The Lemon Index
2009
20112nd generation
Better than average · most complaints: electrical
46 owner complaints, first 3 years 18–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2010 Acura RDX2010 BMW X32010 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC 70
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2010 Cadillac SRX
- Headlights192 complaintsmostly at 56,000–100,000 miles (90,000–161,000 km)
- Timing chain21 complaintsmostly at 90,000–123,000 miles (145,000–198,000 km)
- Engine stalling19 complaintsmostly at 29,000–83,000 miles (47,000–134,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 474 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Cadillac SRX (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 2,600 and 16,000 miles (4,200–26,000 km) (the middle half of the 42 complaints, of all 46 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V473000 (suspension), 14V571000 (suspension) and 14V447000 (seats) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Cadillac sent dealers 1505 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Gmc/chevrolet/cadillac/buick: a door may not open, intermittently, w/the outside handle and/or…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 46 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 16K miles (4K to 26K km) on the car (42 of all 46 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The whole car is a shame. Wiring harness fell and melted, lost brakes, computer wouldn't allow car to start, stabili track, power steering, radiator all failed. No side panels installed in door jams.
2010 Cadillac SRX owner · NHTSA complaint 10436582
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 10.8M views · 2010–2016 Cadillac SRX
Most-watched topics
- Infotainment, battery & electrical444K views
Cadillac SRX Dead Battery Replacement 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Fintech Repair Shop · 123K views · 8 videos - Brakes & ABS330K views
How To Replace Rear Brakes 2010-2016 Cadillac SRXTRQ · 72K views · 7 videos - Timing chain & engine262K views
2010-2016 Cadillac SRX Cabin AND Engine Filter Replacement Guide!David Waltermyer · 77K views · 5 videos - Driveshaft, axles & 4x4237K views
FAILED Order of Operations! DON"T SPLIT JOBS! 2015 Cadillac SRX 4 Leaking Axle SealRainman Ray's Repairs · 204K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Transmission & shifter219K views
2012-2016 Cadillac SRX Transmission Fluid Change DIYcookiehead2 · 81K views · 4 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors211K views
How to Replace Crankshaft Position Sensor 2010-2016 Cadillac SRXTRQ · 62K views · 6 videos - Steering & suspension142K views
How to Replace Front Strut Assembly 2010-2016 Cadillac SRXTRQ · 44K views · 5 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors113K views
2010 2011 Cadillac srx sun roof drain quick fix.meineke cinnaminsonAnthony Nastasi · 48K views · 4 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Cadillac SRX SUV 2nd Gen 2010-151A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 575K views
Cadillac SRX 2nd Gen 2010 to 2015 problems, defects, issues, recalls and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 39K views
2016 Cadillac SRX Problems and RecallMaxTheCarGuy · 12K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2010 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1505 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gmc/chevrolet/cadillac/buick: a door may not open, intermittently, w/the outside handle and/or…
- Various intermittent electrical concerns
- Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated, hard/no start, water on driver front floor, dtcs…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Suspension · recall issued 2021
The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.
- Suspension · recall issued 2014
On the affected vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster link may not be torqued to the proper specification.
- Seats · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Show all 6 recalls
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2011
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 26, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 23, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY S…
- Steering · recall issued 2010 2.8L engines only
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L GAS ENGINES (LAU) OR 3.0L GAS ENGINES (LF1).
- Engine · recall issued 2010 2.8L engines only
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CADILLAC SRX EQUIPPED WITH A 2.8L V6 ENGINE.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedRear toe link adjuster separation2020–2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$4,200 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.8L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Cadillac SRX year. 2010 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 13 Cadillac SRX years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2010 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-srx/?y=2010" title="Cadillac SRX reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="422" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-srx/2010/">Lemon Index</a> (2010 Cadillac SRX reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2010 Cadillac SRX reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew somewhat fewer complaints than the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 82; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac SRX year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2014.
What are the most common 2010 Cadillac SRX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (28%), body structure (17%) and transmission & drivetrain (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2010 Cadillac SRX have?
6 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Cadillac SRX get?
18 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2010 Cadillac SRX problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 2,600 and 16,000 miles (4,200–26,000 km) (the middle half of the 42 complaints, of all 46 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2010 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2010 Cadillac SRX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2010 Cadillac SRX cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $4,200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2010 Cadillac SRX have?
2.8L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Cadillac SRX year is better than the 2010?
Nearby, the 2011 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about two-thirds as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2014 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works