repaired · 2023 Q3
Suspension: rear
Do not driveRisk. A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
2011 Cadillac SRXProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 447 owner complaints about the 2011 Cadillac SRX, most often about the exterior lighting. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-473 the manufacturer reports only 67% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 11, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Cadillac SRX has problems
447 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
198Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
63Suspension3 crash/fire/injury
40Electrical system
36Power train2 crash/fire/injury
35Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
26Structure
25Engine
17Air bags
15Visibility/wiper
8719 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 198 | 1 |
| Suspension | 63 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 40 | 0 |
| Power train | 36 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 35 | 2 |
| Structure | 26 | 5 |
| Engine | 25 | 1 |
| Air bags | 17 | 12 |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 0 |
| 19 other systems | 87 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2011 Cadillac SRX recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Suspension: rear
Risk. Failure of the toe adjuster link could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Front assembly: power adjust
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…
no report yet
Power train: automatic transmission
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…
Show 3 more recalls
no report yet
Air bags: side/window
Risk. THE RIGHT REAR OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROTECTED AND SUFFER INJURIES IN CERTAIN FRONTAL AND SIDE CRASHES.
no report yet
Windshield: electrical heating element
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.
no report yet
Front: buckle assembly
Risk. THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) AS DESIGNED AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Mileage at failure
When do exterior lighting problems start?
80kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 121 exterior lighting complaints. 70% were reported before 100,000 miles.
12under 30k miles85under 100k miles36100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Exterior lighting
20 owners mentioned a cost$1,400median
Middle half: $1,150 – $1,850
Electrical system
8 owners mentioned a cost$2,000median
Middle half: $1,800 – $2,375
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other SRX year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the SRX median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Cadillac SRX safety ratings
2011 Cadillac SRX SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Cadillac SRX, and the recalls they led to.
- Rear Toe Link Adjuster SeparationLed to recall 21V-473
In owners' words
What SRX owners report
Recent exterior lighting complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
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…
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…
Own a 2011 SRX?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.