2010-2015 Cadillac SRX Owners Still Battling With Headlight Problems
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Last April, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Detroit against General Motors alleging the 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX crossover came equipped with faulty headlights. That same month, GM settled in a separate class action filed over the same issue, agreeing to reimburse certain SRX owners who had paid out of pocket for headlight repairs.
Nearly a year later, GM Authority and its sister site, Cadillac Society, continue to receive messages and emails from Cadillac SRX owners complaining of the vehicle’s faulty lights. The comment section on our original story regarding the Detroit lawsuit is also a constant stream of owner complaints.
The SRX’s headlights have weather seals that may erode prematurely, which may allow moisture to enter the headlight casing and cause the bulb to flicker, dim or burn out entirely. The replacement headlights also use the same design, leading owners to experience the same issue even after paying thousands of dollars for repairs.
This was the experience of one GM Authority commenter Cristina, who says she purchased her 2014 model-year Cadillac SRX from Dimmit Cadillac in Clearwater, Florida.
“I am very disappointed with GM and the dealerships that don’t care for the customers,” she said in a December 2019 comment. “I ended up spending $2,000 to change both headlights. The dealership said they were using a new part, only to find out they put the same part, which is going to cause the same problem. I am disgusted. It is my understanding the lawsuit reached a settlement to send these letters out and the customers would have to fix on their own and submit for reimbursement. It is also my understanding there were over 60,000 vehicles involved, but very few received the letter. We need to get proactive to force GM to issue a formal recall.”
Other owners have left similar complaints with Cadillac Society. Some say they cannot drive their vehicles at night due to the reduced headlight performance, but Cadillac’s warranty would still not pay for a fix. Another customer said that driving the vehicle has become so dangerous, they have instructed their family to sue Cadillac for wrongful death if the vehicle’s poor lighting results in a fatal accident.
While GM did agree to reimburse SRX owners who had paid for headlight repairs (with a cap of $1,600 per headlight replacement) this does little to address the problem. Without a formal fix or recall, 2010-2015 SRX owners will have to continue to grapple with flickering and/or dim headlights.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac SRX news and Cadillac news as this story develops in the coming weeks and months.
This report was written in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
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Had the same problem with my 2009 corvette. The dealer said it was only my car that had this water in the headlights problem. Nobody else had this problem No they would NOT warranty it.
I have a 2011 SRX. Took it to the dealership and they decided they should be order new headlights. Should I be expected to pay up front which I did with a credit card. They can’t tell me when they will be in. I’m told they are back ordered. I have a document to send in for reimbursement by the end of the month.
I heard that too. I just ordered (and paid) for mine too which are on back order.
I received the same letter, had mine replaced on 3/3/20 and sent in to Cadillac called to confirm receipt-confirmed and followed up 2x since. was told I should receive check around 8/14/20. Just called today only to be told they were sending me a letter as I do not have proper documentation!!! Am on hold waiting for a supervisor-Just furious. Oddly no supervisor available but they will call me back within 72 hours
To add insult to injury I had the work done at Lockhart Cadillac in Greenwood Indiana right as I had the headlights replaced I also had the front park assist sensor replaced. (not Caddys fault) When we picked up the vehicle. there was a smudge on the screen. We were almost 1/2 way home before I realized it was under the screen and couldnt wipe off. I immediately called, they were closing, said they documented it and then Covid hit. When I did call back,2 months later they had no documentation and said there was no reason they would have touched the screen. Over the next 2 months the smudge began to encompass the entire screen. The dealer told me Caddy had also had issues with this screen, there was nothing they could do and replacement would be $1300-ish. By now I am ready to sell this poorly built and sourced vehicle. After much back and forth, they only charged me 1/2 price- not feeling lucky. Going back to Volvo and Subaru.
Dawn, same thing here, said it didn’t have proper documentation. Still waiting on letter. As for the Cue screen, eventually you may see it crack all the way through, it’s a known issue. I ordered replacement glass on Ebay and replaced myself. Saved 1250.00, but it’s a lengthy process, not terribly difficult just tedious. You Tube has some good videos on how to replace.
I paid for replacement bulbs 2 x totaling $1,000. Then received the letter which was extended to end of June due to the pandemic. I didn’t have the out of pocket for the additional $1,600. Called the dealership – they don’t care, called Cadillac # on the letter… the woman I spoke with said something I could not clearly understand – when I requested she repeat it – she hung up on me. Bye Falecia.
#Cadillacdoesnotcare
I did everything I was told to do right before the pandemic hit. I was told from GM that I would get my reimbursement at one date, then another, then another… then I got a letter saying I needed more proof of payment which, what they appeared to be asking for, I had already given to them and appeared to be approved and reimbursement was scheduled to be sent. I went back to the mechanic who fixed my headlights and they read the expectations and they gave me the paperwork. Long story shorter…I haven’t heard from GM since giving them the updated paperwork. I think GM is telling the world they are making up for their goof on our car, but GM are liars. I literally put in a claim to BBB and GM never responded to them. I don’t know what to do now. Does anyone have suggestions? Sincerely Frustrate…, and pissed at this point. But, it motivates me to not let them get away with this!
I paid for replacement bulbs 2 x totaling $1,000. Then received the letter which was extended to end of June due to the pandemic. I didn’t have the out of pocket for the additional $1,600. Called the dealership – they don’t care, called Cadillac # on the letter… the woman I spoke with said something I could not clearly understand – when I requested she repeat it – she yelled something inaudible and hung up on me.
Apparently Cadillac has all the customers they want.
Good afternoon just checking to see have anyone received there refund from GM. I had the same problem with 2013 cadillac, they denied my claim after I forwarded them all the information requested.
I have the dim headlight issue on my 2010 Cadillac SRX. Is there a reca? Driving with highbeams now so the road will be illuminated. Have complained to dealership in the past. They were ho-hum about it
When I bought my 2010 srx was not told anything about the lights the dims were so dark the dealer didn’t care. My husband was very sick and I don’t have a lot time to try to take care of this problem .now that my husband passed away in September I am still trying to get the problem taken care of. No use. I am just try to sell it hopefully GM. WILL have a recall on the lights .I have nothing but trouble with this vehicle since l bought it. Well ever buy another cadillac again.
Have you received parts and or reimbursement yet? I’m sure COVID slowed everything down…
6/17/2020. Received headlamp letter a while back; it took backseat (pun?) to virus. (FYI: Reimbursement deadline extended to June 30, 2020; may be extended again – not confirmed.) Took our 2011 SRX (39k miles) to dealership for a quick check for headlamp moisture/leakage. Service Mgr said “I don’t need to look. ALL SRXs have this problem. You pay UP FRONT (yes, letter said so) and you can expect to pay more (over the allocated $800/headlamp) and wait (a long time – 1-2 months) for parts.” I have ZERO faith in this dealership but it is the only game in town. I have little doubt this another way to mess with customers.
Update (same date). Dealership called to say “You have THE MOST EXPENSIVE headlamps we’ve ever seen. It will be $3,500 to replace them.” Really??? Nope. Don’t think so.
Much the same experience at our dealership in Des Moines. My 2013 SRX has HID headlights….which, based on VIN, should be covered as we got the letter like others on this board. However HID are 1) in stock but 2) are $3600. Tech said some of the owners had the HIDs installed but dealer does not know if owner was reimbursed above the $800/per headlight as the letter states.
Quick note: this article misstated the cap on each headlight. It is $800, not $1600 per headlight according to the mediation letter.
Where did you get the form to send for reimburstment
I had a form for reimbursement from the first time I was reimbursed for the two headlamps. I doubt it will work this time but you never know.
Call the 800 number and speak with a representative. They can send you another release form.
What is the phone number
I paid for my new headlights which had been recalled in june and they still have not reimbursed me for the cost. Is there any way to contact the attorneys in this class action suit and get some movement on the reimbursement. This is ridiculous!!!!
That’s what I’d like to do as well; contact the attorneys as I’ve already spoken to all the GM numbers I can find. Will watch to see if anyone has a referral for us.
Has anyone found an aftermarket headlight assembly that works? From what I’ve read, the plastic light bulb housing on the low beam, heats up from the halogen bulb and destroys the reflective chromed internal surface. Doesn’t make any sense to purchase replacement headlight assemblies if the chromed plastic design isn’t changed. It needs to be changed out to some material that will hold up under the excessive heat.
I bought my headlight assemblies from ebay about 2 yrs ago. Put led bulds in them and they work great. Never had an issue again. Aftermarket is the way to go since Cadillac refused to pay out claims
can you provide the exact link where you purchased the part?
Unfortunately I do not have the info anymore, but if you go onto ebay and put your info in there are several ones to choose from. You will have to have someone install them. Front bumper has to come off for installation
We’re all going about this wrong.
Corporations only respect power. Corporate leaders give each other eagle trophy’s for most meat picked from the bone.
1. Strap flashlights to your Cadillac and drive around, seriously.
2. Tell all your friends not to buy a Cadillac.
3. Create media infomercials informing the general public, Facebook, YouTube, etc ..
That dealership could have seen 30 other corvettes with that problem,but if that particular advisor has not written up any of those people then he is most likely not going to know unless one of the others is talking about it.
I received the letter about replacement headlights for my 2019SRX dated Feb. 24, 2020. Replacements were installed March 10, 2020. The cost was 1414.34, which I paid on the day of replacement. It has now been 4 months and I would like to know when I can expect reimbursement, I understood it to be July 1. Would appreciate a prompt answer. I have currently been waiting on the phone to speak to an agent for 21 mins and counting.
Loretta
Did you receive a response? I am still waiting also. I haven’t been contacted again or heard back from anyone.
Thank you
Keith
No I have not. Mailed info for reimbursement March 10, called just to wait forever and never get requested call back. Have sent info to newspaper answer man to see if he can get an answer.
I just called them as they had confirmed back in April that they had all my info and told me my check would be sent out the first week of August. Called them today and was told it will be a couple more weeks. I am beyond frustrated with them. I feel like they are scamming us.
Same. I talked to them last week and the lady said “we are a 3rd party administrator not Cadillac” and that they had been delayed due to Covid but that they would start issuing checks “soon”. With the sketchy mail service these days who knows when/if we will ever see the reimbursements.
Does anyone have the contact number for this administrator? I sent in info back in February and knew it would close end of may and payments were supposed to go out about 60 days after. Unfortunately, I do not have the paperwork with me as we moved recently. Any help is appreciated.
(888) 305-1605
I received the same letter, had mine replaced on 3/3/20 and sent in to Cadillac called to confirm receipt-confirmed and followed up 2x since. was told I should receive check around 8/14/20. Just called today only to be told they were sending me a letter as I do not have proper documentation!!! Am on hold waiting for a supervisor-Just furious
My 2010 cadillac srx has had the same problem. I got a letter from some one who said i gould get them replaced. Well with the virus no one was open to fix them and when some of the car repair places open back up .my hun fell very sick and I had to take care of him .I didn’t have time to go get them fixed then my husband passed away in September. While going through paperwork I found d the letter it was expired and they would not fix the light would not even answer my text .
108 years later and this is what G.M. ‘s “premium???” brand produces…And of course the 8L45 and 8L90 8 speed automatic transmission..and the CUE delamination and…………………………..
The premium brand is Buick. Every motorcar brand has hiccups from time to time.
I don’t even get a call back about the reimbursement and really need the money since business shut down.
I have a 2015 SRX I have the same problem If anyone gets any updates please let me no
I was a past Cadillac SRX owner that tried working through my local dealership for a fix to this problem. I ordered replacements through Amazon with the same results. I was so disgusted that I traded the car and will never purchase another Cadillac of any kind.
I submitted my claim on June 30,2020, sent by certified priority mail. The message on the phone stated that reimbursement would be made August 1, 2020, if your paperwork was approved. We had to pay in advance for headlight replacements. Because of Covid, the manufacturer had the plant shut down. We have an excellent service manager and he made sure we got ours replaced by the deadline as detailed in a recording on the telephone number received in the original notification letter.
I was told the exact same thing and called again today to be told it would be several more weeks until the checks are mailed out. At this point, I don’t believe anything they tell us.
I am waiting as well for a headlight reimbursement. Moisture in the headlights was not the only issue with my 2010 SRX. I just paid an arm and a leg to get my liftgate motor replaced. The wheel well is where that is and water collects there when the sunroof drainage is clogged. Big bill to get all that fixed and no offers to repair at discounted price due to poor design.
I received my check for the amount I submitted about 2 weeks later.
when you have a common problem and want to sweep it under the table,some customers will try another automaker till they get disappointed by them and then maybe by the time there 80 they make there way back to you
What about the 2016 model year? Mine is a AWD Premium with bi xenon headlights. Thank goodness for the fog lights or I would be driving blind at night .
if you think GM is the only Manufacturer that has had this condition think again
If you care about keeping your customers take care of them if not ignore them and seek new ones if it is a supplier provided part they may be able to get some relief from them
I did receive the Cadillac letter right soon after I had already purchased aftermarket headlights and was paying to have them replaced however when I read the letter and filled it out signed it and requested a reimbursement I think I probably relinquished my next two grandchildren according to that. pretty much sign away any alternatives that you have with Cadillac just to get the money back that you spent to fix their problem which of course I have not seen any of the money yet
I am 52 years old and there has been at least one Cadillac in my garage for a good number of those years.
Cadillac’s handling of this matter, which has already been adjudicated and liability determined, disappoints me greatly.
Step up, issue a recall, and put your problem to rest. That has been, and should be the “Cadillac way”.
I would expect this from Hyunda, Scion, Ford and other makes that cost $20k brand new, but not from Cadillac.
To the gentleman who proclaimed Buick the premium GM line, i hope you enjoy your Buick, but you are not living in the real world.
I received my reimbursement check in the mail. Yesterday, August 17, 2020. It was dated August 14, 2020. I agree that you signed your rights away by agreeing to sign the letter just to replace the money spent to correct this problem. I have had a Cadillac since 1982. Never had this type of problem and am truly disappointed in GM for their handling of this serious matter. By the way, you have until November to cash check before is becomes invalid. Also, it looks like a piece of junk mail and could easily be overlooked. I know the post office delivered it with my usual assortment of junk mail on a Tuesday.
When did they receive your claim?
I got my check the same day, August 17. We deposited it. The bank released the funds the next day. Then they reversed the deposit. Said it was because it wasn’t cleared on GM’s side. Beyond frustrated. In the process of trying to get this resolved.
I also received the letter, but I am not happy with having to pay up front at the dealer then submit receipt to Cadillac. I also am uncomfortable signing all the releases.
They only give you a 3 month window to get it done or you are out of luck. I don’t know how long it takes and if you get a lowner while the work is being down as it is not under warranty.
A very pisspoor campaign. This should be done just like all recalls, especially due to the nature of what can happen when driving after dark.
I also had to pay upfront for the replacement lights. Ordered 2 months ago. We only have until 5/28/2020 to get your letter in, along with the bill from the Cadillac dealer indicating costs and labor. With Covid, we are running out of time to have the work done.
Due to Covid, my dealer said they extended the date to June 30, 2020. I have already paid for the lights and he said because I had paid for them, I was eligible for reimbursement. The plant making them has been shut down due to Covid. The lights we are receiving are the same ones that were original. My dealer said they might last another 6 years, just so you know.
My 2010 cadillac srx has had the problem with the headlights sense I bought it looked for a recall no they don’t have one I just found this article to night. Can’t hardly see at night with the dim it like you turn foo the lights all together. Now that i know there are more than just mine they need to call for a rebate its about $2000.00 to get them fixed I don’t know that kind of
Money
I
I have this same problem with my 2011 cts.
Me too!
Impossible to do it yourself as well.
On a fixed income.
GM can kiss my ass, next car is a Lincoln! !!
I have the 2016 SRX, which is not part of the lawsuit yet with the same headlight issue. All the comments and suggestions here are helpful, my question at this point is has anybody been able to truly figure out a repair that works?
I need to fix the problem of night driving as quickly as possible, with or without Cadillac’s assistance.
Thanks to all for posting.
I also own a cadillac whos headlight are bad cant drive at night didnt expect this fron gmc my last vehicle was a gmc truch had 266x miles on it bfr this one geez just fix your stuff u depend on us for your survial us on u too
No excuse for GM/Cadillac at all for not fixing this problem.
Sounds as if Lucas of England made these headlights. They are known for the famous light switch motto, Dim, Flicker and OUT! lol
I never received the letter. Both my headlights went out on a rainy drive from northern california to San Diego. Had to drive with fog lights to make it back home. Scary! Dealer offered no help, GM called me several times to see if I had any luck with Cadillac. GM concluded that I should have taken care of it from March-June 2019 when I had no clue about this issue. $2876 for both assemblies. Shame on you Cadillac
And GM wonders why they can’t sell cars anymore. When Korea makes a better car and puts GM out of business THAT says something about us. What a disgrace to American ingenuity and power. Shame on us!
And as to Big Government doing this, WE are big government and we voted with our wallets.
Good riddence to bad garbage.
GM has a history of reneging on its warranty..not just Cadillac but the Chevrolet brand and all other brands under the GM umbrella. They are having major drive train problems with many other engines with Chinese parts inside them. Timing chains, warped heads, turbo charging issues.. the list goes on and on. This is why I switched to a car with a stronger warranty which is Hyundai. I will never buy another GM product again.
Not anymore than any other manufacture. The history that you are referring to is something you are trying to falsely create. I am not aware of any major drivetrain problems that you mentioned, and Hyundai engine warranties are only good for original purchasers or immediate family members. Should you get tired of it the warranty defaults to 5-years for the engine warranty.
I doubt you actually owned a General Motors car in the first place.
To brine above.. I have own GM cars all of my life and have been a dedicated GM buyer. I am retired from general motors, and started my career at Frigidaire division in 1972.. transferring to D-Max engine plant and after that I worked at moraine assembly producing the trailblazer. I worked for 33 years with general motors and have retired. Several class action lawsuits have been filed concerning the equinox and GMC terrain. The Silverado has also had class action lawsuits. Google it.. and see how many class action lawsuits have been filed against GM products. the fact is that general motors is incorporating cheap subpar Chinese parts for many of this vehicle engines and other components. When I buy a vehicle I intend to keep it throughout its horny and even longer… That is why I bought a Hyundai Santa Fe assembled in Alabama. my suggestion to anyone that buys a GM product is to buy the extended warranty because you will definitely need it.
That is not factual with regard to needing an extended warranty, that is just your opinion. How many Chinese components does your Hyundai have? Most Asian cars like American brands have many Chinese parts. From what I have read Hyundai’s and Kia’s engines and related parts do not last and require more maintenance. That is what is read and that is my opinion.
If you no longer own a General Motors product and now decide to go with a foreign brand company, then why are you here?
Hyundai has had their share of class action suites as well, look it up, most all auto manufactures have!
Hyundai is the #1 towed vehicle in america that is a fact
Prove it.. where is the data? You sound just like King Trump. Show us the facts. Fax from independent organizations.. consumer reports, nhtsa..etc bonafide, independent factual organizations.
I have a Cadillac SRX lights don’t work have and extended warranty and it will not cover the lights. I did not know about the situation and missed the dead line so I am just screwed now
Me too . an GM is well aware of this issue . when somebody does do to their own greed!!
They will be forced to do a recall .
The extended warranties don’t cover that part
Motor Trend has a long term Genesis G70 in service that made transmission “clunks” on the guys driveway… then the software eventually unscrewed itself and it got better. But every morning it would do that then sort out. Genesis replaced the transmission and it went away… GM would simply NEVER do that and that’s why they’re failing. Not a single SRX buyer that’s messing around with this garbage will likely ever come back. Whereas if they simply replace the units and delight the customer, they’ll have repeat business… there are cowards running this company, cowards who view their customers with contempt, its pathetic…
What they should do is have a recall. This stupid letter that expects the customer to lay out $1600 and then be responsible for submitting the correct paper work along with having to wait two or more months to get your money back is stupid. My dealer wanted a $500 deposit to just order the headlights and said it could possibly be more than the $1600 Cadillac is willing to reimburse. My SRX is coming up on 5 years old which is when I usually trade. This is my fourth Cadillac. The car has been great, but this is turning me off. If I do not have the headlights replaced how will it effect my trade value?
Got my letter in mid-March 2020. Took my 2015 SRX in for service they said it had, or is subject to, the dimming problem. Because it was part of a class action instead of recall I have the privilege of paying upfront for the repair and then submit to Cadillac for reimbursement. Any idea how long that takes?? Haven’t done this yet, still hoping for recall. Next place I go is to CPSC to lodge a safety complaint and then to Consumer Reports.
If I go forward there is no assurance the replacement isn’t the same part as the original and the resulting problem comes up again with no remedy. How great of GM/Cadillac for being a stand-up corporate citizen and shouldering their responsibility in this matter [sic].
I recommend we all start alerting the consumer protection agencies.
I was under the impression that liability had been proven in a court of law. If I am mistaken…why hasn’t it?
I have owned a Cadillac since the early 1980’s. I had to pay for the lights upfront to my dealer. I have a deadline of submission of the signed claim, along with copies of the repairs and proof of payment. They want a signed release by May 29, 2020. I received the letter earlier this year and it basically gave me 3 months to have the repairs done, pay for them myself and then submit the required paperwork. I have a 2012 Cadillac SRX with less than 50,000 miles on it.
I have been waiting a year for my refund. I was first told to just wait and payment would be here soon. Then I was told I waited too long and did not have the proper claim form. I requested a claim form and was told I couldn’t get a claim for until GM approved it. Now they say my claim was not approved because I didn’t have a claim for. Sounds like a big scam to me. I will probably never see my $1300. Will never buy another Cadillac!
CHEATED & LIED TO BY GM – Bunch of Cheapskates. DO NOT SEND THEM THE RELEASE & EXPECT TO GET ANYTHING. I had headlight issues with my 2010 SRX to the point I told my wife not to drive it at night. I took it to several dealERships for diagnostics. They said it would be $1500+ to repair and would not guarantee to fix the problem. I bought the lights through Amazon & along with a friend replaced them myself – several days – quite a job. ($500-600 out of pocket). Lights worked great, I thought that was the end of it. Then I get the kind letter from GM promising to reimburse up to $1600 even if you had already replaced the lights. I sent in my claim form & my Amazon invoices along with the check where I paid my friend $200. I asked for $750 total for my trouble. They just sent ME my letter denying my claim saying I did not validate the VIN # to my Amazon invoices (Duhhhhhh). Bunch of cheapskates sell an inferior product and won’t even back it up. I ASKED FOR MY RELEASE BACK – OF COURSE THEY REFUSED. LIARS. DO NOT SEND THE RELEASE TO THEM.
Who did you call. The # on the form is getting me no where and I have not gotten any letter denying my request.