2005 Cadillac SRX: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 122 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (14% of complaints); the 2006 and 2007 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When I start the car and place it into reverse (from its parking spot) and let it idle backwards about 12-18 ft, it abruptly comes to a halt and makes a hard thump noise. If I then shift it into drive and allow it to idle forward, it will barely idle upto about 6-8 feet. I am hearing a plethora of different things and have not been able to drive it since October, 2025. I need help, please.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2025
“brought car to shop and after 3 months trying to figure out problem gave up. I towed it to dealership and after another month finally said car proved to be a mystery but extensive damage due to water leakin the rear shorting out entertainment module.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2022
“When it rains water leaks from the top of the vehicle and leaks inside the car through a plastic piece that says air bag and in the rear water leaks in and fills up where the jack is located and I'm afraid that the airbag will not work properly with the water leaking into it when it rains or I go through the car wash. Also the rear axle mount is broke and it cause the vehicle to make a lot of noise and I'm hoping the rear end doesn't come off while I'm driving because it will definitely cause a wreck.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Timing chain leaking oil. Stationary saw oil in driveway noise in front while driving turned out to be 2 struts need replacement”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2020
“Making a left hand turn onto my work parking lot, applied brakes to pull into my parking space and I heard a terrible grinding/shuddering noise and the brake pedal went to the floor. I didn't think I was going to be able to stop without hitting the concrete wall. The car finally stopped and then I saw the "service stability system" appear on the driver information center. Since I just purchased this vehicle used I looked this up and it appears this "should" have been considered as a recall gm needs to make before someone is seriously hurt or killed.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2019
“At random times, while accelerating the traction engage message will appear and the car will not accelerate for 2--3 seconds. Very dangerous. The last time it happened was when I was trying to make a left turn in a busy intersection.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Aug 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 cadillac srx. While attempting to accelerate after a complete stop, a loud vibration/rumble emitted from underneath the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to covert cadillac buick gmc (11750 research blvd, austin, tx 78759, (512) 583-3000), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2019
“The car has a rear leak that builds up in the truck and holds water there where the jack is located which is now stuck to the carpet and lots of movement in the rear end of this vehicle is defective and need to have a recall on both of these issues along with the rear trunk not locking or rear windshield wipers not working at all and could be from the water leaking into it from the rear somewhere that needs a recall on.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2019
“Left front turn signal keeps going out. 5 times since owning the car. Repair costs to change bulb $250. Happens with out warning. Cadillac has no fix for problem. Need to be a recall, and solution to problem. Happen when car is in motion, when turn signal is used.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2018
“While driving our 2005 cadillac srx a service stability system error message appear on console display screen along with tc and ABS light coming on the dash. Vehicle's brake system begins to work on its own for no apparent reason (no ice, snow, rain or gravel). Vehicle needs to come to a compete stop, sometimes shut the vehicle completely down and restart to get the tc and ABS light to go out on the dash. This has happened 3 times in the last few weeks. Not safe to drive. Any assistance would be helpful?”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Mar 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 22 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.
CERTAIN VEHICLES HAVE A LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK THAT COULD SEPARATE BECAUSE OF AN INCORRECT WELD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RIGHT AND LEFT TOE LINK AND REPLACE AS REQUIRED. IF A TOE LINK IS REPLACED, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
How other years compare
Check your exact SRX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Cadillac SRX reliable?
NHTSA has 122 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Cadillac SRX. The most complained-about area is engine (14% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac SRX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,500 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Cadillac SRX have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.