaft lifters are failing. Cam shaft needs to be rebuilt. Rough idle and tick sound from engine. Can cause catalytic converter to stop working and is hazardous and not solving right away can cause further damage to vehicle and damage vehicle while driving. Many have reported same problems.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2021
DIC(Digital information cluster) fails to come on when I start the car. This is an electronic dashboard and also affects all the steering wheel Controls including cruise control, turning signals and heads up display.Without the system you are essentially driving blind. I notified Cadillac customer service A few months ago and they said they would replace the part but I would have to pay for the la... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2021
DIC(Digital information cluster) fails to come on when I start the car. This is an electronic dashboard and also affects all the steering wheel Controls including cruise control, turning signals and heads up display.Without the system you are essentially driving blind. I notified Cadillac customer service A few months ago and they said they would replace the part but I would have to pay for the la... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2021
DIC(Digital information cluster) fails to come on when I start the car. This is an electronic dashboard and also affects all the steering wheel Controls including cruise control, turning signals and heads up display.Without the system you are essentially driving blind. I notified Cadillac customer service A few months ago and they said they would replace the part but I would have to pay for the la... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2021
2015 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENTS FOR REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE RELATED TO DEFECTS WITH VARIOUS SAFETY FEATURES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CUE SYSTEM FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the "Service Traction Control" and "Service Stabili-trak" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was informed by the auction that the failure was due to the low air pressure on the driver’s side rear tire. The contact stated while exiting a parking lot, the steering wheel locked-up. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the "Service Traction Control" and "Service Stabili-trak" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was informed by the auction that the failure was due to the low air pressure on the driver’s side rear tire. The contact stated while exiting a parking lot, the steering wheel locked-up. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2021
XT5 bumper-to-bumper warranty expired on 6-1-21. Both key fobs suddenly quit working on 7-17-21. Took to dealer 7-21-21. Cost me $300. Got it back on 7-26-21. Drove vehicle for the first time after getting it back on 7-28-21. Key fob quit working again briefly then started after I kept trying for a few minutes. After driving for 5 miles, the car completely died on very busy road - no steering, no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2021
XT5 bumper-to-bumper warranty expired on 6-1-21. Both key fobs suddenly quit working on 7-17-21. Took to dealer 7-21-21. Cost me $300. Got it back on 7-26-21. Drove vehicle for the first time after getting it back on 7-28-21. Key fob quit working again briefly then started after I kept trying for a few minutes. After driving for 5 miles, the car completely died on very busy road - no steering, no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2021
XT5 bumper-to-bumper warranty expired on 6-1-21. Both key fobs suddenly quit working on 7-17-21. Took to dealer 7-21-21. Cost me $300. Got it back on 7-26-21. Drove vehicle for the first time after getting it back on 7-28-21. Key fob quit working again briefly then started after I kept trying for a few minutes. After driving for 5 miles, the car completely died on very busy road - no steering, no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently downshift without warning. After a few minutes, the contact would be able to resume normal driving upon restart. The contact called a dealer about the failure and was informed that unless a warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel, they could not diagnose the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently downshift without warning. After a few minutes, the contact would be able to resume normal driving upon restart. The contact called a dealer about the failure and was informed that unless a warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel, they could not diagnose the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the rear end of the vehicle started swerving uncontrollably. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle needed an alignment. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The dealer was made aware of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2021
There is a recall on my vehicle and GM has advised they can't or won't be able to fix it in a timely manner.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 30, 2021
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS T0 ENGINE FAILURE.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE NA
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 30, 2021
Incident date: Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound and then saw smoke coming from under the hood. Other drivers were honking at the contact and alerted him that there was oil leaking from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to the d... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
airbags light turned on, my seatbelts just stopped working and are tight, my radio screen just went blank. I can’t drive the vehicle because of no proper working seatbelts. If i was to wreck there is nothing to prevent me the driving or my front passenger from being ejected. Ive taken my vehicle to my dealership that confirmed the airbag sensor says they have been suddenly deployed the dealer al... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
airbags light turned on, my seatbelts just stopped working and are tight, my radio screen just went blank. I can’t drive the vehicle because of no proper working seatbelts. If i was to wreck there is nothing to prevent me the driving or my front passenger from being ejected. Ive taken my vehicle to my dealership that confirmed the airbag sensor says they have been suddenly deployed the dealer al... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
airbags light turned on, my seatbelts just stopped working and are tight, my radio screen just went blank. I can’t drive the vehicle because of no proper working seatbelts. If i was to wreck there is nothing to prevent me the driving or my front passenger from being ejected. Ive taken my vehicle to my dealership that confirmed the airbag sensor says they have been suddenly deployed the dealer al... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2021
The cue system on my Cadillac cracked and it’s affecting my screen. No music no navigation. No air nothing and an annoying beep every 60 seconds.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2021
The cue system on my Cadillac cracked and it’s affecting my screen. No music no navigation. No air nothing and an annoying beep every 60 seconds.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving downhill at approximately 35 mph, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle drove into the opposite lane before stopping on the side of the roadway. Upon inspection, it was determined that the rear passenger’s side wheel had detached. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving during the nighttime, she was unable to properly see the street, requiring the use of the high beam headlights. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that an unknown headlight exterior component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving on a mountain at a slow speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,331.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2021
Recall has been a month already with no fix. I am without a vehicle, when is this recall going to be fixed?
Incident date: Jun 8, 2021
Because of the poor design of the headlights on the Cadillac SRX, I was afraid to drive at night because the lights are too dim to see the road ahead. After being pulled over by a police officer for driving with my headlights on bright, I made the financial sacrifice to pay for replacement headlight units. I'm glad I did because it makes a world of difference and I may have saved my life.
Incident date: May 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CT4. The contact stated that the "Service Safety Restraint System" message was displayed on the instrument panel while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not yet being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure m... Read more