CADILLAC SRX · model year

2011 CADILLAC SRX

573 NHTSA complaints, 23 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011CADILLACSRX carries 573 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 23 crashes, 1 fire, 33 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 SRX is exterior lighting with 188 filings, followed by suspension (59) and electrical system (38). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2011 SRX, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

573
Complaints
23
Crashes
1
Fires
33
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

573 filings

Crashes Reported

23 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
EXTERIOR LIGHTING188
SUSPENSION59
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38
SERVICE BRAKES35
UNKNOWN OR OTHER31
POWER TRAIN29
ENGINE25
STRUCTURE:BODY18
AIR BAGS17
VISIBILITY/WIPER15
STEERING13
WHEELS13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL11
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS11
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)7

Recalls (7)

21V47300024/06/2021

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.

14V44700023/07/2014

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 t

11V59500020/12/2011

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

14V57100019/09/2014

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

10V62300015/12/2010

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.

11V14900004/03/2011

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

11V30800003/06/2011

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 SENSIN

Recent Complaints

20251226STRUCTURE:BODY

Transmission cable and roll away not right gear

20251226ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Transmission cable and roll away not right gear

20251226SUSPENSION

Transmission cable and roll away not right gear

20251120EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

20250602EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

20250602ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20250424EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 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.

20250404SUSPENSION

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 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.

20250303SERVICE 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??

20250226SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20250226FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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.

20250225EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

20250131SERVICE 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.

20250114SERVICE 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 🤝

20241220SUSPENSION

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.

20241211SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20241211EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

20241210POWER TRAIN

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

20241122SUSPENSION

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.

20241023VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

Mileage: 165,741

Compare 2011CADILLACSRX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 CADILLAC SRX have?
The 2011 CADILLAC SRX has 573 NHTSA complaints, 23 crashes, 1 fires, 33 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 CADILLAC SRX?
The 2011 CADILLAC SRX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 CADILLAC SRX?
Yes, the 2011 CADILLAC SRX has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:REAR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 CADILLAC SRX?
The most-complained component for the 2011 CADILLAC SRX is EXTERIOR LIGHTING with 188 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2011 CADILLAC SRX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 CADILLAC SRX has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.