The Lemon Index
201120132nd generation
Better than average · most complaints: body structure
46 owner complaints, first 3 years 18–19 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2012 BMW X3 242012 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC 162012 Lincoln MKX 47
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2012 Cadillac SRX
- Headlights185 complaintsmostly at 58,000–98,000 miles (94,000–158,000 km)
- Engine stalling13 complaintsmostly at 40,000–95,000 miles (64,000–153,000 km)
- Sunroof leak or shatter13 complaintsmostly at 80,000–110,000 miles (129,000–177,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 417 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 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 3,500 and 34,000 miles (5,600–54,000 km) (the middle half of the 39 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? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1616 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “The front or rear door may not open from the inside or outside handle, the door will not…”?
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 3K to 33K miles (6K to 54K km) on the car (39 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
When breaking have a very unusual smell coming from the break. Vehicle has a 2 to 4 second delay when applying the gas. The hatch back will open by its self and sometimes close by it self.
2012 Cadillac SRX owner · NHTSA complaint 10609996
More owner reports
I was attempting to gain speed when all of a sudden my vehicle lost acceleration and the engine rpms increased as if my vehicle was accelerating. I took it to the dealer and my transfer case module needs to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint 10632072
Wide a- pillars restrict forward visibility. I have had near accidents by pulling out in front of vehicle which was blocked from view by a-pillar.
NHTSA complaint 10511642
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 2012 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 1616 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The front or rear door may not open from the inside or outside handle, the door will not…
- Door lock actuators inoperative - passive entry and/or button press
- Service update for inventory vehicles only
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- 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.
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 test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac SRX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cadillac SRX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,150–$3,350 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Cadillac SRX year. 2012 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 2012 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-srx/?y=2012" 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/2012/">Lemon Index</a> (2012 Cadillac SRX reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2012 Cadillac SRX reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 72; 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 2012 Cadillac SRX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (17%), speed control (15%) and airbags (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Cadillac SRX have?
3 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 2012 Cadillac SRX get?
18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Cadillac SRX safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Cadillac SRX problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 3,500 and 34,000 miles (5,600–54,000 km) (the middle half of the 39 complaints, of all 46 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2012 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 2012 Cadillac SRX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Cadillac SRX cost in fuel a year?
About $3,150 to $3,350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Cadillac SRX have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What Cadillac SRX year is better than the 2012?
Nearby, the 2014 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit over half as many complaints as the average car).
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