Makes›Cadillac›SRX›2010

2010 Cadillac SRX

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Cadillac SRX
Pictured: 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX -- 05-23-2012. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr Cuv AWD, 4dr Cuv FWD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
Length
190.2 in
Curb weight
4,204–4,367 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints398 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 17 for similar models — most often about the exterior lighting.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Cadillac SRX is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 2.8L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 190 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,367 lb (4dr Cuv AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 1% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 398 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.

What changed for 2010

  • New body dimensions: 5.1 in shorter, wheelbase −5.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engines added: 3.0L 6-cyl and 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
  • Engines dropped: 3.6L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 18 to 21

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 SRX →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Cuv AWD190.2 in75.2 in65.7 in111 in64.2 / 63.4 in4,367 lb57/43
4dr Cuv FWD190.2 in75.2 in65.7 in111 in64.2 / 63.4 in4,204 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
SRX 2WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+1%$3,200423
SRX AWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+4%$3,550468
SRX AWD2.8L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-2%$4,550494
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.7 MPG2010 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Cadillac SRX under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Cadillac SRX (this car)21 MPGNot rated6
2010 Land Rover Range Rover15 MPGNot rated6
2010 Porsche Cayenne16 MPGNot rated2
2010 BMW X522 MPGNot rated19
2010 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated1
2010 Volvo XC9018 MPGNot rated3
2010 Lexus LX14 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (6)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Suspension › Rear · Jun 24, 2021 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 21V473000 · 380,498 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles. The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.
Risk
A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners are advised to not drive their vehicle if they experience certain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warnings or other issues, such as unusual steering behavior, while driving. Please see the Part 573 report for the full list of warnings. Dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable one, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2021. Cadillac and Saab customers may direct questions to Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N212340980.
Suspension › Rear · Sep 19, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V571000 · 290,241 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured April 14, 2009, to September 1, 2014, and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, to September 13, 2011. On the affected vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster link may not be torqued to the proper specification. A loose toe adjuster link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds. A loose toe adjuster link may lead to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the toe adjuster link will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Risk
Failure of the toe adjuster link could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the left and right rear toe link adjuster lock nuts, and replace the parts if there is evidence of damage or a loose link, free of charge. The The recall began November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14457.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 23, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 414,333 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Risk
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Dec 20, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V595000 · 8,789 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 26, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 23, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, “THEFT PROTECTION.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE THAT WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND MAY COME OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET.
Risk
THE DRIVER MAY BE UNABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION OUT OF GEAR, RESULTING IN NO MOTION OR THE SHIFTER MAY INACCURATELY INDICATE THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK WHEN IT IS NOT, ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A POSSIBLE CRASH.
Fix
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ENSURE THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE IS PROPERLY ROUTED AND SEATED IN THE TRANSMISSION CABLE BRACKET. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering Fluid · Sep 30, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V450000 · 3,459 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L GAS ENGINES (LAU) OR 3.0L GAS ENGINES (LF1). SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH PROCESSING OF THE CRIMP DURING MANUFACTURE OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE LINE MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE LINE. IF THE LINE WAS DAMAGED, A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK MAY DEVELOP. IF THERE IS A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF FLUID LOSS, THE DRIVER WILL HEAR NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND INCREASED EFFORT MAY BE REQUIRED FOR STEERING.
Risk
IF POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAYS ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE POWER STEERING LINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
Engine And Engine Cooling · May 25, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V223000 · 547 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CADILLAC SRX EQUIPPED WITH A 2.8L V6 ENGINE. IF LOW OCTANE (REGULAR) FUEL IS USED IN THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED HIGH OCTANE (PREMIUM) FUEL AS STATED IN THE OWNER MANUAL AND ON THE FUEL FILLER DOOR, THE COMBINATION OF REGULAR FUEL USAGE AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING MANEUVERS MAY INDUCE PRE-IGNITION. IF PRE-IGNITION OCCURS, YOU MAY HEAR A PINGING OR KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE.
Risk
IF THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE ONSET OF THIS NOISE, A CONNECTING ROD OR PISTON MAY BREAK, RESULTING IN ENGINE DAMAGE, AND PERHAPS ENGINE FAILURE, WHICH WOULD DISABLE THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Cadillac SRX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

398Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
15Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
17Injuries reported
84,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting201
Electrical System49
Engine47
Suspension40
Power Train33
Unknown Or Other29
Service Brakes20
Steering12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/01: 522/03: 222/04: 222/05: 222/06: 122/08: 222/09: 322/11: 122/12: 123/01: 523/02: 223/08: 123/09: 123/10: 124/03: 324/04: 124/06: 124/07: 224/10: 124/11: 125/03: 125/06: 125/10: 226/03: 122/0122/0522/0923/0123/0924/0424/1025/06max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Cadillac SRX buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Exterior Lighting — 201 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Electrical System — 49 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Engine — 47 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Cadillac SRX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other SRX years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2016 SRX19190.2 inNot rated2169
2015 SRX19190.2 inNot rated4443
2014 SRX19190.2 inNot rated2385
2013 SRX19190.2 inNot rated5356
2012 SRX19190.2 inNot rated3383
2011 SRX20190.2 inNot rated7401
2009 SRX18195.3 inNot rated015
2008 SRX17195.3 inNot rated021
2007 SRX17195.3 inNot rated026
2006 SRX17195.3 inNot rated126
2005 SRX17195.3 inNot rated137

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →