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2012 Cadillac SRX

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 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
3.6L 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

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 2WD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19-9%$3,550468
SRX AWD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-5%$3,700494
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Cadillac SRX (this car)19 MPGNot rated3
2012 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated5
2012 BMW X521 MPGNot rated14
2012 BMW X321 MPGNot rated2
2012 Lexus RX29 MPGNot rated1
2012 Volvo XC9019 MPGNot rated0
2012 Audi Q522 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (3)

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Cadillac SRX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

383Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
25Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
27Injuries reported
78,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting212
Suspension41
Service Brakes39
Electrical System27
Unknown Or Other26
Exterior Lighting › Headlights17
Steering14
Engine10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/02: 223/03: 123/07: 223/11: 223/12: 124/01: 324/02: 124/06: 224/07: 124/08: 124/10: 224/12: 125/01: 125/03: 225/04: 225/06: 225/07: 125/08: 225/09: 125/11: 126/03: 126/04: 226/06: 126/10: 123/0223/1124/0224/0825/0125/0625/0926/04max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Cadillac SRX buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 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 — 212 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Suspension — 41 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  5. Service Brakes — 39 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 78,000 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 2012 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
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 →