Disgruntled SRX owner

[MorgenCreek]

Folks,

I hope someone out there can give me some guidance. I bought a 2006 SRX back in April of 06. It now has approx. 26k miles on it and I've had nothing but problems. It's been in the shop over 12 times in the last year for a variety of issues. Last October, the rear end burned up (rear differential, shaft replaced) it actually caught fire as I was driving it. I was told that Cadillac would contact me, they never did. And unfortunately I did not pursue them either as they convinced me that it was a "freak thing." Now I've had it in 7x since March for the same rubbing noise and they've replaced the control arm, the ball joint, the steering column, and now the strut. I've asked for some compensation as my wife no longer feels safe driving it and we are now shopping for another new car. Anyone experience these kind of headaches? Can you reccomend some course of action? Cadillac says we are fixing your issues per the warranty so there is nothing we can do. HELP!!!!!

[steve6]

trade it in for a corolla

[Bruce Nunnally]

Have a look at the lemon laws in your state to see if they provide any relief. http://www.caddyinfo.com/lemonlaws.html

The differentials have been noted as a problem on the CTS, SRX, and the Solstice/Sky convertibles, which use the same Getrag differential.

The rubbing noise sounds like an individual car issue; can you write more about what you hear/feel on that one pls?

[BigCat83]

"Getrag differential"

Nothing like a Dana differential...

[BodybyFisher]

Folks,

I hope someone out there can give me some guidance. I bought a 2006 SRX back in April of 06. It now has approx. 26k miles on it and I've had nothing but problems. It's been in the shop over 12 times in the last year for a variety of issues. Last October, the rear end burned up (rear differential, shaft replaced) it actually caught fire as I was driving it. I was told that Cadillac would contact me, they never did. And unfortunately I did not pursue them either as they convinced me that it was a "freak thing." Now I've had it in 7x since March for the same rubbing noise and they've replaced the control arm, the ball joint, the steering column, and now the strut. I've asked for some compensation as my wife no longer feels safe driving it and we are now shopping for another new car. Anyone experience these kind of headaches? Can you reccomend some course of action? Cadillac says we are fixing your issues per the warranty so there is nothing we can do. HELP!!!!!

I am sure its just a mistake but you have 2004 in your profile and you are talking about a 2006. I have seen friends of mine that have had problems with their Corvette, BMW and Jag have their payments paid by the manufacturer. You might see if you can get that type of remedy. I never heard of the Getrag going on fire just moaning and groaning. The problem was internal to the differential not a shaft. Do you by chance have any teenagers driving this car? It sounds like its being beat up based on the kind of problems you are having at such a low mileage. The reason I say that is because I used to race my Dad's 64 and 65 Caddy's against 57 Chevy's, Camaros, etc and I destroyed engine mounts, radiators when the engine shifted into it, tranny's etc.

[stsjoe]

If you've been dealing with the same Dealership I'd go to another. I had one the dealer spent a week trying to fix, took it to another they found the problem in under an hour.

Just a suggestion,

Joe

[MorgenCreek]

Have a look at the lemon laws in your state to see if they provide any relief. http://www.caddyinfo.com/lemonlaws.html

The differentials have been noted as a problem on the CTS, SRX, and the Solstice/Sky convertibles, which use the same Getrag differential.

The rubbing noise sounds like an individual car issue; can you write more about what you hear/feel on that one pls?

It was a rubbing/creaking noise as I was rolling down the street at any speed. It was more proniunced on turns. The strut replacement seems to have corrected that issue. It's the combination of all these problems that leaves me disgruntled.

[MorgenCreek]

Folks,

I hope someone out there can give me some guidance. I bought a 2006 SRX back in April of 06. It now has approx. 26k miles on it and I've had nothing but problems. It's been in the shop over 12 times in the last year for a variety of issues. Last October, the rear end burned up (rear differential, shaft replaced) it actually caught fire as I was driving it. I was told that Cadillac would contact me, they never did. And unfortunately I did not pursue them either as they convinced me that it was a "freak thing." Now I've had it in 7x since March for the same rubbing noise and they've replaced the control arm, the ball joint, the steering column, and now the strut. I've asked for some compensation as my wife no longer feels safe driving it and we are now shopping for another new car. Anyone experience these kind of headaches? Can you reccomend some course of action? Cadillac says we are fixing your issues per the warranty so there is nothing we can do. HELP!!!!!

I am sure its just a mistake but you have 2004 in your profile and you are talking about a 2006. I have seen friends of mine that have had problems with their Corvette, BMW and Jag have their payments paid by the manufacturer. You might see if you can get that type of remedy. I never heard of the Getrag going on fire just moaning and groaning. The problem was internal to the differential not a shaft. Do you by chance have any teenagers driving this car? It sounds like its being beat up based on the kind of problems you are having at such a low mileage. The reason I say that is because I used to race my Dad's 64 and 65 Caddy's against 57 Chevy's, Camaros, etc and I destroyed engine mounts, radiators when the engine shifted into it, tranny's etc.

No teenagers here! Just my wife and I. The fire happened at 70 mph and I smelled smoke, saw smoke, and then saw flames comeout from under my car.

[Bruce Nunnally]

Have a look at the lemon laws in your state to see if they provide any relief. http://www.caddyinfo.com/lemonlaws.html

The differentials have been noted as a problem on the CTS, SRX, and the Solstice/Sky convertibles, which use the same Getrag differential.

The rubbing noise sounds like an individual car issue; can you write more about what you hear/feel on that one pls?

It was a rubbing/creaking noise as I was rolling down the street at any speed. It was more proniunced on turns. The strut replacement seems to have corrected that issue. It's the combination of all these problems that leaves me disgruntled.

I would be unhappy also about a differential fire. Do you have any current problems with the SRX?

[BodybyFisher]

Here is a list of rear differential problems, none had a fire. I would be curious what caused the fire. Before the fire was the differential whining?

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems...rintVersion=YES

[MorgenCreek]

Have a look at the lemon laws in your state to see if they provide any relief. http://www.caddyinfo.com/lemonlaws.html

The differentials have been noted as a problem on the CTS, SRX, and the Solstice/Sky convertibles, which use the same Getrag differential.

The rubbing noise sounds like an individual car issue; can you write more about what you hear/feel on that one pls?

It was a rubbing/creaking noise as I was rolling down the street at any speed. It was more proniunced on turns. The strut replacement seems to have corrected that issue. It's the combination of all these problems that leaves me disgruntled.

I would be unhappy also about a differential fire. Do you have any current problems with the SRX?

I just got it back last week and it seems to be running ok. But with it's track record I'm not confident. I was led to believe by Cadillac Customer Service that there would be some compensation with a good chance of helping me get into a new SRX. But they called me this week to say they would be doing nothing for me. Not even a token oil change! I think this is terrible customer service and I'm ready to swear off Cadillac. I never had issues like this with Toyota,Volvo, Ford or even Hyundai!

[Bruce Nunnally]

First, be sure to collect all of the documentation to date. This would include the receipts from each service, and any other paperwork. Also, put a log book in the SRX and note the date of any future concern. Then, follow the links for your state and understand your Lemon Laws, just to make sure you know what your rights are.

If Cadillac has fixed it correctly and it has no current problems, I think you should request Customer Service extend your warranty to 100K miles as a form of compensation. Understand when they offerred NO assistance that was their opening position in the negotiation.

[Cadillac Jim]

The rubbing noise and the fire under the car at 70 mph tells me that something was rubbing against the drive shaft. Anyone that can't find something like that in a few minutes with the car on a lift just isn't trying.

I'm with STSJOE, BodyByFisher, and caddyinfo.com -- have the car checked at another dealership, call GM back, and look into the lemon laws. It wouldn't hurt to mention the lemon laws to GM Customer Service, and ask them to recommend a dealer to look at the car. My experience with Cadillac Customer Service, and GM Customer Service in general, is that they are top-notch. But, their main source of information on new car problems is the dealership that looks at the car, unless you are very, very knowledgeable and establish a rapport with someone. The keys are to make it known that you are serious, and that you are not satisfied, and to get another dealer involved, and to be firm, calm, and polite.

Customer Service may name another dealer for you, but they probably won't and you will need to pick one yourself. Go far enough away from the old dealer for the new dealer to make sure that there is no fraternal relationship between the dealers, such as a common co-owner, and don't be afraid to ask the service manager if there is any relationship between his dealership and the old dealer. They will find out about the history with the old dealer anyway as soon as they enter the VIN to write up a service ticket, and the introduction will go better if they hear it from you before they see it on the computer. As an opening job in the relationship, you can ask for a transmission service and oil change or whatever your owners' manual recommends at your current mileage, and a thorough look-over including OBD II look-see, and a thorough under-car inspection.

[BodybyFisher]

"Getrag differential"

Nothing like a Dana differential...

Interestly Getrag and Dana are related

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getrag

[caddypete]

That sucks that Caddy will not back thier products, a warranty gives you piece of mind. having to use it as often as this poster has outright stinks and Caddy not doing anything to appease a customer who spent over 50,000 on a vehicle. I would trade it in on a Volvo XC90 V8. And American auto makers wonder why everyone thinks Japanese auto makers build a better auto

[MAC]

I'm not trying to downplay the situation but this kind of thing happens from time-to-time. I wouldn't swear-off Cadillac just because one instance of having several problems. I would probably keep the SRX if the nagging problems are solved and there aren't any signs of further problems. Be logical about it instead of letting your emotions dictate what you do--unless, however, the SRX leaves such a bad taste in your mouth that for therapy purposes you need to get rid of it. I'm also with STSJOE, BodyByFisher, and caddyinfo.com regarding looking for another dealership or non-dealership mechanic. It seems to me that one of the sources of aggravation are the mechanics at the dealership that didn't do a thorough job inspecting.

I would think a 2006 SRX would still be under warranty?

[BodybyFisher]

That sucks that Caddy will not back thier products, a warranty gives you piece of mind. having to use it as often as this poster has outright stinks and Caddy not doing anything to appease a customer who spent over 50,000 on a vehicle. I would trade it in on a Volvo XC90 V8. And American auto makers wonder why everyone thinks Japanese auto makers build a better auto

Cadillac and GM do back their products. I don't know about you but I have heard many a story about GM replacing the Getrag differential. That is all GM can do, that differential is supplied by German supplier that also supplies differentials to Audi. My guess is that GM has had some very terse meetings with Getrag and Getrag is on the hook for the problems. Of course that does not help the purchaser of a Cadillac at all, all he sees is a car that is problematic and a major component that goes bad often and with little mileage. It begs to a quality issue and undermines GM and Cadillac terribly. Heads should be rolling and GM should find or design an alternative that does the job.

That said, is this happening to Audi Getrag differentials also? If not, I would be seriously examining the differentials side by side to find out why not.

This is when we miss the Guru, he could explain this

[caddypete]

Not that don't back it by fixing it, it's when you have a vehicle coming back so many times for repairs, and not a budget car, a higher end vehicle. You would think someone would go out of thier way to appease this guy. Not knocking Cadillac or american car makers, but when you do have a problem someone has to step up and fix it, make that customer feel like they are important and you want thier business. I always wanted a Mercedes Benz, I will not buy one because so many people having electrical problems and noone seems to care or try to fix it. Your 2500 beater breaks down you expect it, but when you spend 50,000 for a vehicle, you expect reliabilty, peace of mind. Not to be stranded or making monthly trips to the dealer to have something fixed

[MAC]

Not that don't back it by fixing it, it's when you have a vehicle coming back so many times for repairs, and not a budget car, a higher end vehicle. You would think someone would go out of thier way to appease this guy. Not knocking Cadillac or american car makers, but when you do have a problem someone has to step up and fix it, make that customer feel like they are important and you want thier business. I always wanted a Mercedes Benz, I will not buy one because so many people having electrical problems and noone seems to care or try to fix it. Your 2500 beater breaks down you expect it, but when you spend 50,000 for a vehicle, you expect reliabilty, peace of mind. Not to be stranded or making monthly trips to the dealer to have something fixed

I agree to the extent that when something breaks down well before expected and the car is less than 5 years old, even if it's no longer under warranty GM should go out of its way to fix the problem free of charge--at least don't charge for the broken part. Something like a differential should last many trouble-free years.

[BodybyFisher]

I agree that there is NO WAY that anyone should be charged for a differential out of warranty at all.