The Lemon Index
201020122nd generation
Better than average · most complaints: transmission & drivetrain
Better years to buy
46 owner complaints, first 3 years 18–20 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2011 BMW X3 592011 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC 72011 Volvo XC90 28
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2011 Cadillac SRX
- Headlights161 complaintsmostly at 60,000–101,000 miles (97,000–163,000 km)
- Sunroof leak or shatter21 complaintsmostly at 47,000–88,000 miles (76,000–141,000 km)
- Engine stalling17 complaintsmostly at 37,000–110,000 miles (60,000–177,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 447 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Cadillac SRX (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 1,200 and 38,000 miles (1,900–61,000 km) (the middle half of the 39 complaints, of all 46 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V473000 (suspension), 14V571000 (suspension) and 14V447000 (seats) done? It has 7 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do all the headlights, taillights and turn signals work?
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1560 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “There is a transmission hesitation or sag when the vehicle is coasting at around 10mph”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 46 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 38K miles (2K to 61K km) on the car (39 of all 46 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Problem with moisture inside the headlight assembly. Dealer and gm refuse to replace because of prohibited cost.
2011 Cadillac SRX owner · NHTSA complaint 10638202
More owner reports
Pulled into get gas and could not put car in park or any other gear. Car had to be towed to dealer. The exact problem was identified in 2011 and gm is stating that my vehicle is not a part of the recall when it is the exact issue.
NHTSA complaint 10639731
The low beam headlights are very dim. They do not reach out like they should. Dealer tells me that's the way they are, I do not feel they are safe!!!
NHTSA complaint 10549418
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 10.8M views · 2010–2016 Cadillac SRX
Most-watched topics
- Infotainment, battery & electrical444K views
Cadillac SRX Dead Battery Replacement 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Fintech Repair Shop · 123K views · 8 videos - Brakes & ABS330K views
How To Replace Rear Brakes 2010-2016 Cadillac SRXTRQ · 72K views · 7 videos - Timing chain & engine262K views
2010-2016 Cadillac SRX Cabin AND Engine Filter Replacement Guide!David Waltermyer · 77K views · 5 videos - Driveshaft, axles & 4x4237K views
FAILED Order of Operations! DON"T SPLIT JOBS! 2015 Cadillac SRX 4 Leaking Axle SealRainman Ray's Repairs · 204K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Transmission & shifter219K views
2012-2016 Cadillac SRX Transmission Fluid Change DIYcookiehead2 · 81K views · 4 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors211K views
How to Replace Crankshaft Position Sensor 2010-2016 Cadillac SRXTRQ · 62K views · 6 videos - Steering & suspension142K views
How to Replace Front Strut Assembly 2010-2016 Cadillac SRXTRQ · 44K views · 5 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors113K views
2010 2011 Cadillac srx sun roof drain quick fix.meineke cinnaminsonAnthony Nastasi · 48K views · 4 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Cadillac SRX SUV 2nd Gen 2010-151A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 575K views
Cadillac SRX 2nd Gen 2010 to 2015 problems, defects, issues, recalls and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 39K views
2016 Cadillac SRX Problems and RecallMaxTheCarGuy · 12K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2011 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1560 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- There is a transmission hesitation or sag when the vehicle is coasting at around 10mph
- Timeshift Function Inoperative
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 7
- Suspension · recall issued 2021
The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.
- Suspension · recall issued 2014
On the affected vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster link may not be torqued to the proper specification.
- Seats · recall issued 2014
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.
Show all 7 recalls
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 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 S…
- Airbags · recall issued 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 AIRBAGS ARE…
- Visibility · recall issued 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. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGG…
- Seat belts · recall issued 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC SRX, CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedRear toe link adjuster separation2020–2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac SRX SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Cadillac SRX SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,000–$4,200 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.8L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Cadillac SRX year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 13 Cadillac SRX years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2011 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-srx/?y=2011" title="Cadillac SRX reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="422" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-srx/2011/">Lemon Index</a> (2011 Cadillac SRX reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2011 Cadillac SRX reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about two-thirds as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 68; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac SRX year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2014.
What are the most common 2011 Cadillac SRX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (22%), lights (20%) and suspension (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac SRX have?
7 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Cadillac SRX get?
18 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Cadillac SRX problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 1,200 and 38,000 miles (1,900–61,000 km) (the middle half of the 39 complaints, of all 46 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2011 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2011 Cadillac SRX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 22% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Cadillac SRX cost in fuel a year?
About $3,000 to $4,200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Cadillac SRX have?
2.8L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Cadillac SRX year is better than the 2011?
Nearby, the 2014 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit over half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works