2005 Cadillac SRX

▲ Better than typical
2005 Cadillac SRX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:23.556Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
122
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

18% of complaints

Complaints per year

2004: 216 complaints 2005: 122 complaints 2005 122 2006: 68 complaints 2007: 52 complaints 2008: 47 complaints 2008 2009: 27 complaints 2010: 474 complaints 2010 2011: 447 complaints 2012: 416 complaints 2012 2013: 393 complaints 2014: 390 complaints 2014 2015: 443 complaints 2016: 169 complaints 2016 2019: 1 complaint
2004: 216 complaints 2004 2005: 122 complaints 2005 122 2006: 68 complaints 2006 2007: 52 complaints 2007 2008: 47 complaints 2008 2009: 27 complaints 2009 2010: 474 complaints 2010 2011: 447 complaints 2011 2012: 416 complaints 2012 2013: 393 complaints 2013 2014: 390 complaints 2014 2015: 443 complaints 2015 2016: 169 complaints 2016 2019: 1 complaint 2019
2004: 216 complaints 2004 2005: 122 complaints 2005 122 2006: 68 complaints 2006 2007: 52 complaints 2007 2008: 47 complaints 2008 2009: 27 complaints 2009 2010: 474 complaints 2010 2011: 447 complaints 2011 2012: 416 complaints 2012 2013: 393 complaints 2013 2014: 390 complaints 2014 2015: 443 complaints 2015 2016: 169 complaints 2016 2019: 1 complaint 2019

2005: 122 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2004216
2005122
200668
200752
200847
200927
2010474
2011447
2012416
2013393
2014390
2015443
2016169
20191

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

18% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the heater was activated and there was an abnormal noise.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-21

When I start the car and place it into reverse (from its parking spot) and let it idle backwards about 12-18 ft, it abruptly comes to a halt and makes a hard thump noise.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-02-21

Also filed under Power train

Steering

14% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and anti-theft device.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac SRX. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact stated that the steering became difficult to maneuver and he lost control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-16

My 05 Cadillac SRX have a serious safety issue in the frame where as a metal pice on left and right front have rotted all the way through. I have pictures of the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-03

Engine

13% · 16 reports

Electronic stability control (esc)

13% · 16 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

05 xrs total loss of control w/ serious accident by garrbosr mar 31, 2012 (4:27 pm) I was on the belt parkway yesterday on the edge of queens where the cross island and belt split, heading east into the tunnel overpass.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-31

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

FIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2005-09-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-01-20 Sun roof glass failure
  2. I
    2006-01-20Engineering analysisClosed 2006-12-01 Sunroof glass failure
  3. R
    2006-05-03Suspension06V125000 Certain vehicles have a left or right rear suspension toe link that could separate because of an incorrect weld.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the right and left toe link and replace as required. If a toe link is replaced, the dealer will perform a wheel alignment. The recall began on May 3, 2006. Owners may contact…

  4. R
    2008-02-08Power train07V589000 On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2008. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006 or http://www.Cadillac.com; Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or…

  5. R
    2014-09-15Electrical system14V394000 This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014.

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Cadillac SRX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06V125000 · Suspension
  • Recall 07V589000 · Power train
  • Recall 14V394000 · Electrical system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Cadillac SRX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Cadillac SRX is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Cadillac SRX?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Cadillac SRX have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.