2011 Cadillac SRX problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 183 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Cadillac SRX, most often about lighting. There are 7 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 183
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 7
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 5
- Median mileage
- 100,000 mi at time of problem
Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners not to drive it until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Key facts
- Lighting is the most-reported problem area, named in 65 of 183 complaints (36%).
- Suspension (51) and brakes (28) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 100,000 mi.
- Owners reported 7 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries.
- The 2011 Cadillac SRX has 7 recalls on file, including at least one “do not drive” warning.
- NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
- It ranks 4th of 13 Cadillac SRX model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 51% more complaints than the 2010 model year (121).
2011 Cadillac SRX problems by category
- 65 complaints
- Suspension · 3 crashes51 complaints
- Brakes · 1 crash28 complaints
- Electrical System17 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers14 complaints
- Engine13 complaints
- Other / Unknown · 1 crash12 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain10 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech9 complaints
- Steering8 complaints
- Body & Structure · 1 crash8 complaints
- Airbags · 5 crashes7 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control5 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion4 complaints
- Wheels & Tires4 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts2 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 61 |
| Suspension | 50 |
| Service brakes | 23 |
| Electrical system | 16 |
| Engine | 13 |
| Unknown or other | 12 |
| Visibility/wiper | 11 |
| Structure:body | 8 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2011 Cadillac SRX recalls (7)
- SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
Risk: 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.
- SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
Risk: 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.
- SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
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.
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.
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.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
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.
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.
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Risk: 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 .
- VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
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.
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.
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.
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Rear Toe Link Adjuster Separation
On November 06, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE20-019) to assess the remedy and scope of General Motors (GM) recall 14V-571. ODI had received a total of 9 complaints with allegations of rear toe links separating while the vehicle was in motion. There were 4 complainants indicating that the remedy for recall 14V-571 had been performed on their vehicle. The other 5 complaints were outside the original recall scope but exhibited the same failure mode as addressed by recall 14V-571 and reported uncontrolled swaying while driving.ODI's review focu…
NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Cadillac SRX SUV AWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | ★★★★☆ |
| 2011 Cadillac SRX SUV FWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | ★★★★☆ |
Recent 2011 Cadillac SRX complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Apr 16, 2026MSOther / 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,…
NHTSA complaint #11731617 · source - Filed Mar 26, 2026FLLighting
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.
NHTSA complaint #11727193 · source - Filed Nov 20, 2025TXLighting
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.
NHTSA complaint #11700660 · source - Filed Apr 24, 2025INLighting
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…
NHTSA complaint #11656478 · source - Filed Apr 4, 2025KYSuspension
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…
NHTSA complaint #11652802 · source - Filed Mar 3, 2025NJBrakes
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??
NHTSA complaint #11645906 · source - Filed Feb 26, 2025TXBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
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.
NHTSA complaint #11645152 · source - Filed Feb 25, 2025NJLighting
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.
NHTSA complaint #11644719 · source
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Other 2011 Cadillac models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology