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2011 Cadillac Srx

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Srx years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Cadillac Srx are substantially higher than the model-year median of 192.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

289 reports with mileage · 157 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 198 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports1 fire reports17 injury reports

What owners actually said

446 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2021
Exterior Lighting

WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON THE NORMAL SETTING, THEY BARELY LIGHT UP THE ROAD AHEAD. THE BRIGHTS MUST BE TURNED ON IN ORDER TO SEE ANYTHING.

NHTSA ODI #11396023

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2021
Exterior Lighting

THERE IS MOISTURE IN THE HEADLAMPS WHICH HAS CAUSED THE LIGHTS TO DIM TO THE POINT THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I CAN SEE WHEN I TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS BUT I CAN ONLY DO THAT WHEN THERE IS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI #11394300

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2021
Unknown Or Other

MY DRAINS FOR MY SUN ROOF ARE NOT WORKING, WATER ALL ON PASSENGER FLOOR, MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS SOME YEARS AGO AND WAS WONDERING IF THE RECALL WAS STILL ACTIVE

NHTSA ODI #11388905

100,000 miles · Jan 18, 2021
Service Brakes

WHEN EVER THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES OR TRACTION CONTROL ARE ACTIVATED THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WITH NO OR VERY LITTLE BRAKING. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STOPPING IN THE RAIN OR SNOW AND WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS LOOSE TRACTION. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF PUMPING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL RETURNS TO NORMAL AND THE BRAKES WORK PERFECTLY. NO CODES…

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WHEN EVER THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES OR TRACTION CONTROL ARE ACTIVATED THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WITH NO OR VERY LITTLE BRAKING. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STOPPING IN THE RAIN OR SNOW AND WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS LOOSE TRACTION. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF PUMPING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL RETURNS TO NORMAL AND THE BRAKES WORK PERFECTLY. NO CODES ARE DISPLAYED. I TOOK IT INTO MY MECHANIC AND HE COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND 30 OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. I WENT TO JOHN BEAR CADILLAC IN HAMILTON ONT. AND THEY LOOKED UP MY CAR AND COULDN'T RECOMMEND A FIX FOR IT AS THE PARTS WEN'T PRODUCED ANY MORE. THIS IS A 2011 YEAR CAR AND THE SRX USED THE SAME COMPONETS UNTIL 2016. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS AS I CANNOT DEPEND ON THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY. ILIVE IN [XXX]. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11388715

91,000 miles · Dec 26, 2020
Exterior Lighting

IMPROPER SEAL ALLOWS MOISTURE AND COBDENSATUON IN WHICH CAUSES THE HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 2.5 YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULB 3 TIMES.

NHTSA ODI #11385036

72,000 miles · Dec 23, 2020
Exterior LightingVisibility/wiper

WHEN USING LOW BEAMS IT'S LIKE DRIVING BLIND! YOU CAN BARELY SEE A FOOT IN FRONT OF YOU AT NIGHT. MUST USE HIGH BEAMS AT NIGHT OR RISK YOUR LIFE DUE TO LACK OF VISIBILITY DUE TO DISCOLORATION/PROBLEM WITH LENS COVERS!

NHTSA ODI #11384702

132,143 miles · Dec 22, 2020
Engine

TIMING BELT LOOSE, CAUSING CYLINDERS 1,3 AND 5 TO MISFIRE. CAR HAD BEEN JERKING, WHAT FELT LIKE SLIPPING FOR A FEW MONTHS. I THOUGHT IT NEEDED A TUNE UP.

NHTSA ODI #11384516

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2020
Exterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE CAR DON'T WORK PROPERLY. THEY ARE TOO DIM TO SEE AT NIGHT. YOU CAN'T SEE THE ROADWAY AT ALL. LIGHT REPLACEMENT DOESN'T FIX PROBLEM. IS A PROBLEM THAT THE CAR WAS BUILT WITH. OTHERS I KNOW ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A NATIONAL RECALL ON THIS TO HELP SAFE PEOPLE FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS THAT A…

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THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE CAR DON'T WORK PROPERLY. THEY ARE TOO DIM TO SEE AT NIGHT. YOU CAN'T SEE THE ROADWAY AT ALL. LIGHT REPLACEMENT DOESN'T FIX PROBLEM. IS A PROBLEM THAT THE CAR WAS BUILT WITH. OTHERS I KNOW ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A NATIONAL RECALL ON THIS TO HELP SAFE PEOPLE FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS THAT ARE THE MANUFACTURERS FAULT.

NHTSA ODI #11378547

96,000 miles · Dec 7, 2020
Air BagsSuspensionCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT'S AUNT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC SRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER AUNT WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND HIT A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT'S AUNT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND TREATED FOR INJURIES TO HER LEFT HAND, HEAD AND CHEST. A PO…

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TL* THE CONTACT'S AUNT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC SRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER AUNT WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND HIT A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT'S AUNT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND TREATED FOR INJURIES TO HER LEFT HAND, HEAD AND CHEST. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY HER INSURANCE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. UPON HER OWN INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED HER AUNT'S FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V571000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HER THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN SERVICED AT LABADIE BUICK GMC(711 S EUCLID AVE, BAY CITY, MI 48706) IN 2014. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.

NHTSA ODI #11378312

15 miles · Dec 7, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

THE CAR TAKES A UNEXPECTED HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION ON ROAD OR HIGHWAY AT ANY GIVEN TIME WHICH IS VERY SCARY

NHTSA ODI #11378191

Official recalls

7

21V473000 · Suspension:rear

Jun 24, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

14V571000 · Suspension:rear

Sep 19, 2014

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 & remedy

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.

14V447000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jul 23, 2014

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 & remedy

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.

11V595000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Dec 20, 2011

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 & remedy

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.

11V308000 · Air Bags:side/window

Jun 3, 2011

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 & remedy

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 .

11V149000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:windshield:electrical Heating Element

Mar 4, 2011

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 & remedy

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.

10V623000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Dec 15, 2010

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE20019 · Rear Toe Link Adjuster Separation

Opened Nov 6, 2020 · Closed Dec 23, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear

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 focused on all 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles that experienced a rear toe link failure while the vehicle was in motion under various driving conditions. The failures were the same or similar to those addressed by the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. The remedy for recall 14V-571 was to inspect the rear toe link adjusters and replace them if necessary as well as tighten both jam nuts to a manufacturer specified torque. The remedy can be reversed when the vehicle gets a rear alignment adjustment and the jam nuts are not properly re-torqued to the manufacturer's specification. ODI's data review confirmed a high toe link failure rate in vehicles that either had and had not received the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. On June 24, 2021, GM filed a defect information report recalling all 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the rear toe link adjuster while driving. The remedy replaces adjustable toe links with non-adjustable toe links. The recall (21V-473) includes vehicles that were remedied under 14V-571. In view of the recall action being taken by GM, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov.The ODI identification numbers for the complaints cited above can be found in a separate document attached to this closing resume.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

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 focused on all 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles that experienced a rear toe link failure while the vehicle was in motion under various driving conditions. The failures were the same or similar to those addressed by the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. The remedy for recall 14V-571 was to inspect the rear toe link adjusters and replace them if necessary as well as tighten both jam nuts to a manufacturer specified torque. The remedy can be reversed when the vehicle gets a rear alignment adjustment and the jam nuts are not properly re-torqued to the manufacturer's specification. ODI's data review confirmed a high toe link failure rate in vehicles that either had and had not received the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. On June 24, 2021, GM filed a defect information report recalling all 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the rear toe link adjuster while driving. The remedy replaces adjustable toe links with non-adjustable toe links. The recall (21V-473) includes vehicles that were remedied under 14V-571. In view of the recall action being taken by GM, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov.The ODI identification numbers for the complaints cited above can be found in a separate document attached to this closing resume.

Suspension:rear

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 focused on all 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles that experienced a rear toe link failure while the vehicle was in motion under various driving conditions. The failures were the same or similar to those addressed by the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. The remedy for recall 14V-571 was to inspect the rear toe link adjusters and replace them if necessary as well as tighten both jam nuts to a manufacturer specified torque. The remedy can be reversed when the vehicle gets a rear alignment adjustment and the jam nuts are not properly re-torqued to the manufacturer's specification. ODI's data review confirmed a high toe link failure rate in vehicles that either had and had not received the remedy associated with recall 14V-571. On June 24, 2021, GM filed a defect information report recalling all 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the rear toe link adjuster while driving. The remedy replaces adjustable toe links with non-adjustable toe links. The recall (21V-473) includes vehicles that were remedied under 14V-571. In view of the recall action being taken by GM, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov.The ODI identification numbers for the complaints cited above can be found in a separate document attached to this closing resume.