Makes›Cadillac›SRX›2013

2013 Cadillac SRX

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Cadillac SRX
Pictured: 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX -- 05-23-2012. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr Cuv AWD, 4dr Cuv FWD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV
MPG (best)
19 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
Length
190.2 in
Curb weight
4,277–4,442 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints356 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 26 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 19 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Cadillac SRX is a standard SUV offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine 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 4,442 lb (4dr Cuv AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 8% better than the 2013 standard SUV average of 17.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 356 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 SRX — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 SRX →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Cuv AWD190.2 in75.2 in65.7 in111 in64.2 / 63.4 in4,442 lb57/43
4dr Cuv FWD190.2 in75.2 in65.7 in111 in64.2 / 63.4 in4,277 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 2WD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19+8%$3,550462
SRX AWD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18+5%$3,700482
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.6 MPG2013 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Cadillac SRX.

Similar 2013 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Cadillac SRX (this car)19 MPGNot rated5
2013 Porsche Cayenne23 MPGNot rated3
2013 BMW X522 MPGNot rated7
2013 BMW X324 MPGNot rated7
2013 Lexus RX29 MPGNot rated1
2013 Volvo XC9019 MPGNot rated0
2013 Lexus LX14 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (5)

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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Apr 25, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V212000 · 50,571 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured May 29, 2012, through June 26, 2013, and equipped with 3.6L engines. In the affected vehicles, in certain driving situations, there may be a three to four second lag in acceleration due to the transmission control module (TCM) programming.
Risk
A three to four second lag in acceleration may increase the risk of crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. General Motors' number for this recall is 14132.
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · May 16, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V202000 · 18,871 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured January 31, 2012, through March 18, 2013, and equipped with 18 inch wheels. On the affected vehicles, the wheel lug nuts may loosen.
Risk
If the lug nuts loosen, they may fall off or cause the wheel studs to fracture. Either condition would allow the wheel to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the wheel nuts by performing a tire rotation, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13116.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 15, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V097000 · 26,582 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode removing any transmission-related engine braking effect.
Risk
If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2013. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. Buick owners may call 1-866-694-6546.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Cadillac SRX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

356Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
65,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting202
Electrical System46
Unknown Or Other35
Power Train23
Suspension16
Exterior Lighting › Headlights14
Visibility/Wiper13
Vehicle Speed Control9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/07: 123/08: 123/09: 123/10: 123/11: 124/02: 124/04: 124/05: 124/06: 224/07: 124/10: 224/11: 225/01: 125/02: 125/03: 225/04: 225/06: 125/07: 125/08: 125/10: 225/11: 126/01: 326/05: 126/06: 123/0723/1024/0424/0725/0125/0425/0826/01max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Cadillac SRX buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 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 — 202 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Electrical System — 46 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 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 2013 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
2012 SRX19190.2 inNot rated3383
2011 SRX20190.2 inNot rated7401
2010 SRX21190.2 inNot rated6398
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 →