2012 Cadillac SRX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- 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
- 4,204–4,367 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints383 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 32 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 18 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Cadillac SRX is a 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 4,367 lb (4dr Cuv AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 9% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 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 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 383 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
- Engines dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl and 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 SRX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Cuv AWD | 190.2 in | 75.2 in | 65.7 in | 111 in | 64.2 / 63.4 in | 4,367 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr Cuv FWD | 190.2 in | 75.2 in | 65.7 in | 111 in | 64.2 / 63.4 in | 4,204 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRX 2WD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -9% | $3,550 | 468 |
| SRX AWD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Cadillac SRX.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Cadillac SRX (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 BMW X5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2012 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Volvo XC90 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi Q5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Not every 2012 Cadillac SRX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Cadillac SRX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Exterior Lighting — 212 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Suspension — 41 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Service Brakes — 39 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 78,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Cadillac SRX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other SRX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 SRX | 19 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 169 |
| 2015 SRX | 19 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 443 |
| 2014 SRX | 19 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 385 |
| 2013 SRX | 19 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 356 |
| 2011 SRX | 20 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 7 | 401 |
| 2010 SRX | 21 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 398 |
| 2009 SRX | 18 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 15 |
| 2008 SRX | 17 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 21 |
| 2007 SRX | 17 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 26 |
| 2006 SRX | 17 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 2005 SRX | 17 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 37 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →