The 2012 Cadillac SRX is a Compact luxury SUV by Cadillac a sub-brand of GM (General Motors). It offers a lot of comfort and performance, with great handling and maneuverability appealing to most drivers who are after luxury and fun.
However, the 2012 Cadillac SRX is far from perfect. There are a number of common problems that owners often experience with their SRXs and in this article, I am going to share the most common problems with the 2012 second Gen Cadillac. Let’s Get to it
Common 2012 Cadillac SRX Problems
1. Automatic Liftgate Failure:
One of the most common problems with the 2012 Cadillac SRX.This is a problem that many owners have experienced with their SRXs.
The automatic liftgate system is what allows you to open or close your vehicle’s trunk or hatchback by pressing a button on your key fob or by pressing a button inside the car.
When this system fails the tailgate won’t open or close as it should.
2. Dim Headlights due to bad Assembly:
Many owners have complained that their headlights are dimmer than they should be. This is a problem with the assembly and not the bulb itself.
The headlight assemblies in these vehicles are prone to failure or damage which can cause them to dim over time. I have certainly had a couple of Cadillac SRX with the problem in my workshop. To fix this new assemblys will need to be installed.
3. Headlight Condensation (Moisture)
Another common problem with the 2012 SRX is condensation buildup on the inside of the headlights. This can cause the lights to dim and become hazy over time. The problem is caused by water building up in the headlight assembly.
4. Sunroof Leaks:
The Sunroof seals on the SRX are known to get worn out way faster than expected. This can cause water to leak into the interior of the vehicle and damage the carpeting or other areas.
5. Timing Chain Streching:
This is another common problem with the 2012 SRX. The timing chains in these cars can stretch out prematurely and cause a whole host of issues especially if you don’t do oil changes regularly.
Timing chains are responsible for keeping the camshafts and crankshafts aligned with each other. If they get stretched out, it can cause your car to run poorly or not at all.
It is important to note that, although this is one of the most common issues with the 2012 SRX it happens over time and is not a problem that you will be able to diagnose with one simple test. It is more of an issue that develops over time as the engine gets older and miles accumulate on it.
6. Rough Shifts on Low Speeds:
The Second gen SRX (2010-2016) is prone to transmission solenoid failure. The solenoids control the shifting of your transmission and if they stop working properly, your SRX will not shift smoothly at low speeds.
7. Carbon Buildup on the Throttle body:
Some SRX owners have reported rough idling due to carbon buildup on the throttle body. The Throttle Body is what controls the amount of air that enters your engine. If carbon buildup occurs on it, the SRX will not accelerate properly and will experience shaky and rough idling.
Are 2012 Cadillac SRX Reliable?
Now that I have gone through the common issues with the 2012 SRX, let’s talk about the overall reliability of this vehicle.
According to carparts.com, the 2012 SRX has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5. Based on my experience I tend to agree with this. The reliable score for this car falls in the middle of the road and is not very impressive. In my experience with this vehicle, I have found that it is prone to a lot of issues including the ones mentioned above.
The SRX may be reliable for some people (maintenance is crucial), but others may find that they are in need of repairs after only a few years of ownership.
Which 2012 SRX Engine is More Reliable?
If you really like the SRX then I recommend the 3.6L v6 over the 2.8L. The 3.6L v6 is a much more reliable engine and has been proven to last much longer than the 2.8l v6 and the 3.0L. This engine can easily last 150 000 – 250 000 miles before needing any major repairs.
Additional Sources
https://carbuzz.com/cars/cadillac/srx-generations
https://www.autozone.com/diy/lighting/how-to-remove-moisture-from-headlights
https://www.carparts.com/blog/cadillac-srx-reliability-and-common-problems/
https://media.cadillac.com/media/us/en/cadillac/vehicles/srx/2014.tab1.html