Vehicle safety record

2011 Cadillac SRX Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 447 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac SRX with NHTSA, most often about the lights (198) and the suspension (63). Those complaints describe 17 crashes, 1 fire and 21 injuries. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in June 2021 for the rear. For comparison, the 2010 has 474 and the 2012 has 417.

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NHTSA data checked yesterday

27/100Safety Index

DMore problems than a typical SRX year, for its age

#32 most complained-about 2011 vehicle

Complaints: 447
Recalls: 7
Crashes: 17
Fires: 1
Injuries: 21
Deaths: 0

Most common 2011 Cadillac SRX problems

Share of all 447 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2011 Cadillac SRX recalls 7

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Suspension: rear

21V473000Jun 24, 2021380,498 vehicles affected

Do not drive

The 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.
The risk: A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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

14V571000Sep 19, 2014290,241 vehicles affected

The 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.
The risk: Failure of the toe adjuster link could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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: power adjust

14V447000Jul 23, 2014414,333 vehicles affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Power train: automatic transmission

11V595000Dec 20, 20118,789 vehicles affected

The problem: General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 cadillac srx vehicles manufactured from october 26, 2008, through june 23, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, theft protection. These vehicles may have a transmission shift cable that was improperly installed and may come out of the transmission bracket.
The risk: The driver may be unable to shift the transmission out of gear, resulting in no motion or the shifter may inaccurately indicate that the transmission is in park when it is not, allowing the vehicle to roll away and cause a possible crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will ensure that the transmission shift cable is properly routed and seated in the transmission cable bracket. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during january 2012. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

Air bags: side / window

11V308000Jun 3, 201147,401 vehicles affected

The problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac srx passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 208, "occupant crash protection." The airbags are programmed to turn off the right side roof-rail airbag if the passenger sensing system determines that the right front passenger seat is unoccupied.
The risk: The right rear occupant may not be protected and suffer injuries in certain frontal and side crashes.
The fix: Gm dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about june 17, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 and at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com .

Visibility: electrical heating element

11V149000Mar 4, 201110,179 vehicles affected

The problem: 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. 103, "Windshield defrosting and defogging systems". On these vehicles, the software in the electronic climate control (ecc) module may disable the ability to adjust the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hvac) system settings. If this happens, the driver will not be able to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle.
The risk: If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could result in a crash.
The 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.

Seat belts: buckle assembly

10V623000Dec 15, 201097,843 vehicles affected

The problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac srx, chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain vehicles. The driver and /or front passenger safety belt buckle anchor may fracture and separate near the seat attachment in a vehicle crash.
The risk: The safety belt system may not restrain the occupant(s) as designed and could increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will modify the passenger and/or the driver safety belt buckles as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 18, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com.

What owners say

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447 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac SRX

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 18.

Suspension

Experiencing repeated inner wear on rear tires only after N212340980 Safety Recall - Rear Toe Link Separation was performed. New set of Michelan Cross Climate 2 tires installed two months prior to recall. Approximately 17,000 miles after recall, rear tires presented severe inner wear with cords exposed. Rear tires replaced and first alignment attempted where it was determined there is no point of adjustment for the rear toe. Approximately 18,000 miles later during a rotation service, the inner tread of both rear...

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tires were at 0% resulting in the tire rotation being canceled and the warranty voided. Took vehicle to previous tire shop for rear suspension parts and bushings inspection. No issues found. Section of cord showing on rear driver's tire. Second alignment performed with camber adjustment only. Secondary inspection performed by mechanic shop with no rear suspension structural issues found. Lack of adjustability on the rear suspension suspected cause of extreme wear. Contacted Cadillac Customer Care for resolution. Dealership diagnosis required before opening claim. Dealership recorded diagnosis as no visible components to cause tire wear. Alignment out of specs. Recommended replacing rear tires and 4 wheel alignment with alignment check after 5,000 miles. Left rear cord exposed, not safe to drive. (Previous alignment performed 100 miles prior.) Opened claim with Cadillac Customer Care and submitted supporting documentation and photos. Included concern of slight shift? of driver's side rear when merging onto interstate with wet road conditions. Previously attributed to difference in tread of new directional tires. Awaiting acceptable resolution.

Other & unknown

I received a flyer that my Cadillac was included in the urgent Rear Toe Link Safety Recall, so I took it to the local Cadillac dealership in Ridgeland, MS. My 2011 Cadillac SRX had the same warnings on my dashboard that were included in the flyer that I received. The warning lights and message were Service StabiliTrak, and my car chimed in combination with the message and the lights stayed on while I drove. When at the dealership, I was told that they were locating the part, and would let me know if they were...

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able to service my car that day. Not long afterwards, I was told that they were able to locate the part and my car could be serviced today for the Rear Toe Link safety recall. The shuttle took me home a while later and once I received a call back from the dealership that my car was ready for pick up, I returned back to the dealership. I then received my key and paperwork at the checkout counter and my car was driven back to me. The car was still on so I drove it back home, parked in my garage and turned it off. After 30 minutes, I started my vehicle and the same warning lights and message to Service the StabiliTrak, as well as the chiming were still on my dashboard as if the part was never replaced. When I spoke with the dealership service representative and the service manager later on, both men told me that the message warnings on my car and on the flyer about the Rear Toe Link Safety Recall had nothing to do with the Rear Toe Link Safety Recall. They said that I would have to pay a diagnostic fee to determine the cause for the message/chimes which could be other things. None of this information was on my checkout paperwork or discussed with me when I picked up my car that same day. At this point, I don't trust the information told to me over the phone and I don't trust if I pay for a diagnostic test, they would be honest to say that it was because of the safety recall. I'm questioning the actual service or if the part was replaced at all.

Lights

The low beam headlights are useless for night driving. The operator is required to run high beam during any night time or low light operation. This creates a safety issue for both the operator and any incoming vehicles.

SuspensionElectrical systemBody, doors & structure

Transmission cable and roll away not right gear

Lights

The headlight low beam illumination is extremely dangerous for driving at night. Very poor illumination distance and very poor overall lighting. Can barely even see pedestrians walking if on the side or crossing the road, VERY DANGEROUS!! Have to turn on high-beams when possible just to see at night.

Electrical systemLights

There were recalls on this vehicle. I just purchased and trying to get assistance.

Lights

I own a 2011 Cadillac SRX and have experienced a serious issue with the headlights. Over time, the headlights became extremely dim, making it difficult and dangerous to drive at night. This was not due to the bulbs themselves, but rather an issue with the headlight housing or design, which many other Cadillac SRX owners have also reported. The visibility is so poor that it creates a major safety concern for myself, my passengers, and others on the road. Despite the widespread nature of this issue and media...

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coverage (including WSOC-TV Channel 9's investigation), there has been no recall or extended warranty to cover the cost of repairs, which can be significant. I am submitting this complaint in hopes that the NHTSA will investigate and consider opening a recall to address this recurring and dangerous issue with the 2011 SRX headlight system.

Suspension

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear suspension. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with severely corroded suspension. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle was unrepairable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the...

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recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that several service appointments were scheduled within two years; however, the part was still not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Brakes

I'm sending in this complaint which is a common problem with the Cadillac SRX. The ABS breaks go soft when activated. I have no breaks , the breaks go to the floor. This is so dangerous. Now I have to turn the car off and pump the breaks. This sometimes take a whole day to get the breaks back. Why isn't this a recall??

BrakesDriver assistance

Just randomly if I have to brake the brakes go all the way to the floor. Sometimes have to pump the brakes to stop. Last couple of days when there's rough road it feels like the brakes are on when accelerating and car begins to shake.

Lights

The car is extremely unsafe. The headlights are dim no matter how many times they are replaced. I have to drive with high beams on.

Brakes

Put new brake pads on car still having same problem brakes work fine most of the time. Then every now and then brake pads goes to floor (squeezy)then next day back working fine this is going to cause a accident.

Brakes

This is the 3rd time this happens in the life of our Cadillac SRX great vehicle it's been in the family for years although the brake pedal goes out or not responsive in an event of going over a high speed bump or some what deep pothole on the roadway at a speed about 35mph very dangerous when the first time it happened we lost brake power this is a know fact about this vehicle. The vehicle is not being moved as of right now because of this issue still exists. Others have similar issues with this vehicle and to my friends at GM this is NOT cool can you help

Suspension

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was veering to the right and left unintendedly. The contact stated that the several unknown warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (SUSPENSION). The failure mileage was unknown.

LightsBrakes

After braking hard, skidding or going over a hard bump, brakes go to the floor and do not recover. This has ongoing since I purchased the car in 2012.

Transmission & drivetrain

Unknown Transmission hesitation, causing vehicle to delay when pulling out in traffic. Vehicle also slips when driving at 2,000 rpm's.

Suspension

Trying to get recall performed but keep being refused. McGuires Chevrolet of Newton,N.J. won't perform recall because I did not buy it from them. Had Cadillac schedule another dealer, Johnson Cadillac to perform recall and they called the day before appointment to cancel. Said they did not have the parts or the alignment machine to perform recall. Why are dealers allowed to not perform a safety recall? Any General Motors dealer should be required to fix said vehicle.

Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the panoramic sunroof fractured without impact. The fractured panoramic sunroof glass fell in on the contact. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,741.

Lights

The headlights dim and the cars can't be driven at night. It's a well documented issue.

Suspension

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Body, doors & structure

I opened the lift gate with the fob and went to put my groceries in the back and hydraulic lift gate started closing on me almost immediately. I had to physically force the hatch up! If it had been my wife it could have pinned her in and trapped her. This is a major issue it could kill a child! I know it is an older car but they should have built in a force safety switch to disable the hydraulics.

Wheels & tiresEngine & cooling

Service Sublimity track

Brakes

Breaks went to the floor and had to pump them to stop the car. After that they worked normally. This has happened twice now.

Suspension

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle swayed abnormally. There was warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Lights

The headlights are failing at night creating a safety concern. The first time I drove at night the headlights were like not even on. I about hit someone when they approached me and I dimmed my lights. You can see only on brights. Performed Google search to learn many of these, if not all, have faulty headlights. Purchased this vehicle in March 2024, contacted dealer was advised it's not covered under warranty. Was advised to take it to the GM dealer, they want $1200 each side to fix and what I've read this doesn't fix the faulty headlights either. Help, can't drive at night at all and I'm disabled and unable to repair.

Cadillac SRX: every year compared

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 4472011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2019

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Fires	Top problem	Grade
2015	443	4	12	3	Lights	D
2014	390	2	16	2	Lights	D
2013	393	5	15	5	Lights	D
2012	417	3	32	4	Lights	D
2011	447	7	17	1	Lights	D
2010	474	6	21	5	Lights	D
2009	27	0	2	0	Airbags	A
2008	47	0	6	1	Transmission & drivetrain	A
2007	52	1	3	1	Transmission & drivetrain	A

All SRX years

2011 Cadillac SRX vs rivals

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Grade
2011 Cadillac SRX	447	7	17	D
2011 Cadillac CTS	108	2	11	C	Compare
2011 Cadillac Escalade	65	6	0	B	Compare
2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV	62	5	0	B	Compare
2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT	52	4	0	B	Compare
2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid	49	0	0	C	Compare
2011 Cadillac DTS	16	2	4	A	Compare
2011 Cadillac STS	7	0	1	B	Compare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Questions about the 2011 Cadillac SRX

Does the 2011 Cadillac SRX have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2011 Cadillac SRX: rear (June 2021); rear (September 2014); power adjust (July 2014); automatic transmission (December 2011) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Cadillac SRX?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (198), suspension (63), electrical system (40).

How many complaints has the 2011 Cadillac SRX had?

447 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 23, 2010 and the latest on October 11, 2026. Of these, 17 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 21 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2011 Cadillac SRX a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 27 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Cadillac SRX year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Cadillac SRX years have the most complaints?

2010 (474), 2011 (447), 2015 (443). See every Cadillac SRX year compared.

What should I do if my 2011 Cadillac SRX has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked yesterday. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

2011 Cadillac SRX Problems, complaints & recalls

Most common 2011 Cadillac SRX problems

2011 Cadillac SRX recalls 7

What owners say

447 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac SRX: every year compared

2011 Cadillac SRX vs rivals

Own a 2011 Cadillac SRX? Share your experience.

Questions about the 2011 Cadillac SRX