Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Cadillac SRXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 447 owner complaints for the 2011 Cadillac SRX. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (198) and suspension (63). The EPA rates it 18–20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18–20mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
7campaigns
Latest Jun 2021
Owner complaints
447
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

7 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension: rear

Park It: do not driveRemedy pending

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.

SuspensionReported Jun 24, 2021NHTSA 21V473000

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

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.

SuspensionReported Sep 19, 2014NHTSA 14V571000

Seats: power adjust

Remedy pending

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.

SeatsReported Jul 23, 2014NHTSA 14V447000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

447 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2010 – Oct 2026
  1. Exterior lighting198
  2. Suspension63
  3. Electrical system40
  4. Power train36
  5. Service brakes35
  6. Structure26
  7. Engine25
  8. Air bags17
  9. Visibility/wiper15

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each SRX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2004218
2005122
200668
200752
200847
200927
2010474
2011447
2012417
2013393
2014390
2015443
2016169
Crashes reported
17
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
21
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Exterior lighting

198 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 26, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11727193

Suspension

63 reports3 crashes
“Experiencing repeated inner wear on rear tires only after N212340980 Safety Recall - Rear Toe Link Separation was performed. New set of Michelan Cross Climate 2 tires installed two months prior to recall. Approximately 17,000 miles after recall, rear tires presented severe inner wear with cords exposed. Rear tires replaced and first alignment attempted where it was determined there is no point of adjustment for the rear toe. Approximately 18,000 miles later during a rotation service, the inner tread of both rear tires were at 0% resulting in the tire rotation being canceled and the warranty voided. Took vehicle to previous tire shop for rear suspension parts and bushings inspection. No issues found. Section of cord showing on rear driver's tire. Second alignment performed with camber adjustment only. Secondary inspection performed by mechanic shop with no rear suspension structural issues found. Lack of adjustability on the rear suspension suspected cause of extreme wear. Contacted Cadillac Customer Care for resolution. Dealership diagnosis required before opening claim. Dealership recorded diagnosis as no visible components to cause tire wear. Alignment out of…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 11, 2026SuspensionODI 11770417

Electrical system

40 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2023Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11536720
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl · 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
SRX 2WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182420$3,100444
SRX AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · All-Wheel Drive
172219$3,300468
SRX AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.8 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
162218$4,300494
  • SRX 2WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • SRX AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    17 city · 22 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • SRX AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.8 L, Turbo
    16 city · 22 hwy · $4,300/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Cadillac SRX as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 546Vehicle 201
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 SRX questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac SRX have?

7 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Cadillac SRX problems?

Owners filed 447 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (198), suspension (63), electrical system (40). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Cadillac SRX get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Cadillac SRX at 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026