The 2011 Cadillac SRX is not one of the model’s best. From headlights that seep-in water and short, to engine components that commonly fail before 100,000 miles. Worse still, the NHTSA currently warns against driving a 2011 SRX at all due to a recent safety recall where the suspension might separate from the frame.
Key Points
- Cadillac’s 2011 SRX is one of the model’s most problematic, with seven recalls and 377 complaints on file with the NHTSA.
- The most concerning problem with the 2011 SRX pertains to the rear suspension possibly separating from the frame.
- Most commonly, owners report the headlights taking-in water, shorting, and costing roughly $1,200 per light to replace.
- The SUV’s most likely powertrain problem sees the engine’s timing chain failing before 100,000 miles, costing $2,500 or more to fix.
- Remaining problems include seatbelt anchors that may break, a faulty climate control, and a transmission that may not shift out of park.
Most Concerning Problem With the 2011 Cadillac SRX is a Rear Suspension That May Not Be Fully Secured to the Frame
The 2011 Cadillac SRX has 377 complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of these, Cadillac launched one investigation and issued seven safety recalls.
Perhaps the biggest concern with the 2011 Cadillac SRX pertains to a loose rear suspension toe link. This part connects the suspension to the SUV’s frame, making it crucial to the vehicle’s stability.
In 2014, a recall was issued over loose toe links in over 290,000 GM vehicles, including the 2011 SRX. Unfortunately, the problem returned after the recall repair, leading to an investigation being opened in November of 2020.
In response to the investigation, another recall was issued in June of 2021 for over 380,000 GM units. Due to the severity and recent occurrence of the problem, the NHTSA also issued a warning to “stop driving this vehicle immediately,” until recall repairs have been performed. As of April of 2022, this warning is still live.
Common Problems With the 2011 Cadillac SRX Include Exterior Lighting Issues Like Poorly Sealed Headlights That Take in Water and Short Circuit
After subtracting suspension-related NHTSA complaints, 332 are left to decipher. “Exterior lighting” takes the top spot with 174.
Looking through the five pages of exterior lighting complaints, the front headlights appear to be poorly sealed and likely to take-in water. This can cause them to short and burn out, possibly causing a hazardous situation.
Owner discussions on a popular Cadillac Forums post titled “Leaking Headlights!” confirms, poorly sealed headlamps are extremely common.
“My headlights just went out last week at night… Dealer says both headlights have failed due to moisture… wants to charge me $2,900,” shares one owner.
“Had them both replaced on my ‘luxury’ 2011 SRX. It was almost $2,000,” adds another.
A couple of class-action lawsuit were filed against Cadillac over this issue, and the luxury automaker did eventually lose. Owners of affected models will now get reimbursed for headlight repairs, which can total as much as $1,200 per light.
2011 Cadillac SRX’s Most Common Powertrain Problem Concerns a Timing Chain That Often Fails Before 100,000 Miles
With suspension and exterior lighting out of the way, 158 registered complaints remain. Of these, just over 50 fall under engine/powertrain. By a landslide, a timing chain that’s likely to fail before 100,000 miles takes the top spot.
This vital engine component oversees the opening/closing of the engine’s valves. Should the chain break, the motor will cease to produce power. Even worse, if it happens while driving, significant engine damage may result.
Another Cadillac Forums discussion shows owners of 2010, 2011, and 2012 models all experiencing broken timing chains.
“…In September the check engine [warning light] came on in our SRX. I took the car to my local Cadillac dealer… was informed that the car needed a Timing Chain and would cost approx. $2,500 plus tax to repair,” states one poster.
“I just found out my 2010 Cadillac SRX with 100K miles is in need of a timing chain. The cost to repair: $3,700…,” shares another.
No recall has yet been released by Cadillac, with most owners paying for repairs out of pocket or having to trade into a different vehicle.
Remaining 2011 SRX Problems Raise Serious Safety Concerns, But Most Should Be Covered by a Recall
Of the remaining 100 or so registered NHTSA complaints, many concern problems already covered by recalls. However, the recalls indicate some fairly serious safety concerns over a faulty seatbelt anchor and malfunctioning airbag occupant sensor that doesn’t disengage the airbags.
Fortunately, since the SUV is now more than a decade old, most of the recalls should already have been performed. Still, you should always run the VIN before buying to make sure.
Photos: Cadillac
