VehicleVerdict

2011 Cadillac SRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 575 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median SRX year — the 2011 model ranks #2 of 14 SRX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 33 injuries in total across these filings.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 200 reports (35% of the total).

575

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

33

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other SRX years?

SRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted632 complaints2004: 324 complaints2005: 162 complaints2006: 96 complaints2007: 69 complaints2008: 71 complaints2009: 31 complaints2010: 632 complaints2011: 575 complaints2012: 515 complaints2013: 493 complaints2014: 451 complaints2015: 535 complaints2016: 208 complaints2019: 2 complaints
SRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Cadillac SRX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting20035%
Suspension6211%
Electrical System519%
Brakes417%
Transmission366%
Other336%
Engine285%
Body & Structure265%
Visibility & Wipers224%
Airbags173%
Tires & Wheels142%
Steering132%
Speed Control112%
Fuel System71%
Seat Belts61%
Driver Assistance41%
Seats31%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2011 Cadillac SRX have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V473000SuspensionJune 24, 2021 · 380,498 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

14V571000SuspensionSeptember 19, 2014 · 290,241 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

14V447000SeatsJuly 23, 2014 · 414,333 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

11V595000TransmissionDecember 20, 2011 · 8,789 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

11V308000AirbagsJune 3, 2011 · 47,401 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE RIGHT REAR OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROTECTED AND SUFFER INJURIES IN CERTAIN FRONTAL AND SIDE CRASHES.

Remedy

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 .

11V149000Visibility & WipersMarch 4, 2011 · 10,179 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION AFFECTS THE DEFROST SYSTEM WHEN IT IS REQUIRED, IT MAY DECREASE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

10V623000Seat BeltsDecember 15, 2010 · 97,843 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) AS DESIGNED AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC SRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE EXTREMELY DIM, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE A CINDER BLOCK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 18, 2018 · crash

The contact owned a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and approaching traffic ahead the driver depressed the brake pedal to stop and the vehicle suddenly lost control, spun out, and drove into the opposite lane before two other vehicles crashed into it.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 24, 2021 · crash

Car has stalled out 5 times since NOV 12,2021 to Nov 22, 2021 and now the car has broken down in the middle of the road and will not start back up. We were at a red light when it just turned off and does not work now. It was smoking and smelled horrible like burning plastic. I had to remove my kids…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 22, 2021

The contact owned a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and approaching traffic ahead the driver depressed the brake pedal to stop and the vehicle suddenly lost control, spun out, and drove into the opposite lane before two other vehicles crashed into it.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 24, 2021 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC SRX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS ON ITS OWN AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 16, 2018 · crash

2011 Cadillac SRX — common questions

Is the 2011 Cadillac SRX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 575 complaints put the 2011 model at #2 of 14 SRX years. It is one of the SRX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 SRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (200 complaints), suspension (62 complaints), electrical system (51 complaints).

Does the 2011 Cadillac SRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Cadillac SRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Cadillac SRX under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Cadillac SRX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SRX years to avoid are 2010, 2011, 2015, 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among SRX years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.