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Vehicle safety record

2016 Cadillac SRX Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 169 complaints about the 2016 Cadillac SRX with NHTSA, most often about the lights (98) and the suspension (16). Those complaints describe 11 crashes, 1 fire, 10 injuries and 3 deaths. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in May 2026 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2015 has 443.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical SRX year, for its age

#65 most complained-about 2016 vehicle

Complaints
169
Recalls
2
Crashes
11
Fires
1
Injuries
10
Deaths
3

Most common 2016 Cadillac SRX problems

Share of all 169 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2016 Cadillac SRX recalls 2

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

Air bags: inflator module

26V3290005,014 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.

Suspension: rear

21V473000380,498 vehicles affected

Do not drive
The problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles. The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.
The risk
A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Owners are advised to not drive their vehicle if they experience certain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warnings or other issues, such as unusual steering behavior, while driving. Please see the Part 573 report for the full list of warnings. Dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable one, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2021. Cadillac and Saab customers may direct questions to Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N212340980.

What owners say

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169 complaints about the 2016 Cadillac SRX

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.

BrakesAirbags

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. While starting the vehicle, the air bag and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brakes, transmission fluid, TPMS sensor, radiator fluid, and front-driver's air bag needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V329000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was 138,199.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Air bagsNHTSA 11772425
Lights

low beam head lights are very dim, to dim to see while driving. Apparently this is a problem that Cadillac and/or GM knows about but isn't doing anything to resolve. Heat from the bulbs basically melt the chrome off of the reflector plate so light does not shine out on the road. This could be a very big hazzard while driving, deer, children etc can not be seen with the lights as they are. To replace are ridiculosly expensive to the customer but doesnt seem like it would be for the dealer!! Complete neglect on the manufacturs end.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11742396
Body, doors & structure

Vehicle Body Exterior Paint Coating Peeling I am reporting widespread paint delamination/clear coat failure on my 2016 Cadillac SRX. The paint began peeling and flaking across multiple panels including the hood, roof, and additional body panels. The vehicle has been well maintained and has never been in an accident. A Cadillac dealership inspected the vehicle in February 2026, photographed the damage, and confirmed paint delamination affecting multiple panels. A case was opened with Cadillac/General Motors...

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Customer Assistance and escalated to the Executive Office. Despite dealership confirmation and escalation to a District Manager, General Motors declined to provide meaningful repair assistance and only offered approximately $350 toward spot repair, which does not address the widespread failure. This appears to be a paint adhesion/clear coat defect affecting the vehicle's exterior finish. I am filing this complaint to document the defect and add to any existing records regarding GM paint delamination issues. Vehicle: 2016 Cadillac SRX Issue first noticed: 2025 Dealership inspection: February 2026 GM Case Number: [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11737967
Lights

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night at various speeds, the low beam headlights were very dim, causing the contact to drive using the high beam headlights to properly see the roadway. The contact replaced the halogen headlight bulbs with LED bulbs; however, the low beam headlights were still dim while driving at night. The contact became aware that the reflective surface on the headlights was burned out. The contact stated that the halogen bulbs appeared to be...

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degrading, and there were bubbles on the bulbs. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11729496
Lights

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the fog covering the headlights could not be removed and that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The dealer informed the contact that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11723489
Brakes

BRAKE, ABS, Wrench, check engine lights all began intermittently coming on. Before we could bring it into the dealer, it went into "limp mode" while at a very dangerous time and would not move forward while in "Drive". Had to abandon the car in a roadside parking lot. Finally able to get it to the dealer and after their inspection we were told it was NOT repairable. The EBCM module (part of the brake system) was defective and NO parts existed. When we pressed the dealer, no other options or resolutions were...

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offered. Even if a part could be found at eBay, re-manufacturers, or junk yards, they would not touch it. I have had not luck finding a part, re-manufacturer, or repair shop that could be of any help. Right now it is a worthless piece of junk. All correspondence with the dealer has been verbal to this point.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11700756
SteeringSuspension

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel began shaking violently and the vehicle fishtailed and failed to steer as intended. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was then taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11697567
Lights

I purchased the car June 2025 ,The headlights go so dim that you can not see at night, I contacted Cadillac and they are only willing to give me $200. towards the $2000. repair it would cost even though the headlights used on the 2016 Cadillac SRX is the same ones that were recalled on the 2015. They said they have no more programs to help me fix this issues.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11696787
Lights

My lights are very dim as if they aren't on.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11689760
Lights

Subject: Complaint Regarding Unsafe Headlight Design - 2016 Cadillac SRX To whom it may concern, We own a 2016 Cadillac SRX and are extremely concerned about the safety of the vehicle's headlights. The low beams are so dim that we are unable to drive safely at night. When we resort to using the high beams, oncoming drivers frequently flash their lights at us, indicating that we are blinding them. Bottom line, car is unusable at night !!! A few years ago, I brought this issue to the attention of our local...

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Cadillac service department. Unfortunately, I was told there was nothing they could do, despite acknowledging that the headlight design is a known problem. They quoted us over $1,600 for a repair, without offering any goodwill assistance or cost reduction - even though this is clearly a design flaw, not a wear-and-tear issue. This does not seem fair, especially considering our vehicle has only 71,749 miles on it - in todays standards, essentially like new for a luxury vehicle. We are disappointed that Cadillac has not taken responsibility for a safety issue that affects many drivers. We ask that Cadillac stand behind its product and work with us to resolve this issue in a reasonable and customer-friendly way. Sincerely, [[redacted]] [[redacted]] /// [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11676475
Lights

we have a 2016 SRX AWD Cadillac and we can not drive at night, the head light is way to dim, and when placing on high beam - blind oncoming cars "AI info: If you can't see well at night and your 2016 Cadillac SRX has factory HID headlights, there's a chance that faded lenses, worn bulbs, or a defective ballast is the issue - and GM/Cadillac may or may not cover it"

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11667066
Suspension

The contact owns a 2016 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11655193
LightsDriver assistance

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Back over preventionNHTSA 11653679
Lights

The headlights on my 2016 SRX Cadillac have extremely dim headlights. I can barely see in front of me at night. The drivers side light is especially dim. The only way I can see is if I drive with my highbeams on. When I'm driving with my regular lights on and a car is coming at me I feel blinded. I'm scared to drive at night. I fear that I'm going to hit something or someone. This has been going on for a while now and at first I thought I was imagining things, and perhaps it was my eyesight, but it's absolutely...

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not. I've read online countless accounts of other people with 2010-2016 Cadillac srx that have the exact same problem as me. I just took it into the mechanic to have him look at the headlights.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11647717
Visibility & wipers

The headlights on low beam , have become too dim. we have replaced the bulbs , but they did the same thing. Low beam visibility is definitely a safety issue. Took the vehicle to a body shop, and they concluded the whole light assembly would need replacement, to remedy the issue. No warning lights or messages have ever appeared. We had them replace both light assemblies, and the problem was resolved. We feel it should be a warranty issue.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11641279
Lights

The headlights, when put in "dim/low beam" are almost non working. One can see the lights are working, but it is almost like driving blind. The dealership people know about the problem and stated that the heat on the lens cover, inside the headlight assembly causes that cover to warp, deform and will not permit adequate light to shine out. They then told me the assembly parts and labor would be over $3000. This issue is dangerous because on an unlighted street with no accompanying traffic to provide lighting, it...

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is almost like having no headlights at all. The dealership and Cadillac know about the issue but refuse to do anything about the problem that is due to their own faulty manufacturing.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11638625
SteeringSuspensionBrakes

Case #: [[redacted]] ] I have a 2016 Cadillac SRX (VIN: [[redacted]] ) that I have owned for 8 years. Throughout this period, I have encountered some minor issues that were easily remedied. On [[redacted]], I started my car and some warning light came on. •The ABS light •The power steering light •The anti-skid traction light I contacted Scranton Motors in Vernon, CT and was told I had a faulty brake module: part number 20842710. Furthermore, I was told that this part number has been discontinued and no longer...

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available. I contacted Cadillac customer care and spoke to customer service rep Alegra 866-790-5600 at extension 5918222 and she gave me a list of suppliers who may have this part. Again, I was told that this part was discontinued. The parts department had to go to the aftermarket to see if they could locate this part. It was found on eBay. I was told that the part could be installed but there is NO guarantee that it would work. I was left with no choice but to have the part installed knowing that I would be driving an unsafe vehicle that could malfunction at any time. As stated earlier this vehicle is about 8 years and what I do not understand is why Cadillac would stop production on such a critical part that could cause physical harm to its passengers. In doing some investigating I found the Cadillac Forum in which other owners experience the same problem. I have owned 4 Cadillacs over the last 9 years and for the most part I have been very happy with their performance. It appears to me that Cadillac should take some responsibility and compensate me for not producing a safe vehicle to drive. The trade in value according to Kelley Blue. Book is $14,000 and therefore, I should be reimbursed accordingly On December 12, 2024, I received a phone call from Scranton Motors advising me that the part that they had received from eBay did not work. Therefore, I cannot operate this vehicle and it is totally useless. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Service brakesNHTSA 11630384
Suspension

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension); the vehicle could not properly be aligned. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on a bumpy road surface, the vehicle shuddered, and the rear of the vehicle was pulling to the left. Additionally, the contact stated that the tires had become damaged prematurely. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The...

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manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty, and the contact would need to pay for the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11626247
Lights

Low beam headlights are very dim, failing to illuminate the roadway, even with the brightest halogen bulbs available. creates a safety hazard as driver cannot sufficiently see the road ahead, especially when meeting an oncoming vehicle. In my vehicle it is worse on the driver's side, but both are extremely dim. Vehicle is unsafe to drive at night, creating hazardous situation for this vehicle as well as oncoming traffic. I purchased this vehicle used, as is, with no knowledge of headlight issues on this make/model vehicle.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11625480
Lights

Purchased a 2016 Cadillac SRX a few years ago as a used car. Noticed that the headlights were extremely dim. Brought it to a Cadillac dealership and asked them to investigate it. They mentioned that they had thought there was a recall at some point regarding the lights for these cars, but it may have expired. I checked with General Motors, and they did not find a recall for these headlights for the specific vehicle make/model. The dealership told me that I could have the lights replaced, but it would cost around...

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$200 per light. Driving this vehicle at night poses a risk and a safety hazard for me as the driver, as I cannot see the road as well as I should be able to. I often have to drive with my bright lights on to see properly. This is a real concern of mine and wanted to ask if there is anything that your organization can do to assist me with the issue. Thank you.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11614031
LightsVisibility & wipers

I recently had to drive at night. The low beams are so dim you cannot drive. I have to drive with the high beams. The low beams are on, but not bright enough to drive. What is the fix for this. Thanks

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11603152
Wheels & tires

Vehicle is low mileage for its age (@ 30,000 miles) . Four (4) Goodyear tires identified in this report were purchase 04/28/2024 and as of 07/01/2024 had been driven @ 600 miles. On 07/01/2024, the rear drivers' side tire deflated while the vehicle was operational. Vehicle was immediately pulled off the roadway into a parking lot. Tire was removed by roadside service and at that time was noticed a clear "rupture" (although the tire was deflated, the sidewall had a noticeable bulge covering approximately 20% of the tires sidewall surface).

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11598093
Lights

RE: 2016 Cadilliac SRX Low Beam Headlights The low beam headlights on the vehicle are extremely dim. It makes it challenging turning onto a street or intersection which does not have its own lighting or another car in the opposite lane. Due to the low visibility, I am forced to excursive judgement to ensure you are in the correct lane. My passengers have even noticed it and had other people drive the car at night with me and they said the same. I purchased the with 36,497 miles. I did speak to Cadillac prior, they...

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knew about the issue, told me I to take it to one of the auto parties, I would have to pay for the new assembly and then send it to them to be reimbursed. At the time the estimate was around 2,200. Due to this issue try not to drive at night, especially on streets with no lights. Have you all received a lot of complaints about this head light issue? Has a recall been issued?

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11595991
Lights

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the low-beam headlights did not provide proper illumination while driving. The contact stated that the low-beam headlights illuminated the roadway very dim, and the high-beam headlights worked as intended. As a result, the visibility of the roadway was impaired, and the high-beam headlights were needed to drive safely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the headlight relay could be replaced; however, it might...

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only be a temporary fix. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11595124
Electrical system

Water makes its way inside the car. Drains seems to be clogged and interior carpet and roof gets wet. As a result lift gate will no longer open as water made its way to the back.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11577905

Cadillac SRX: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20191000BrakesA
20161692111LightsC
20154434123LightsD
20143902162LightsD
20133935155LightsD
20124173324LightsD
All SRX years

2016 Cadillac SRX vs rivals

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.

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Questions about the 2016 Cadillac SRX

Does the 2016 Cadillac SRX have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Cadillac SRX: inflator module (May 2026); rear (June 2021). 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 2016 Cadillac SRX?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (98), suspension (16), electrical system (15).

How many complaints has the 2016 Cadillac SRX had?

169 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 17, 2016 and the latest on October 20, 2026. Of these, 11 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 10 injuries and 3 deaths.

Is the 2016 Cadillac SRX a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 54 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?
What should I do if my 2016 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

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