mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Feds Launch Investigation Into Cadillac SRX Rear Toe Link Issue

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into the 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX crossover over an alleged problem with the vehicle’s rear toe link adjusters.

According to Car Complaints, the NHTSA has received two reports from owners who said they crashed their Cadillac SRX crossovers due to a sudden, intense swaying behavior in the rear end that was likely brought on by broken rear toe links.

Additionally, nine other owners have said the rear toe link adjusters on their vehicles also separated suddenly. Most of those vehicles were allegedly repaired under a 2014 recall over loose wheel nuts in the rear toe link adjusters. In that recall, the loose nuts damaged the threads in the adjusters, which could lead to the toe links failing completely.

One of the owners who crashed as a result of the rear toe link problem said their vehicle was not included in the 2014 recall, which comprised 290,000 units between the 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX and the closely related 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X.

“Our vehicle was not on the recall list,” the owner said. “I checked again and again. I checked my paperwork from when I purchased the vehicle (used but certified, off of a lease) and the Carfax. No recall. After having the insurance company inspect the vehicle, they, in fact, stated that the accident was caused by the rear suspension (rear toe link adjuster).”

The NHTSA has also collected the rear toe links from the vehicles mentioned in the owner complaints and found thread wear and other damage, Car Complaints indicates. If the government safety watchdog concludes the problem is widespread across all 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX models, it may issue a safety recall for these affected vehicles. There is no word on whether or not the 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X could be included in that recall, although this would impact far fewer owners, as the Saab is not nearly as common on U.S. roads as the Cadillac.

Subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac SRX news and Cadillac news as this story develops in the coming weeks and months.

Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. Are they getting these links from Ford?

    Reply
    1. Have a 2013 SRX Cadillac. Called GM on 11/12/20 about noises from rear of vehicle plus transmission problem leaking told no recall did receive a letter too late in mail about headlight probably too late for a dealership too take care of it while traveling on 295 Hwy vehicles sudley started loosening power smell transmission fluid under the hood told nothing they can do. Told take it back to Hill Cadillac pay $138.00 an hour for it to be checked out by mechanic.

      Reply
    2. No FCA… aka Ram

      Reply
  2. Loose wheel nuts in the rear toe link adjusters. What?

    Reply
  3. Following this information …very scary ..I just purchased a certified SRX this year from a dealer …has a constant roar noise coming from rear area that a mechanic has said it’s the tires ..Trying to get this dealer to replace the new tires that they installed before I purchased it …now I’m concerned of this possible recall

    Reply
    1. Hun just try to get it fixed so ur safe 🙏

      Reply
  4. This is unsettling news. I brought a 2010 SRX from a private owner. There is noise in the rear, but the car passed inspection prior to me purchasing. I have had the vehicle for almost 3 months.

    Reply
    1. I have the same problem with the rear end of my srx the warning message states to service rear end I have taken it end twice and they have filled it with oil and it was ok for awhile but the message keeps coming on

      Reply
  5. I also had an accident with my Cadillac 2013 srx last February for the same reason..I think GM company has to take step before more accidents happens

    Reply
  6. Along with the headlight issue, this is another strike against the SRX.

    Reply
  7. I have a 2014 srx and I’m having issues with my rear end and head lights took it to Marvin K Brown in San Diego were I purchased it. All they do is tell you nothing is wrong and blow you off. Their sevice after purchase sucks. I believe in my heart Cadillac knows about issues but are ignoring them. Anyone with an srx should have it fixed for free no questions asked.

    Reply
    1. I have a 2011 SRX I purchased it August 2020 I love my SRX , But there’s one problem it leaks when it rains there be a puddle of water in my car 😭 so my husband have to wrap our car it leaks from the windshield the water comes from the vents near the front passenger and driver’s door on the floor plz help if anybody know exactly how to stop the leak.

      Reply
      1. Pull the front pillar covers off there is a tube that runs down from the top of the car to the bottom of the windshield and at the bottom its supposed to attach to the frame right there but they are notorious for coming off. That tube is the drain for a panoramic roof or sunroof. There is one on both sides and it will flood your car in a good rain.

        Reply
      2. There’s four drain tube that get clogged. Two in the front and two in the back.

        Reply
      3. It’s the sun roof drain, your going to have to add some 10mm jet ski tube to the end of the sunroof drain.

        Reply
      4. hope you got it fixed it is the drain tube that comes from the moon roof i had the exact same problem pain to repair .

        Reply
    2. That sucks. My Cadillacs headlights went out and now they completely shut off and come back on brighter then what they were plus all the lights on the dash. Now I have to pay a mechanic ? How much an hour to fix head and dash lights that they probably weren’t fixed right in the first place. Will have to check this out before I get killed or someone else from no lights.

      Reply
  8. I have a 2012 Cadillac SRX, I have had the same rear toe problem over and over, I’m getting tired of this sh..t. I purchase my Cadillac at ED morse Cadillac in Sawgrass mills

    Reply
  9. I have a 13 and an 04 both are without question Junk I’ve replaced so many parts on the 04 I could have built another car and the 13 with this rear problem twice and many other problems dealers are of no help because I believe they get no help from Cadillac shame on GM and the government

    Reply
  10. The headlights on my 2014 SRX sucks. Il getting ready to trade it in but not sure if I’ll purchase another one.

    Reply
  11. The headlights on my 2014 SRX sucks. I’m getting ready to trade it in but not sure if I’ll purchase another one.

    Reply
  12. I have a 2013 Srx got the recall letter for my head lights took to my dealer Crest Cadillac in nashville.have it on the work order they ordered my lights. This was April 22 and then the dealer closed may 29 didn’t notify any one. Then I wasn’t on the” list ” sent to the other cadillac dealer. Now I’m dealing with trying to get this repaired before an accident during a pandemic which they only gave me 5 months to do. 2 of which they closed. Shame on you GM and Cadillac taking advantage of consumers. Too many problems and too costly.

    Reply
  13. I have a 2015 SRX IT HAS 46 Thousand miles on it. I have had so many electronic problems. Leaking through the sun roof. I had to get that fixed and put a new modules in front and back. I still can’t open the trunk right. Everywhere I read say these are known for this. I tried to get Cadillac to help me fix the trunk. It will cost me another $1,600. Cadillac will not help of course. I am so disappointed.

    Reply
    1. My 2011 srx has a bunch of electronics issues you have to remote start it for the radio to work right, you can shift it to park and it is in park but you turn the vehicle off and get an alert to “shift to park” the door lock actuator went out. A speed sensor went out I’m currently having a random service rear axle light and the sun roof hose pops off twice a year.

      Reply
  14. To all SRX owners!!! Replace the rear hatch struts to stop the hatch from falling at will. We too got a ridiculous quote from Cadillac in the neighborhood of $1,500.00 for the pair. I bought the passenger side only at an online auto parts store for $18.00 plus tax. Unhooked two clips, and a year later still have zero issues with it.
    After being quoted $1,500.00 for a new CUE screen we ordered one online for around $50. It took 3 weeks to arrive and we were scared to DIY but if two middle age hippies with regular tools from a kitchen drawer can swap the screen, then so can most everyone.

    Reply
    1. my husband did mine, same thing, ordered the new screen online and swapped it out. easy fix but Cadillac ought to own up to the failure!

      Reply
  15. I HAVE A 2012 SRX AND IM TERRIFIED OF HAVING A BAD ACCIDENT DUE TO HEADLIGHTS AND THE NOISE IN THE BACK WHEN TURNING…I PANIC WHEN DARK MEARS IF IM NOT CLISE TO HOME…THIS IS SO EMBARRASSING…A TOP OF THE LINE DEALER SMH…THECRECALL ON HEAD LAMPS REQUIRE ME TO PAY THOUSANDS AND I WILL PRESUMABLY GET REIMBURSED…IF I COULD AFFORD IT…I WOULD HAVE BEENNNNN BOUGHT A BUCKET TO RID OF THIS NIGHTMARE!! NOONE IN MY LIFE WILL BUY A CADDY BECUZ OF THIS!!

    Reply
    1. I have a 2014 same problem with the headlights I rush home when it starts getting dark. I couldn’t afford to pay in advance for the repair being on a fixed income, I thought I was buying top of the line with Cadillac I guess the jokes on me. This is my last Cadillac.

      Reply
      1. Buy after market under $500 for both the hell with dealer

        Reply
        1. I agree this is a solution, but owners should not have to pay for defective parts from Cadillac. Five hundred dollars is a lot of money!

          Reply
    2. I have a 2012 SRX as well and I am afraid/terrified to drive it or have passengers ride in it after Dealer service visit on Oct. 22, 2021. In May 2021 I hade new brakes and rotors replaced at dealer. Car passed inspection in July 2021.
      After a few months, brake pedal went to the floor twice while driving and Air Conditioning stopped cooling. I had service apt. with Dealer on Oct. 22,2021 to replace Master Cylinder and fix toe link issue per the recall. I left the Dealer and after driving 5 miles the Stabilitrak light came on and the ABS engaged and light came on. Worst part is, the “new brakes” are squealing and the pedal will still go down to the metal at times. The brake pedal is firmer and responding better, but at times will still meet the metal. The worst part is the car , with wheel straight STEERS TO THE RIGHT! I have to compensate by holding wheel to the left TO GO STRAIGHT! I have a Service Apt. at Dealer on Nov. 3,2021 for compressor replacement and to check the new issues. The lights are still on. This car had steering issues in 2012 shortly after purchase. I was told that they could not find anything at several service visits over the years. The headlamps are another issue! even after the recall I need to drive with high beams. This car is not safe, in my opinion. How can you weld the toe link in place when it is supposed to be adjustable? I love the SRX but this car is a nightmare! I only drive if absolutely necessary and never with my Grandchild in the car. I had a road trip planned but would not dare drive this car on the Turnpike or Interstate. My Dealer has been disappointing as well. How do you in good conscience let a customer drive a car that is dangerous. If the brakes were replaced why do they squeal? Isn’t that part designed to squeal to indicate that brakes need replaced? I do not know where to turn other than a lawyer. I just want to drive and enjoy my SRX.

      Reply
      1. I have 10 srx nightmare my pedal was going to the floor also but I doubt it’s the master cylinder I had a wheel bearing go bad also pedal to floor had that fixed brakes ok at moment as for your headlights don’t waste your time with them I changed to after market before the recall for under$500 all I asked them is to give me for parts they refused because I wouldn’t let caddy rip me off and for recall that can cause accident no parts? What a joke last caddy for me good luck by the was new trans and timing chains 100000 miles another joke lucky I had aftermarket waranty maybe u should look into something like that

        Reply
      2. All of the owners of the SRX need to file a class action lawsuit. I had an accident when my brake pedal went to the floor. I swerved to avoid rear ending the person in front of me. I went off the road and side swiped a mile marker sign. It took out all the panels on the driver side and my mirror. I could have hurt myself or another person. It cost me $3500 to repair. The headlights are another issue. I can’t drive after dark. I almost hit another car the last time I drove after dark. The screen on my electronic control center has been replaced once due to cracking and now the replacement is doing it AGAIN! This is NOT OK!!!!!!!!!!!!

        Reply
  16. I own a 2011 srx and it’s a nightmare. Just recently the back end is making such load noises. I’m scared to drive it. I wonder if the toe adjusters are the issue. This car is a money pit. I thought caddy’s are suppose to be good cars.

    Reply
  17. I have a Cadillac SRX SUV 2012. I’m having problems with water getting into the trunk. That has cause the rear control panel to burn out. The headlights and my sun roof. I have looked for a recall but there is non. I will never buy another product from. Cadillac ever. Their cars are great looking and that’s! Nothing but a big headache that Cadillac does want to take care of. I’m done with Cadillac!!!

    Reply
  18. I have a Cadi SRX 2013 and when I first got the SUV which was 2 years ago the only thing wrong with it was the head lights, which I got fixed but as of recently I’ve been having a lot of electrical problems and just last week my backup camera stopped working. I wish I would’ve done a little more research on the Cadillac before purchasing one.

    Reply
  19. I have a 2010 srx the lights always going I got a leak I sunroof trunk don’t open app went out no recalls why

    Reply
  20. I have a 2013 Cadillac SRX and at 80’000 miles my transmission went out and my cue screen was cracked. Now my head lights are acting up. Time for a Ford I guess because caddy has made me Maddie…

    Reply
  21. We own 2 Cadillac’s, my wife’s 2011 SRX and my 2005 Escalade. The only issues we’ve had are the headlights on the SRX, they refunded our money when the recall came out. The backup camera has intermittent problems but not to concerned about that. I physically inspect our cars at the time of preventive maintenance and the only other issue is wheel bearings, I’ve replaced all four. Love our dealer in Lancaster PA. Kelly Cadillac, been a friend and will always be.

    Reply
    1. I have a 2010 crap srx got the recall for headlights they refuse to pay me because I replaced them with after market all I wanted was the price I paid I installed them myself timing chains less the 100000 miles u kidding me then transmission died glad I bought a aftermarket ins policy now out of the blue when it’s wet out or you need to brake fast I lost my brakes nobody knows what’s wrong with this POS first and last caddy

      Reply
  22. Our 2011 SRX has been a money pit. After nearly wrecking on the freeway because my car all of a sudden disabled the engine, YES, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 60!! I got a notification that the engine was reducing in power and within seconds I had to pull and break to the shoulder of the freeway. The issue turned out to be my entire control board being water damaged due to the leak from the sun roof. My lift gate has since went out from more water damage after fixing the first round. Cadillac is doing nothing about it. My family almost died, Cadillac care? No. They won’t even reimburse us for replacements on the headlights that are dimmer than the running lights. Why?? Because of the ‘recall’ being passed date. We weren’t even notified about the ‘recall’ until after the fact. We should have to pay for any of it in the first place. So now, even more money is required to fix the DEATH trap. There should be some protection for the the buyers. These vehicles are the very definition of a lemon.

    Reply
  23. Hello fellow SRX owners
    I have a 2010 and here are some of my experiences with my CRAPDILLAC
    1 both headlights bezel seals leaked and caused water to short circuit the ballasts- I tore apart the front bumper to access the headlights Purchased bezels on ebay Opened both capsules replaced ballasts and siliconed the crap out of them
    2 replaced all Camshaft sensors after getting error codes on the dashboard
    3 With 130 km guess what TIMING CHAINS had to be replaced So my friend / certified mechanic did the job for 1500.00 Big job not for the weekend warrior
    ***Never had to replace timing chains on any of my cars
    4 Three out of 4 bearing hub replaced because the magnetic O rings are crap and crumble apart…just waiting for my ABS light to flash to replace hub #4
    5 SERVICE REAR AXLE Yay the fun never ends, the SRX has a clutch system attached to the differential There are 2 low pressure metal lines on the HALDEX SYSTEM These lines are flimsy snap fittings and pop out and leak Haldex oil (100.00 per litre) When the diff oil is too low it burns out the Haldex pump more$$$

    Passenger window died, Massive air flow issues, broken power steering line, electronic control module issues on and on and on…
    Most of this work I did myself, if I went to the dealership I would be bankrupt
    I have a 1956 coup de ville and it is more reliable than the srx
    Needless to say you can not pay me to take another SRX

    Reply
  24. Today is Fri the 13th and I Will not drive my 2011 srx cause i will die in it and it would only be fair if gm replaced it cause I love my ride .some people love sharks doesn’t mean that own one and I don’t want to own death

    Reply
  25. The que is a disaster and GM knows it
    Can’t change stations or execute any functions
    They say $1500. To fix
    Been like this for four years
    2013. SRX
    Cadillac treated like UGO owners

    Reply
  26. Today is Fri the 13th and I Will not drive my 2011 srx cause i will die in it and it would only be fair if gm replaced it cause I love my ride .some people love sharks doesn’t mean that own one and I don’t want to own death

    Reply
  27. Have the 2010 srx nothing but junk one big money pit don’t waste your money folks

    Reply
  28. I have 2008 SRX we have replaced both back hubs the driveline, pedal assist, 2 sets of headlights at 100 per bulb gets expensive. My brights work only. I never recieved a recall notice for my headlights. Otherwise I love my car. She has 246000 still going

    Reply
  29. I have a 2011 SRX had head light issue water cad was suied and orderd to pay for the replacement. They had a very short time frame to do that plus the lights were on back order for months. Still waiting to get paid for the labor. I also had problems with water in side rails sunroof, parking assist, lift gate switch and other minor items. The warranty covered everything. I have a extended warranty with endurance up to 169,000 miles for any future problems tell them Fred Falkner recommended them. I love my Cadillac.

    Reply
  30. I will never buy a Cadillac again its the worst car I ever had I should have bought a honda or toyota

    Reply
  31. I truly feel for all the people with the negative comments on here. Its sad because as a Cadillac owner, i know its all true. Its not just the SRX either, its all of their models including the CTS i drive. Failure upon failure, especially with electrical has ruined mine and many others love for this brand.

    Reply
  32. 2010 SRX, 6 wheel bearing replaced before 150000 kilometers, several sensors, fuel pick up, front end tie rods, the list goes on…. A True Money Pit!!! Cadillac should be ashamed of themselves for building such Crap!!! But this is what we get when China builds parts for them!

    Reply
  33. I have a 2012 SRX with 78000 miles. Have replaced wheel bearings on front and back axles. Still hear a roaring in the rear. Both headlights leaks. Never got replacement from back order in april.

    Reply
  34. what is the best voltage to vape at

    Reply
  35. Was just in an accident on 2/19/21 traveling highway speeds (70-75) when this issue occurred on my car the wheel completely separated causing me and my four year old to lose complete control of the vehicle travel across the entire highway into a center grass median / ravine. No one believed me when I tried to describe what happened until they saw the part separated under the vehicle. My toddler is traumatized and doesn’t want to get into a car because “it won’t listen and is going to put us into the grass” Completely insane this hasn’t been recalled yet.

    Reply
  36. well mymy i have cadillac s rx 2010 where i cannot use mytrunk because the connectotoors to the module box has corrosion from the water that leaks in to the trunk the lights or dim and the sun roof leaks whats a girl to do u need help

    Reply
  37. I baught a certified 2014 srx. I’m so discusted in their customer service! I have this recall on my srx for the rear toe link. There is no remedy at this time and they won’t get me a rental! I live in the mountains and this is my only car! They don’t care and the dealers don’t care! Woodland Cadillac in California flat out refused to look at my car. The Legal team for GM is absolutely no help either. Now my driving light is out, my dog lights get water in them. The only help they offered for that recall is they will fix them but you sign away your rights if anything happens in the future and guess what….the fixes havnt fixed the problem and they are still going out. I’m scared to drive my car now but I don’t have any other choice. I told my family if I get hurt or worse die they better sue GM! This is not right that they get away with this!!!

    Reply
  38. 2010 cadillac lights dark gets water the inside gets wet when it rains the truck to open because under the truck bottom gets water omg I’m dying over here help

    Reply
  39. I have the Cadillac 2013 SRX. The drive train has been fine, but the electronics are horrible! My CUE screen cracked due to the heat. The dealership tried to tell me it was struck by a fist. They replaced it by providing the part but I paid for labor. That was my “good will” get out of jail free card. Then my back gate door stopped working. It will go up and down and close on its own. One time I was almost closed inside the car when I was reaching for something inside. Then my brakes went out. I applied the brake and the pedal went to the floor. I crashed. The repair cost me almost 4 grand. When I got it back from the shop, it shakes because the rotors are warped. I paid for a brake job and the ABS system to be repaired. They refused to make it right because they said the rotors didn’t have anything to do with the brake job. What??? How do you do a brake job without looking at the rotors? Then I got a recall on the headlights. They are dim and I can’t see well at night. They wanted a $1500 upfront payment to be reimbursed by GM. Does GM not have enough money to front the parts for this job? Well, due to the pandemic, the parts weren’t available from China (for an American car) so I missed out on the recall. I still drive at night barely able to see. Now I got a recall for a faulty toe link. First letter said the problem could make me crash and loss of life BUT the parts weren’t available. What??!! I finally got another letter saying the vehicle isn’t safe and have a flat bed tow to the dealer. I feel as if GM/Cadillac is sweeping problems under the rug. This is not what I expected from an upscale vehicle, nor ANY vehicle. I’m considering consulting an attorney.

    Reply
  40. I am reading all these reviews and is now terrified because I am having the same issues. I’ve only had my 2015 SRX for 3 months. I called a Cadillac dealership to inquire about all these problems (rear end roarin, headlights, air conditioner, etc.) and they said that this make and model is known for this problem. They charge $1999.00 to repair the headlights. This is not fair to me and others for it is a risk for us , family and other occupants. GM must act immediately on this matter for our lives and safety is too valuable.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel