CSR

Cadillac · NHTSA safety record

2011 Cadillac SRX

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

446

Complaints

17

Crashes

1

Fires

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2011 Cadillac SRX have filed 446 safety complaints with NHTSA between October 2010 and April 2026. The most complained-about system is the exterior lighting, named in 198 of them (44%). The typical failure was reported at 76,000 miles, the median across the 289 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints halved year on year: 6 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 22 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 7 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (7)

SUSPENSION:REAR

21V473000 · June 24, 2021

Do not drive until repaired

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

General Motors, LLC · up to 380,498 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

14V571000 · September 19, 2014

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

General Motors LLC · up to 290,241 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

14V447000 · July 23, 2014

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 414,333 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

11V595000 · December 20, 2011

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

GENERAL MOTORS LLC · up to 8,789 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

11V308000 · June 3, 2011

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

GENERAL MOTORS LLC · up to 47,401 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

11V149000 · March 4, 2011

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · up to 10,179 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

10V623000 · December 15, 2010

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

GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · up to 97,843 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Rear Toe Link Adjuster Separation

PE20019

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened November 6, 2020 · closed December 23, 2021 · led to recall 21V473000

the 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.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 446.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 198 44%
SUSPENSION 62 14%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 40 9%
POWER TRAIN 36 8%
SERVICE BRAKES 35 8%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 32 7%
STRUCTURE 26 6%
ENGINE 25 6%
AIR BAGS 17 4%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 15 3%
STEERING 13 3%
WHEELS 13 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2019 at 73.

2010 2019 2026
2010 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

3 injured · crash · 60,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 CADILLAC SRX. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WAS LOOSE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THREE UNKNOWN INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA complaint 10679589. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 70,000 miles

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC SRX. WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS DRIVING 35-40 MPH THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT 40 MPH RAN A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO HER VEHICLE. THERE WAS FRONTAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT'S MOTHER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED A FRACTURED LEFT RIB AND LEFT COLLAR BONE. THE OTHER DRIVER SUSTAINED BLOODY NOSE AND A HEAD INJURY WHICH RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AT A HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY FROM THE SCENE BY AAA WHERE IT WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE TO BE INVESTIGATED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V308000

NHTSA complaint 11287563, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · 67,000 miles

I WAS TURNING SOUTH WITH A GREEN ARROW WHEN THE SECOND DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT TRAVELING EAST AND WE COLLIDED. HE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MILES PER HOUR AND I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES AN HOUR. OUR IMPACT WAS SOMEWHAT OF A T-INCIDENT WITH THE FRONT END OF MY CAR DAMAGED AND HIS CAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DAMAGED. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE, EVEN THOUGH WE BELIEVE THE IMPACT WAS AT THE ANGLE AND THE REQUIRED SPEED OF VEHICLES TO INFLATE THEM. THE AIR BAGS IN THE SECOND DRIVER'S CAR (FORD FOCUS) DID INFLATE. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10654934. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 112,000 miles

ON 03-01-2019 I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON DIXIELAND ROAD IN ROGERS, ARKANSAS. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION OF PERSIMMON ST. I SAW THAT I WAS ABOUT TO RUN A RED LIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES HARD AND SWERVED LEFT TO TRY AND AVOID HITTING AN SUV. I WAS UNABLE TO AVOID THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE 2011 CADILLAC SRX I WAS DRIVING HIT THE SUV. I WAS THROWN INTO THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD AND NONE OF THE TAKATA INFLATOR EQUIPPED AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint 11203598. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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, and would let me know if they were able to service my car that day. Not long afterwards, I was told that they were able to locate the part and my car could be serviced today for the Rear Toe Link safety recall. The

NHTSA complaint 11731617, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Transmission cable and roll away not right gear

NHTSA complaint 11707162. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR 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.

NHTSA complaint 11700660. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

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

NHTSA complaint 11664447. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR 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

NHTSA complaint 11656478, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Cadillac SRX

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2016 168 2 3
2015 442 4
2014 389 2
2013 393 5
2012 416 3 2
2010 474 6

Other 2011 Cadillac models

Every Cadillac on this site — 91 vehicles, 198 recall campaigns and 4 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst