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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-CADILLAC-SRX NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2011 · Cadillac

Cadillac SRX problems

446 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 SRX?
High-risk ownership

Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

lighting
186 reports · fails ~80,605 mi · avg $250
moderate
suspension
55 reports · fails ~107,041 mi · avg $900
severe
electrical
32 reports · fails ~61,304 mi · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
32 reports · fails ~58,893 mi · avg $2,500
severe
brakes
28 reports · fails ~76,385 mi · avg $450
moderate
visibility
16 reports · fails ~90,537 mi · avg $350
moderate
body
15 reports · fails ~65,033 mi · avg $1,500
severe
airbags
13 reports · fails ~90,842 mi · avg $1,100
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2011 SRX's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2011 SRX?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2011 SRX · lighting
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…
2011 SRX · lighting
Low beam headlights are useless. They only light up one car length. I see others have complained also. We have the "luxury" model with the halogen lights. I see this as a safety factor. There was no accident, I just don't feel comfortable driving this car at night due the…
2011 SRX · 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.
12/26/2020 · at 91,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385036.0 · see lighting pattern →
2011 SRX · lighting
Both headlights have moisture and right headlight failed while driving. Gm is well aware of this defect. The light failing while driving is a safety issue. Gm will replace light for 1400.00 dollars, but the replacement has the same defect. They need to be recalled and fixed.
12/26/2018 · at 44,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11163456.0 · see lighting pattern →
View all 446 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2011 Cadillac SRX? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 11V595000 December 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

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.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 11V149000 March 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

If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 11V308000 June 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 right rear occupant may not be protected and suffer injuries in certain frontal and side crashes.

Fix: 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 .

Common questions

Is the 2011 Cadillac SRX reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 446 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Cadillac SRX has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2011 Cadillac SRX?

The 2011 Cadillac SRX is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Suspension: 55 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 76,973–130,000 mi; Powertrain: 32 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 15,766–65,000 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2011 Cadillac SRX?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is lighting, with 186 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 80,605 miles. Average repair cost runs about $250 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The lighting is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $250 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 80,605 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Cadillac SRX has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Cadillac SRX?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 446 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $250, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Cadillac/SRX. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Cadillac. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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