In 2011 I purchased a new cadillac srx in NJ. The car always had hesitation issues. In 2012 during a rain storm and flooding, the engine got wet (low to the ground) and required replacement. At the time I had about 23000 miles on the SRX. The insurance co. (nationwide) replaced same with a used engine (from as crash vehicle) and provided a life-time engine warranty - as long as I owned the vehicle it would be replaced if anything happened to it. In October 2014 the engine lights and stabiltrack lights were flashing on/off, etc. (I was told by the GM maintenance that no one knew about a stabiltrak light). The car was hesitating again and not operating at full capacity. I had taken care of all maintenance using only GM cadillac dealers. I was advised the timing chain was bad and needed replacement. I was also advised that because I was just at warranty expiration GM would replace it with minimal charge $300.00. Nothing was mentioned about an engine issue, just the timing chain. In January 2016, the engine lights were coming on/off again and the stabilitrack light again (a rain storm). I called the GM dealer and made an appointment for service. I came down with the flu and cancelled the appointment (on a Saturday) and requested a call back to reschedule (online). On the following Monday, while driving the vehicle, it started to hesitate again and began to lose power. I panicked as I was in heavy traffic. The engine light came on and the stabiltrak lights were flashing. As I attempted to navigate the car to the shoulder, the loss power source light came on and the SRX shut down. I managed to get it started again, but it was running rough and moving slow.

I called the dealer and cadillac roadside. I was advised by the GM dealer (the one who acquired and installed the original engine) and was told to try to drive the car in or wait for roadside. I waited for roadside. I was advised by the GM dealer that the timing chain broke and the pistons, etc., were stripped!!! Imagine my surpise to learn that I needed a new engine!!! $12,000!!!! WTH!!! I called Nationwide and they declined the repair citing - known issues with Cadillac SRX, mileage (now 149,000), and a quart low of oil is why the timiing chain "stretched" not "broke" and the lifetime warranty issued in 2012 was rescinded.

I filed a claim as well with GM, and after several calls, I was advised they would give me $2000 to buy a new car!!!! WTH!!! I owe $12,000 in a note on a new car and was just advised of a $12,000 repair for the same car!!! Absurd!!! I asked GM for repair assistance and my request was denied. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told that the answer would not change, because it was policy. Despite the fact that they knew of the SRX engine/timing chain problems!!! I asked GM to apply the $2,000 toward the repair and they stated it was against policy to do so.

I had the SRX towed back to the GM dealer where I purchased it. I feel GM and Nationwide should share the costs of repairing the vehicle, OR replace the vehicle - pay off the loan and provide me with some support to buy another one! No one from GM has bothered to call me.

This is my first time buying a GM product and it will be my last. I felt I was getting a car that I would feel safe and one that would last me a long, long time.