- The problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- The risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Cadillac SRX Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 218 complaints about the 2004 Cadillac SRX with NHTSA, most often about the driver assistance (43) and the electrical system (36). Those complaints describe 16 crashes, 2 fires and 17 injuries. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in July 2014 for the ignition. For comparison, the 2005 has 122.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical SRX year, for its age
#59 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 218
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 16
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 17
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Cadillac SRX problems
Share of all 218 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Cadillac SRX recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Gm is recalling 17,301 my 2004 cadillac srx vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the transmission shift lever can be moved from the "park" position with the ignition "on" and without the operator depressing the brake pedal or, in some cases, the shifter can be moved from the "park" position with the ignition turned off.
- The risk
- If the vehicle is parked or parked on a slope, this condition could allow the vehicle to roll increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the pawl stopper and a bushing within the shifter assembly free of charge. The recall began on december 3, 2008. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or through their website at <a href=http://www.Gmownercenter.Com>http://www.Gmownercenter.Com</a> .
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, 'Accelerator control systems.' If one of the two accelerator pedal return springs fails and the temperature is -22 degrees f to -40 degrees f, the engine may not return to idle within three seconds, as required.
- The risk
- If this were to occur, greater brake pedal force and a longer distance may be required to stop the vehicle.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly. This recall began on march 8, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, an interaction between the sensing and diagnostic module and vehicle's electrical system may cause the driver's frontal air bag and/or roof-mounted side impact air bag to deploy when the ignition key is turned to the "on" position.
- The risk
- A person positioned for driving may receive minor injuries, such as abrasions, from contact with a deploying air bag.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. The recall began on may 20, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles involved in this campaign, the lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers were made of the wrong material. The washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, reducing clamp load. Separation of the control arm ball stud and steering knuckle, due to disengagement of the tapered attachment and retaining nut, is possible.
- The risk
- If the control arm separates from the knuckle, the affected corner of the vehicle will drop and the control arm would be forced downward, contacting the wheel. The affected wheel could tilt outward and create a dragging action that would tend to slow the vehicle and create a tendency for the vehicle to turn in the direction of the affected wheel. In extreme situations, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel;s hydraulic brake hose and result in diminished braking performance of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the ball stud joints and measure the torque of the nut for all front lower control arms in all models affected as well as the rear lower control arms on the xlr and corvette. If the torque is not at specification, the dealers will replace the ball stud, the knuckle, and the nut. If the torque is at specification, the dealers will replace the nut/washer assembly only. The recall will begin on august 25, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with all wheel drive, the antilock brake system (abs) may improperly temporarily isolate the driver from the foundation brake system for a maximum of 1.25 Seconds.
- The risk
- This can cause in an increase in braking distance, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will reprogram the abs traction control system controller. Owner notification began on may 10, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
- The problem
- Certain passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, "Seating systems." One or both front anchor tabs for the front bucket seats are not engaged in the floor pan reinforcement slots. A seat with only one tab engaged or neither engaged would not meet the static rearward loading test requirements of the standard.
- The risk
- In some crash conditions, the seat could pivot rearward and its occupant or a rear seat occupant could be injured more severely.
- The fix
- Dealers will ensure that both front anchor tabs are fully seated in the floor pan reinforcement slots. Owner notification began september 19, 2003. Owners should contact gm at 1-800-458-8006.
What owners say
Be the first SRX owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
218 complaints about the 2004 Cadillac SRX
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the power steering and power brakes were inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall related to the failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and a dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the electronic stability control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Sun roof exploded in my driveway.
2004 Cadillac SRX had emissions recall work completed in 2008. Since that time GM and Cadillac have had numerous recalls in subsequent model years with the same issue. Emissions problems have reoccurred. The problem is actually not being fixed if it keeps reoccurring. This affects the air we breathe. Vehicle has been inspected.
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel system was faulty, a yaw sensor was faulty, and a battery sensor was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
While sitting at a friend's house on a hill my brakes went completely out once I hit them they went to the floor and we eended up hitting a tree stump that saved us from going off a steep cliff to possibly hurting each and everyone of us in the car.
While driving down the road the sunroof detached causing me to have to grab it to stop from flying off while going 75mph down the highway. And then hold it on while I operated the vehicle to a safer place to duck tape it back down. This caused the sunroof to obviously not operate properly any longer as well obviously...
Ran out of gas after putting gas in the car tried to start it and the ignition got stuck and continued to try to start on its own I had to pull the back to the off position I tried to start it again and it would not start and the lights on the dash And the radio control center did not come on. And car will not even try to start before this the car had been cutting off while driving down the road for no reason and it kept showing a check stability control warning and low tire pressure even though tires were not low at all
This vehicle needs a recall immediately as the issue can result in an accident or death to the driver/ passengers/ other drivers on the road. While driving this vehicle at any speed on both the highway and city streets, it abruptly shifts into another lane while driving straight and does not allow you to press on the brakes or move the steering wheel for a few seconds to gain control of the vehicle. A "service stability system" warning pops up on the screen directly afterwards and a loud warning sound constantly...
Read the full complaint
rings through the car until you stop the vehicle and turn it off for a few minutes. Driving the car again repeats the same problem. Research of the issue shows that many owners of this vehicle have the same issue and upon inspection at the mechanic, most are not given a solution. Some blogs say replacing the "steering wheel sensor" has solved their problem however I have replaced the sensor along with the entire steering power steering rack, brakes, tires, and several other parts and in a year I am still having the same problem every single time I drive. This is dangerous and the company needs to recall and investigate the issue before someone is seriously hurt.
This car has a panoramic sun roof. The entire roof of the car is glass. As I was driving on the highway the entire sunroof (the glass panels, the tracks, the sunroof motors, the rack) completely flew off and the entire assembly almost hit another car behind it. . I guess the wind got under it and ripped the sunroof from the car. The sunroof was closed. Upon further inspection I come to find out that the panoramic roof is installed and secured with only glue. There are no bolts that secure the roof to the car. The glue must've been getting old and allowed the wind to tear the rest of it apart.
About a week after I bought my 2004 cadillac srx, it started jerking and making a loud clicking or popping sound, later found out that a few sprockets inside the transfer case had broke off and the chain? Was slipping. This was the rear, the carlots mechanic fixed it, then the battery and alternator had to be replaced and the throttle body intake had to be opened and cleaned because it wasnt opening like it is designed to do, and so the exhaust was getting trapped in the exhaust manifold. One summer day in traffic...
Read the full complaint
it cut off all power, we ended up getting it started again to get out of the road, and it got us back home, that was a year ago and it hasnt ran since. Also if you had traction control turned on, the abs would apply themselves which sometimes felt unsafe. Always got an error message on the screen saying to service the stablitrax system or to repair the traction control and the tire things that tell you how much air is in each tire, we had 1 that didnt register at all. The sunroof shade was shut when I bought it and in traffic it sprung open fast and loud and it was a scary site when you have children in the backseat and your in heavy traffic. This vehicle needs several recalls issued and fixed, so many have reported the same issues over and over, some life threatening and no one has done anything to help these people, if like me low income they dont want to go thru buying another car they want their cadillac srx fixed so they can actually get use of what they paid for. The car lot told me to use unleaded gasoline but the book says to use premium, can gm clear this up please!!
I was driving and the vehicle just cut off on me every thing locked up even the brakes I couldn't stop so I chunked the gear in park to avoid from smashing into anyone I was so afraid but it crank right up after but I noticed the temperature gauge and the gas gauge was no longer working..
My car was sitting in the driveway when I started to drive off the car jerked a little then I applied the break. Still in the driveway,i tried to continue on but noticed the car wouldn't move. Ahad it placed on a code reader,p2122,accelerator position sensor circuit d low .Replaced pedal,still the same thing. *Tr
My headlights do not provide enough light to be safe. I cannot see when they are on the low beam, and others flash their lights at me as if to say they can't see me either. I can see well when the high beams are on, then oncoming traffic flashes they are too bright and blinding them. I have seen numerous reports of this issue for this vehicle on the internet. This is not an isolated incident. I have stopped driving at night due to the fact I can not see. After all the complaints that ave been file cadillac needs...
Read the full complaint
to issue a recall, and fix the problem. I have had to change my life style because of this issue. I guess it is going to take someone/someone's getting killed before this issue is corrected by cadillac. This issue was not disclosed to me when I bought the car.
Vehicle has been making a loud clicking sound when I'm stopped and take off took to my local mechanic and was diagnosed as the transfer case slipping! I have to small children I drive daily and have read this is a ongoing issue with these vehicles
To be honest I think someone already probably submitted my license plate that's how unsafe it is if you need pics and etc I was told this could be related to the steering. *Bf the consumer stated the vehicle made a popping cracking noise. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the noise. *Js
I was driving it got to stop sign went to accelerate and it wouldn't go I then turned it off waited a few minutes started it up and off we went it drove fine for about 5 miles then it started like jerking so I got it home safely next day driving it on the highway it would not accelerate got it off the highway safely I shut it off waited 10 minutes started it up and it accelerated fine for about 20 minutes then I just wanted to get it back home normally it is a half hour ride it took about an hour and a half to get...
Read the full complaint
it back home so I waited till next day went out started it up we pulled out fine got to stop sign went to accelerate to pull out and the only thing it did was rev the rpm up I turned it off waited a few minutes started it back up and then it accelerated to pull out the car only has 132,056 miles on it , it is a safety hazard , I am now afraid to drive it anywhere, I believe this should be enough to be on the list as a recall I read on forums alot of other people are having the same issue.
The stability system engages and disengages on its own. I have seen several fourms and reports as to people having the same issue . Happens at least 1 time a day but usually several times a day. When you are driving down the road (which is the only time it physically engages it) the stability system warning like comes on and says to service stability system and the system will engage on it's own. This is extremely dangerous as when this happens the car applys the brakes on it's own and they get alot of vibrations and it pushes the car left or right from the front end , almost got into a wreck and would love for a recall to me published for this because this is a serious safety concern .
So many rusted frame complaints should have warranted a recall. In my case a frame should not have rusted badly in less than a year . Many even show on you -tube trying to fix rusted frames because no one is listening. Underbody coating actually should have been added . Thin sheet metal sections are the worst parts .
Driving straight down a two lane road immediately started losing power. The tc light and engine light came on and stayed on. Also, the stability system check came on. Try to reset but tested it according to manual and as backing out of driveway the lights come back on and stay on. Purchased vehicle in april 2017 and one thing after another seems to happen. How do I know recalls have been fixed? When on look up on nhtsa shows there are no unfixed recalls but I believe they've never been fixed. Also, after rainy days if you lift up tailgate water comes pouring out.
Stability traction control and anti-lock brakes and check engine light will not go off even after computer module wheel bearings 02 sensors were changed while driving on local city streets in mount vernon ny while turning the anti lock brakes engages and makes the brake pedal shake and the steering wheel gets tight this has been happening for about 2 years now and ongoing
I made a free right hand turn into traffic from a stationary position but when I attempted to accelerate there was a loud thunking/ratcheting sound from under my car and it wouldn't move. I was almost rear ended by an angry driver and I was furiously honked at by multiple people. Mechanic informed me that the noise is from a failing transfer case which seems to be a common issue for this particular vehicle based on web research.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac srx. The contact stated that the traction control system and check engine warning indicators were illuminated all the time. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was water intrusion that shorted the harness on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 95047378414. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Loss of acceleration power while driving have to pull over kill and crank again. Cars seems to be slowing down then having to stop and recrank. Does this while driving on hwy. This has happened several times before this date.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac srx. While driving various speeds, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and heard a loud abnormal noise. In addition, the vehicle shook. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transfer case fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac srx. The contact stated that the transmission engaged the traction control independently and the vehicle would brake and drive at the same time. An abnormal screeching sound was heard when the failures occurred. There were no warning indicators illuminated; however, the message "stability system engaged" appeared. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was taken to ed bozarth chevrolet (5501 drexel road, las vegas, nv 89130, (702) 948-8011), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Cadillac SRX: every year compared
All SRX years2004 Cadillac SRX vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Cadillac SRX | 218 | 7 | C | |
| 2004 Cadillac CTS | 229 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Cadillac Deville | 174 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Cadillac Escalade | 103 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV | 91 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT | 81 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Cadillac XLR | 33 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Cadillac Seville | 17 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 Cadillac SRX
Does the 2004 Cadillac SRX have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2004 Cadillac SRX: ignition (July 2014); automatic transmission (October 2008); accelerator pedal (February 2005); air bags (January 2005) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Cadillac SRX?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the driver assistance (43), electrical system (36), transmission & drivetrain (35).
How many complaints has the 2004 Cadillac SRX had?
218 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 19, 2003 and the latest on February 18, 2026. Of these, 16 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 17 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Cadillac SRX a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 46 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Cadillac SRX year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Cadillac SRX years have the most complaints?
2010 (474), 2011 (447), 2015 (443). See every Cadillac SRX year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Cadillac SRX has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data