I've had plenty of Cadillac in the bay over the years, and the visibility complaints on these don't surprise me. 117 on the NHTSA record across 21 model-year entries (2005–2018) is not a fluke. The 2011 Cadillac SRX leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 11 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Repair cost runs around $350 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Wipers, washers, backup camera, defroster — exercise all of them on the test drive. None of these failures are emergencies but they add up.
ProblemsByVin CADILLAC / VISIBILITY
21 model-year entries · 2005–2018
Cadillac visibility problems
117 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Cadillac vehicles for visibility issues. 1 active recall campaign. See visibility across all makes →
Complaints
117
Recalls
1
Year-models
21
Avg fix
$350
2crashes
11injuries
Worst-affected Cadillac model-years for visibility Top 21 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
2011 Cadillac SRX
16 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2014 Cadillac SRX
13 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2013 Cadillac SRX
9 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2015 Cadillac SRX
8 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2008 Cadillac SRX
8 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2007 Cadillac SRX
6 complaints · ~$350 severe
2005 Cadillac SRX
6 complaints · ~$350 severe
2016 Cadillac SRX
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2005 Cadillac STS
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2018 Cadillac XT5
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2010 Cadillac SRX
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2006 Cadillac CTS
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2006 Cadillac DTS
4 complaints · ~$350 severe
2005 Cadillac CTS
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2017 Cadillac XT5
3 complaints · ~$350 severe
2014 Cadillac ATS
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2012 Cadillac SRX
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2008 Cadillac CTS
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2007 Cadillac CTS
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2006 Cadillac SRX
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2005 Cadillac Deville
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
Active recalls — Cadillac visibility 5 on file
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015
Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the roof console accessory switch trim plate, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15568. Note this recall supersedes 15V-106.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014
An inoperative windshield wiper system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2104. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14157.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles
A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield and apply primer and urethane sealant. If the windshield is damaged, the dealer will replace it. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232419690.
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick lacrosse and Cadillac srx vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no
If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the ecc module free of charge. The safety recall began on march 11, 2011. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015
If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electronic Climate Control module to remove the automatic rear defogger "on" function, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15299.
Common questions
How many Cadillac visibility complaints are on file with NHTSA?
117 complaints across 21 model-year entries from 2005 to 2018. 1 active recall campaigns cover visibility issues across the Cadillac lineup.
Which Cadillac model has the most visibility complaints?
The 2011 Cadillac SRX leads with 16 complaints in this category. Next: 2014 SRX (13) and 2013 SRX (9).
What does it cost to fix Cadillac visibility problems?
Independent shops average $350 for visibility repairs across the Cadillac lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Cadillac visibility recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover visibility on Cadillac vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Cadillac.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.