Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 446 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Cadillac SRX, and it carries 7 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 175 | 39% |
| Suspension | 36 | 8% |
| Power train | 23 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 20 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 4% |
| Structure | 13 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 12 | 3% |
| Engine | 10 | 2% |
| Visibility/wiper | 9 | 2% |
| Air bags | 8 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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: 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
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
There were recalls on this vehicle. I just purchased and trying to get assistance.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 thems
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
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
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
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 an
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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 be
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2011 Cadillac SRX. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Risk: A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 Pa
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 t
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.
Fix: 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 D
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
Risk: Failure of the toe adjuster link could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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
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
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 SA
| Reliability raw | 50 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 63 | average |
| Maintenance | 70 | good |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 64 | average |
| Efficiency | 36 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 446 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and exterior lighting is the most reported area with 175 of them (39%). There are 7 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 50/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 63/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 58/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.