10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
45,929 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Cadillac SRX lights problems

lights problem

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2012 Cadillac SRX Owner Comments (Page 3 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #168

Nov 232020

SRX

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Headlights are dim with moisture inside the headlight assembly. Had replace once and problem still exists. Unable to drive in low light or darkness due to the lack of illumination. Class action lawsuits previously filed noted that the headlight assemblies fail due to faulty gaskets allowing moisture to damage the lamps to failure.

- Lagrange, KY, USA

problem #167

Oct 152020

SRX

  • miles
My headlights are very dim and unable to see clearly at night. It appears that moisture has gotten into the headlights and making the head lamps non visable. I believe this was a class action lawsuit about the damaged headlamps. I can not drive at night.

- Berwick, PA, USA

problem #166

Sep 162020

SRX

  • 98,000 miles
After a heavy storm, I attempted to start my car that was parked in the driveway, but nothing in the car would respond to the key fob or push to start. After jumping the battery, we were able to start the vehicle, however, the electrical systems were erratically shutting off and restarting. The gauges and system lights kept blinking and turning off. The engine began to smoke, so I turned the vehicle off. There was a musty smell which provoked me to search for water intrusion. The front floorboards were soaking wet. I couldn't get the liftgate open, so I climbed into the rear area and found compartments that had standing water. The rear carpets were also wet. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership, and they informed me that the storm caused debri to clog the sunroof drains causing the overflow pans to pour into the vehicle. This caused the liftgate module to initiate a perpetual signal to the battery causing it to die. I also had water and fogging built up in the headlight covers reducing the lamp output. After researching this issue, I found that it is a very common design flaw that GM refuses to admit or even cover repairs beyond the initial manufacturer's warranty. This is very disconcerting because I'm sure the issue will happen again when there's a rain downpour, and it's only a matter of time before the water corrodes the liftgate module or other electronic components. Water avoidance is not an option. I feel that GM should own this problem they created and provide a permanent solution to the issue.

- Cantonment, FL, USA

problem #165

Jan 152020

SRX

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Headlights got very dim over time. Reached the point that I had to drive with the upper beams on at night. Also had moisture in one headlamp assembly.

- Addison, IL, USA

problem #164

Nov 202017

SRX

  • 70,000 miles
Headlights on normal use setting (not hi-beam) are on but so low brightness wise it is impossible to drive at night using them. You have to use hi-beam all the time which is a larger hazard for us and others on the road. In looking closely at the headlights, the silver part to make the reflection work, is all black. Replacing the bulbs does nothing to improve the quality of vision when using the lights on the normal setting. A letter was sent to reimburse for replacements, however, it had to be used in a short time frame and we would have had to come up with more money than was going to be reimbursed according to the dealer. This should be a full blown recall with zero out of pocket. It is dangerous!

- Wesley Chapel, FL, USA

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problem #163

Jul 012019

SRX

  • 66,878 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac Srx. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were dim. The contact took the vehicle to penske Cadillac of South bay service (18600 hawthorne blvd suite #101, torrance, ca 90504) where she was informed that moisture entered the headlights which had caused them to dim. The contact then received a notice from Cadillac in regards to the headlights, that stated that the manufacturer was aware of the issue with the headlights. The letter gave the contact instructions on how to receive a reimbursement for the headlights if the vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The contact then took the vehicle back to the dealer where she had the headlights repaired. The contact also had the driver's seat repaired out of pocket due to the seat moving back in forth while the vehicle was in motion. The manufacturer was then notified of the repair that was made to her headlights. The manufacturer then informed her that her vehicle was not under recall and that she was not entitled to a reimbursement. Upon investigation, the contact also discovered NHTSA campaign number: 14V447000 (seats) which she linked to the seat failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 66,878.

- Inglewood, CA, USA

problem #162

Jun 212020

SRX

  • 49,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I went help a family member at their house. I got later in the day and by the time I was ready to leave it had become dark. Backing out of the driveway I noticed the the visibility was poor due to the back window being much higher than I was used to. I only had the vehicle a week so I used the mirrors mostly and figured I wasn't use to it yet. When I noticed the headlights were very dim, I thought I did something wrong and didn't turn them on and maybe they were in "daylight" driving mode. Not being familiar with the dash boards buttons I was scrambling push the right headlight setting, it was also raining pretty hard nothing seemed to help so I just drove home very slowly and nervous wondering why a 55 thousand dollar SUV had such crappy headlights, I read a lot complaints about them recently and realized that it wasn't me. The front lights were a major issue of complaint. I live in Florida and it rains very hard and fast here and I rarely go anywhere at night. But I can't go the rest of my life only driving during daylight hours only, had I have read those complaints before buying it I would have probably dismissed it as over exaggerated whiner that complains about silly things.but this is very major safety issue. I have owned several Cadillac in the past and have always had nothing but good things to say about them. But this is going to kill some people, I'm very surprised it hasn't already. All the talk about moisture getting in side is not the case with mine. I bought it used and it drew my attention because the headlight lenses' were showroom clear and not like a lot of the plastic lens that are sun of water damaged. So its not the lens issue with mine it just crappy light bulbs, design, or something, but Cadillac needs to fix it. I am shocked that it has gone this many years without multiple deaths. I never complain about anything but wow! this is badddd!!!

- Inverness, FL, USA

problem #161

Jan 152020

SRX

  • 83,000 miles
Headlamps are to dim to safely drive at night. They have gotten worse as time went on.

- Addison, IL, USA

problem #160

Feb 242020

SRX

  • miles
Received a letter from Cadillac/GMC regarding the headlamp capsules and/or cause halogen headlights to become dim over time, well mine are like not having headlights due to be so dim. They want you to pay then they will reimburse you if they determine it was defected. The cost is $800 per headlight. So your not guaranteed reimbursement. This is not acceptable for them to ask this of an owner. They need to pay for the headlight replacement, after all they did build the car and you pay for the car which they tell you how great the car is and the warranty. I am so upset with them. I cant pay the $800 total $1600 for repairs that was on their behalf. They are not are not representing their brand very well at all. To them its all about the money! do they not realize the economy is not good at this time for some people which I happen to be one of those. I paid their price for my Srx so they should honor their mistake with their money!! please help me with this issue. The date entered below is when I received the letter from Cadillac. Lights have been dim for awhile.

- Northport, AL, USA

problem #159

Jun 182019

SRX

  • miles
I have a 2012 Cadillac Srx luxery the vehicle has a major problem with the low beam headlights, when they are on you can not see 30 ft I front of you. Iwent as far to change the bulbs to halogen, S but the issue still remains. I absoulutely refuse to drive it at night. After looking into the problem I was able to determin this is a problem with Srx, S from2012 to 2015. With no safety recalls on the vehicle, S in question I don, T understand why this has not been a recall when recently a class action suit was settled in California and Florida.

- Saint Marys, GA, USA

problem #158

Apr 272020

SRX 6-cyl

  • 53,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Since purchasing car as certified used from dealership in January 2020, the overly dim low beams have been an issue. Can hardly see at night, especially in inclement weather. I immediately flagged the problem, and dealership changed out bulbs while under warranty. The problem continued. Well, the low visibility ultimately participated in a recent run in with a bear. Clear night, dry roads, just diminished vision. I just could not see the massive, black body of the animal crossing the dark road. It resulted in $9000 plus in damages. Miraculously, I was not seriously injured in the crash, and insurance covered the claim. Now that it has been repaired and I am back behind the wheel, I am petrified to have a re-occurrence. GM should recall pertaining vehicles and suck up the cost to install hid/led housing and bulbs. It is unconscionable that, after all the complaints and concerns about this known issue, GM is not approaching this as a very serious risk to safety and that lives may have to be lost before action is taken. I was lucky, the next person may not be.

- Bantam, CT, USA

problem #157

May 082020

SRX 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
The problem is that 2010-2015 Cadillac Srx headlights can eventually dim or burn out when moisture becomes trapped in them due to faulty seals. This severely limits visible distance at night and is very dangerous on typical Texas windy roads especially if they lack street lights. Several states, including California and Florida, have class action lawsuits against Cadillac for this problem. Cadillac recognizes the problem, but will not issue a recall. Instead, as a 2012 Cadillac Srx customer, I received a letter in February notifying me that the expense of replacing the headlights would be reimbursed if I got the work done and returned the claim form with supporting documentation by 5/28/2020. I had the work done on 5/15 at a cost of $1,261.15 and mailed my paperwork for reimbursement. I have several concerns. First, dim headlights are a very dangerous situation in many circumstances.frequently, I used my brights to see a short distance. This could blind oncoming drivers and cause injury to them as well as Cadillac customers. Shocked the car passes state inspection, it is that bad. Recently I stayed overnight in a hotel in Missouri rather than drive at night through Oklahoma on dark, windy highway 69 back home to collin county. Second, Cadillac never issued a recall. A recall would not require an upfront customer cash outlay. Finally, I have read that the headlights are being replaced with parts that have the same moisture susceptibility, so the dim headlights problem can eventually return. I think this issue should be resolved with an immediate recall, with defect free parts and with no customer cash outlay, just like any other car safety recall. In the event the parts cannot be sourced, Cadillac should provide a comparable replacement loaner vehicle at no cost to the customer.

- Allen, TX, USA

problem #156

Jan 012017

SRX

  • 59,000 miles
I have been having problems with my headlights for about 3 years.my headlights are so dim I have replaced the low beam bulbs 4times. It's cost me $100 every time. I took it to the dealership more than once and they said it needs new headlights, the whole assembly. I can't afford it. It's because of moisture inside the headlight glass. Well after complaining for 3 years I finally got a letter in the mail saying it's not a recall but due to moisture inside the headlights they need to be replaced and they will reimburse me up to $800 for getting them fixed. And it's for 2010-2015 Cadillac Srx. I'm on disability and I can't afford to pay for them and worry about getting my money back. I can't go anywhere at night because I only have bright lights and I've had a fender bender 1time and almost had several wrecks because the other car couldn't see me. I'm in danger every time I have to go somewhere at night. Why is it not a recall"and how can I get them fixed." I can't get anybody to help me. They wouldn't fix them even when it was under warranty. I need help very bad.

- Eastaboga, AL, USA

problem #155

Oct 012019

SRX

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac Srx. The contact stated that the headlamps low beam failed to provide adequate lighting for safe driving. The contact stated that it was difficult to see in front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 78,000.

- Swoyersville, PA, USA

problem #154

Feb 012020

SRX

  • 72,000 miles
Head lights stop working very dim while driving and parkedu

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #153

Mar 072020

SRX

  • miles
Nothing has happened yet to me. I am requesting an investigation for a recall on the Cadillac Srx 2010-2015 for faulty headlights. My halogen headlights have moisture accumulations which dim my lights in the dark. Another concern is what if the lights short out due to the moister within the headlights while someone is driving. This is a clear danger that GM has already admitted to with the Cadillac Srx years 2010-2015. I just received a letter from GM stating they would cover $800 per headlight; I must pay the money up front and get reimbursed from GM. The Cadillac dealership quoted a replacement cost of $3,393.50 this morning 3/7/2020. The deadline date for repairs is 5/28/2020. I am assuming this is from a class action lawsuit, which favors GM and leaves the consumers and drivers with all the risk. This is a safety issue for anyone driving in poor conditions or in the dark. I do not have car crash statistic; however, this is a faulty design that should be covered 100% by a GM recall. Not everyone can pay for this up front and/or cover the additional uncovered cost. How many people will be placed in danger and/or loss of life in a crash caused by the faulty headlights. Is there anything that can be done for GM to cover the cost 100% and held accountable?

- Saint Peters, MO, USA

problem #152

Mar 062020

SRX

  • miles
Headlights are dim due to known defect. The lights allow moisture to enter and corrode the components and fog and/or discolor the lens which cause the headlights to be dim and dangerous. In my car specifically, the front assembly projector lens is discolored causing the headlights to be dim which make it difficult to see at night. This is a constant issue when using the lights.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #151

Mar 012020

SRX

  • 27,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac Srx. The contact stated that the front headlights were dim due to moisture build up in the headlight assembly. There were no warning lights. The contact took the vehicle to joseph Cadillac 7600 industrial rd, florence, ky 41042, where the contact was informed that he would have to pay out of pocket for the repair. The contact stated that a letter was received in regard to the issue and the vehicle was inspected by an unknown dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

- Covington, KY, USA

problem #150

Feb 262020

SRX

  • 118,000 miles
While driving and without warning, I have minimum braking power. I must smash the petal to floor in order to stop at a light or stop sign. Usually, I'm not going more than 35 mph. This happens at least 2-3 times per month. I fear I will have an accident. Two different repair shops could not id the problem. The other issue is when driving, the dash lights and the head lights will suddenly dim, where I am barely able to read anything or see. These problems are truly a hazard and something needs to be done.

- South Holland, IL, USA

problem #149

Jan 012020

SRX

  • miles
This vehicle like all other Cadillac Srx models on the road has the same low beam lighting issues that have been complained about before. This has been an issue for years and GM knows about the issue. When driving the vehicle at night your lucky to be able to see more than 3 feet out. This is a safety concern not only for the driver and passengers but for all other vehicles and pedestrians on the roadway.

- Thornville, OH, USA

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