2004 Cadillac SRX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 16%of 216 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,450miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Cadillac SRX, 16% of the 216 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,450 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I made a free right hand turn into traffic from a stationary position but when I attempted to accelerate there was a loud thunking/ratcheting sound from under my car and it wouldn't move. I was almost rear ended by an angry driver and I was furiously honked at by multiple people. Mechanic informed me that the noise is from a failing transfer case which seems to be a common issue for this particular vehicle based on web research.”
NHTSA complaint #11184233, filed 2019-03, 137,000 miles“About a week after I bought my 2004 Cadillac SRX, it started jerking and making a loud clicking or popping sound, later found out that a few sprockets inside the transfer case had broke off and the chain? Was slipping. This was the rear, the carlots mechanic fixed it, then the battery and alternator had to be replaced and the throttle body intake had to be opened and cleaned because it wasnt opening like it is designed to do, and so the exhaust was getting trapped in the exhaust manifold. …”
NHTSA complaint #11359892, filed 2020-09, 72,500 miles“Srx 2004 has already had transmission rebuilt and I am trying to get throttle body also replaced after throttle did not respond and coasted backwards almost catching 3 teens running between my car and one behind me. Transmission was taken care of but hesitation on throttle has been continuous for over a year with no one telling me what was wrong. Just this week I was told throttle body needs replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10420785, filed 2011-08, 50,000 miles“When the light turn green I put my foot on the accelerator and my truck start making a loud rattling / thumping noise. Once the 2004 SRX change gears then the vehicle is rolling with no problem. I took my truck to Cadillac and I have paperwork that say I need a bearing hub on the left tire thinking that's what the problem was but that was not the problem. I had the repairs done on both passenger hubs and still the noise is there. I went to several repair shops and some say the transfer case or the chain is slipping. …”
NHTSA complaint #10639958, filed 2014-09, 122,725 miles“Attempting to leave gas station, car began to decelerate and the engine rev'd high. This was an issue with the throttle that cost over $600.00 to repair. Now, I am hearing a clicking noise at sudden acceleration, took to Cadillac dealer for diagnostic and they told me it was something in the transfer case and that they could not replace parts, that I would have to replace the whole thing at a cost of $3000.00! I definitely do not have the money to repair this item. This has really turned me off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10432778, filed 2011-10, 107,000 milesRelated recalls
- 08V527000Oct 9, 2008Gm is recalling 17,301 my 2004 cadillac srx vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the…Covers: Cadillac SRX 2004
Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10113930Mar 14, 2016This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicles with a no crank concern or they are unable to remove…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 | 3% |
| 2015 | 18 | 4% |
| 2014 | 21 | 5% |
| 2013 | 31 | 8% |
| 2012 | 11 | 3% |
| 2011 | 36 | 8% |
| 2010 | 46 | 10% |
| 2009 | 4 | 15% |
| 2008 | 11 | 23% |
| 2007 | 12 | 23% |
| 2006 | 13 | 19% |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% |
| 2004 | 34 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2004 Cadillac SRX
43 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Cadillac SRX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology