2011 CADILLAC SRX Recalls, Complaints & Safety

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

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.

380,498 vehicles affected

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

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.

290,241 vehicles affected

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

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.

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.

414,333 vehicles affected

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

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.

8,789 vehicles affected

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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.

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 .

47,401 vehicles affected

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

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.

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.

10,179 vehicles affected

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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.

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.

97,843 vehicles affected

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.

Transmission cable and roll away not right gear

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.

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.

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??

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.

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.

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 🤝

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.

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.

Unknown Transmission hesitation, causing vehicle to delay when pulling out in traffic. Vehicle also slips when driving at 2,000 rpm’s.

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.

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

Intermittent windshield wipers do not work.

Condensation on both headlights

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.

aint been fixed

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Crash

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.

Since I bought the car the brake pedal is really hard to push so that I can brake the car. I took it to the dealer and they told me if the car is braking I should not be worried but I know that’s not the way the brakes should work.

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.