NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Cadillac SRX. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
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 shuttle took me home a while later and once I received a call back from the dealership that my car was ready for pick up, I returned back to the dealership. I then received my key and paperwork at the checkout counter and my car was driven back to me. The car was still on so I drove it back home, parked in my garage and turned it off. After 30 minutes, I started my vehicle and the same warning lights and message to Service the StabiliTrak, as well as the chiming were still on my dashboard as if the part was never replaced. When I spoke with the dealership service representative and the service manager later on, both men told me that the message warnings on my car and on the flyer about the Rear Toe Link Safety Recall had nothing to do with the Rear Toe Link Safety Recall. They said that I would have to pay a diagnostic fee to determine the cause for the message/chimes which could be other things. None of this information was on my checkout paperwork or discussed with me when I picked up my car that same day. At this point, I don't trust the information told to me over the phone and I don't trust if I pay for a diagnostic test, they would be honest to say that it was because of the safety recall. I'm questioning the actual service or if the part was replaced at all.
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.
There were recalls on this vehicle. I just purchased and trying to get assistance.
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.
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??
Transmission cable and roll away not right gear
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.
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.
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.
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
Unknown Transmission hesitation, causing vehicle to delay when pulling out in traffic. Vehicle also slips when driving at 2,000 rpm’s.
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.
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.
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.
The headlights dim and the cars can't be driven at night. It's a well documented issue.
I opened the lift gate with the fob and went to put my groceries in the back and hydraulic lift gate started closing on me almost immediately. I had to physically force the hatch up! If it had been my wife it could have pinned her in and trapped her. This is a major issue it could kill a child! I know it is an older car but they should have built in a force safety switch to disable the hydraulics.
Service Sublimity track
Breaks went to the floor and had to pump them to stop the car. After that they worked normally. This has happened twice now.
My 2011 SRX has lost brake power 4 times in the past 2 years. I reported to GM as other owners had this complaint. I hit the brakes at low speed when going into a parking lot incline and lose my brake power. The brakes go to the floor and eventually the car stops. Thankfully no other car was near me as the car is hard to stop. I also slammed on my brakes around 25-30 mph as another car was coming head on in my lane. Once the collision was avoided I tried to stop at a red light. Again the brakes went to the floor without stopping the vehicle immediately. My auto mechanic test drove it everywhere to see if he could reproduce the issue, but could not . I contacted GM and they told me to take it to a dealership which I did. They could not find anything but bled the brake lines hoping this was the issue. It was not. I went over an inclined manhole on a side street going about 5-10 miles and afterwards the brakes were very soft. I read in the SRX cadillac forum that others that had the same issue said to try and pump the brakes. I did this and the brake power re- engaged. This is a scary safety issue as I am always wondering if my brakes will stop the car. I only have 80000 miles on this car and keep routine maintenance. I also have an issue with the condensation of the headlights that dims the lighting on the headlights. I had received a letter ( Court Settlement Claim) stating if I had an issue to bring it to a dealership and they would look at it. If it did have this issue the headlight company would pay for some repair. I didn’t go since my headlight issue didn’t start until later . When I contacted the dealership I was told that offer expired along with GM confirming this. It is extremely frustrating and scary to know other owners have the same complaints and GM doesn’t do any safety recalls. These 2 issues are a big safety issue and I pray it never causes an accident.
Brakes just randomly go out and pedal becomes spongy. Then, the brakes start working again. The brakes become almost intermittent. I have seen that this is a common problem with this vehicle. My family was almost seriously injured due to not having brakes to stop the car, especially at 70 mph. I have had it at the dealer and have changed everything possible to correct the problem. Brake system has been inspected by GM certified mechanic. No warning was ever evident when problem occurred
aint been fixed
The headlights are failing at night creating a safety concern. The first time I drove at night the headlights were like not even on. I about hit someone when they approached me and I dimmed my lights. You can see only on brights. Performed Google search to learn many of these, if not all, have faulty headlights. Purchased this vehicle in March 2024, contacted dealer was advised it’s not covered under warranty. Was advised to take it to the GM dealer, they want $1200 each side to fix and what I’ve read this doesn’t fix the faulty headlights either. Help, can’t drive at night at all and I’m disabled and unable to repair.
It is a common issue with 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX for the reflective material on the inside of the low beam halogen projectors to flake off, causing extreme decreased visibility at night, especially in inclement weather.
The headlights on my 2011 Cadillac SRX4 (62,000 miles and garage kept from new until 2 years ago) started to fail in 2022. The passenger side failed in 2022 and had to be replaced at an out of pocket cost of $1,536.98. The driver's side failed on 1/15/2024 and it had to be replaced at an out of pocket cost of $2,046.70. I understand that there was not a recall on this problem but rather a reimbursement program. I was told by the Dealer that that program ended in 2020. I don't understand how a vehicle manufacturer, who has admitted that there was a problem with the sealant on their headlight, can just stop reimbursing owners. The best part is the replacements that I paid $3,583.68 for, still have bad sealant, and will go again eventually. My safety and the safety of other is put at risk because there is no warning light or anything indicate to the driver that your headlight has failed. The problem has been reproduced over and over and the Dealer/GM/Cadillac all have acknowledged the problem exists. My vehicle was inspected by the Cadillac Dealer (Smail Buick, GMC, Cadillac) and that's when I was informed that the reimbursement from Cadillac has ended. Please advise if there is any way to force Cadillac to reimburse these costs.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle swayed abnormally. There was warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn at an intersection the steering wheel was vibrating and the vehicle began to sway to the left and crashed into a vehicle on the opposite lane. The contact stated that her vehicle had almost made a U-turn due to the uncontrolled swaying. The contact stated that her vehicle crashed the other vehicle on the driver's side front door. The contact stated her vehicle had damage to the right front fender and the front passenger door. The contact stated that the damage to the passenger front door prevented it from being opened. The contact stated that no person involved in the accident was injured. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and issued a report. The contact stated that both vehicles were towed. The contact's vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or body shop to be repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and determined that her vehicle VIN fell under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension), and the vehicle was taken in for repair. The contact stated that upon leaving the dealer and driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown malfunction indicator light was illuminated and a "Service Rear Axle" message was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V473000 (Suspension), which had previously been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,500.
I NEVER GOT A RECALL ON THE LIGHT REPAIR. HAS MOISTURE IN HEADLIGHT. YOU CAN NOT SEE AT NIGHT. LIGHTS ARE VERY LOW LIGHTING. IT IS A SAFETY RISK. GOING TO CHURCH AT NIGHT IS IMPOSSIBLE. YOU CANNOT SEE OUT AHEAD. TRYING TO WATCH FOR DEER. I GOT ONE LIGHT FIXED FEW YEARS AGO. I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER. IS THERE A RECALL. THE PICTURE LOADED IS WHAT LIGHT LOOKS LIKE ON DRIVERS SIDE. I PRAY THEY STAND BEHIND THE LIGHT. THANK YOU FOR CARING
The brake light, the ABS light and the stability control light came in my vehicle and GM says that the EBCM needs to be replaced this should be a recall because a lot of cars are having this issue and they don’t have the parts available, is been more than a year I’m driving like that.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed on the instrument panel to “Service Rear Axle”. The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V571000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear toe link adjuster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the “Service Rear Axle” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after driving less than 500 miles, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact was informed that she would receive a call back but had not yet received the call back. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
I was in an accident 2 weeks ago where 0 airbags were deployed. I swerved to miss an elk, traveling about 55-60 mph, tapped it on the passenger front side and made me spin out and collide with a rock wall on the driver side. The whole front driver side was affected and driver door couldn’t be opened. 0 airbags deployed, message displayed “service airbags”. No message was ever displayed prior to accident. Car was deemed total loss by Progressive. There is a police report and car is in Progressive’s possession.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and attempting to stop at a stop sign, the brake pedal went all the way to the floorboard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at the local dealer; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance and was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The dealer informed the contact there was an excessive amount of rust and that the recall repair could not be performed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 107,342.
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.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the power steering had malfunctioned making the steering wheel difficult to turn in either direction and the ABS warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was later informed that the part had been discontinued and no repair was available. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Onstar(R) vcim draining my battery, it’s not my battery or alternator and already replaced connections too. I have a recall sample that was sent out 04/15/2013 Bulletin no 11-08-44-003A
Both headlights are filled with condensation which makes driving the car not too good at night getting concerned that they might go out at night due to a short or something cuz of the water
My lights have conditions and when it rains one of my lights do not come on until it is dry. I have replaced two bulbs since 2020. Now my steering wheel warning light came on, I had steering wheel fluid put in, and it's still hard to turn, and the warning light is still coming on with StabiliTrak warning light
Squeaking noises in the front end sounds like rubbing also when you were at a stop and you turn the wheel from left to right sounds like a rubbing noise just purchased vehicle at the end of summer used started during the winter
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.
It is clear that it's a manufacturing problem with the seals for the headlights in this vehicle. There are many of the same complaints concerning visibility and water log inside the headlamps. I am having this same issue. Because of the water log inside of the headlamps, this could cause electrical damage. The seals in these headlamps aren't sealing correctly and water from rain is flooding the inside of my headlamps, especially the driver's side. A recall should be given for these faulty headlamps. 2011 Cadillac SRX - FWD
I have had my vehicle about a month I have a 2011 Cadillac SRX I have had it in the shop at least 3 weeks since I had it due to the headlights being out or damaged by water they have worked out about $6,000 on my vehicle to have the bulbs burner ballast and igniter replaced and replaced my passenger side lens but they did not replace the driver side and it accumulates a lot of water all the time if it's a pretty day it's still keeps water inside I think the cover needs to be replaced due to water getting into the headlight or any type of moisture I've been seeing that this is been an ongoing problem with these vehicles I feel like if I just bought the vehicle I should not be responsible for replacing the lens on the driver side because it is a safety issue and it's more dim than the other side I think these should be recalled
Over time the headlight casings have moisture inside. Also, the plastic covering to the headlights is no longer clear but is cloudy. Driving at night I am forced to put on the high beams to brighten up the road ahead of me. Memphis Cadillac dealership said there is a history of this problem. They will not work on the car because of this. Is there a recall? Please let me know. Thank you.
We bought a 2011 Cadillac SRX from Carvana April 4th of 2022 later that same year in October 22 the engine lights came on and I had to replace the water pump and the belt twice. I call them in October and the rep said it is what is. Now in January 2023 I need a new engine. I took it to 2 different repair shops, and they said same the same thing I need a new engine. So, I took it to the Cadillac dealership to make sure and they told me that this car has never been service in a very long time. Dealership said he never saw anything like this, and dealership also said this car had problems before it got to me, I have been going back and forth with Carvana with no end sight. I have all the records of the services that has been done since we had it. Claimed loss: $15,453 Desired outcome: Carvana needs to pay bridgeCrest financial the money we borrowed from them. They can pick up this junk car that don't work. Needs an engine It didn't pass inspection. It's been in my garage ever since
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air conditioning unit could not be turn off or adjusted or switched to the heater making the front windshield defroster inoperable and creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V149000 (Visibility). The contact indicated that the vehicle had exhibited the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.
It’s one problem but it’s a big problem and for the life of me it seems as if I can’t get through to someone. My headlights are so dim that I can’t drive at night it’s already know that this is a manufacturer problem I know its known that it is. Listen I’m a disabled veteran on a fixed income I need help with this problem can you help me?
The sunroof drain tubes become plugged and if you can actually find someone to fix the error, its horribly expensive. Water enters the vehicle, causing mold on the back seat floors. This issue has also shorted out my trunk release consistent with other individuals reports and when manually released, via the inside hidden panel, it sparks, which is dangerous and shouldnt happen. After a heavy rain, entering the vehicle sounds like a waterfall all around you from inside. I have to constantly keep moisture absorbers inside of my vehicle in a futile attempt to solve the issue.
Headlights are leaking and allowing moisture to enter into the headlight assembly. In turn, this is causing headlights to rust and fail early. Additionally, they fail without warning, thus potentially leaving the driver in the dark. Very serious safety issue. Dealer contacted and stated they were, at one time, reimbursing car owners, however they are not doing so now. Cadillac states that since my car was purchased in Florida, they would have taken care of the issue, but they are no longer doing reimbursing customers for repairs needed to make the car safe to drive.
Rear brake lights remains on while moving and when the car is parked.
Received Recall notice (#N212340980), contacted several dealers and ALL said the same thing: if you did not purchase the car here, then appointments are six weeks out! Finally, went Tremonte Cadillac as they were kind enough to take the car in sooner; brought the car there and within fifteen minutes I was told "you are all set", thanked him and left. On the way home the "Service Rear Axle" message came back up again! Being the weekend I did not contact the dealer. The next day the light came back on and the vehicle information center would not display. Contacted the dealer and they said to bring the car back. The fact that the dealer is 45mins away, my difficult work schedule and being told the car can be driven, you just lose the AWD capability, I opted to wait till the fall. Also several attempts to contact Cadillac by phone, email and letters-with not one response! I am writing you at this time as we detected the car pulling to the right and loss of AWD system. Hoping your office can assist us. Respectfully, [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).