Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Cadillac SRX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This information is addition to the accident, that I reported few days ago. NHTSA tracking number 11458264. I was involved in car accident on highway I90. My car drove in to concreate barrier and was struck from back by another car. Air bag in my car did not deploy. My head hit steering wheel. I have broken nose. I will need surgery.
The sunroof drain tubes become plugged and if you can actually find someone to fix the error, its horribly expensive. Water enters the vehicle, causing mold on the back seat floors. This issue has also shorted out my trunk release consistent with other individuals reports and when manually released, via the inside hidden panel, it sparks, which is dangerous and shouldnt happen. After a heavy rain, entering the vehicle sounds like a waterfall all around you from inside. I have to constantly keep moisture absorbers inside of my vehicle in a futile attempt to solve the issue.
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.
7/24/15 had sunroof serviced for recall.interior wet moldy,even hat in seat web. 7/26/15 could not open rear lift gate..dealer could repair for half rhe $1,200 cost,since the mileage was over 4 year warranty but had less than 48,000 mi. Could hear water after any rain.dealer admitted problem with sunroof was cause,but not covered.other fuses also located in rear block,fuel pump,wiper,rear windows..cannot open lift gate even manually.so no access to spare,etc.called Cadillac customer care many times ,but they will not admit an obvious safety and design defect. Nor has ther been any advice not to operate or park during rain,or how to prevent further damage.
On several occasions, the hatchback liftgate opened by itself. Then it would not open at all which doesn't allow any access to the rear cargo area where flat tire repair gear is located. I then determined that the expensive electrical liftgate mechanism became submerged in water from sunroof drain tubes that fail to drain rain to the ground. A further look revealed that the front seat and rear seat floor mats were saturated where electrical cables are routed. Can you provide me with a copy of NHTSA reference # 10078604 or TSB reference # pic-5260-a or any other information why general motors hasn't recalled cadillacs with this unsafe condition.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. While using the remote key fob, the hatch failed to operate. The hatch had to be opened manually and would close independently. On one occasion, the hatch closed on the contact's head, but there were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the liftgate pump needed to be replaced and the hydraulic arms were leaking on the driver's side. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called an unknown Cadillac dealer and notified them of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. While raining, the well in the rear of the vehicle filled with water, which flooded the rear electrical system in the rear of the vehicle. The failure resulted in the liftgate not functioning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electronic modules in the rear of the vehicle failed and needed to be repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously serviced per a manufacturer's communication (g-208314) and further assistance would not be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that there was excessive water entering the cabin of the vehicle from the sun roof drainage lines. Due to the moisture from the water in the vehicle, the defroster became inoperable. The contact also stated that the trunk release button became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the sun roof drain lines were cleaned and replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the keyfob failed to unlock the truck of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at max dye Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram GMC (1501 w main st, salem, il 6288[phone]) however, the failure recurred a year later. The part was ordered from the manufacturer and reinstalled by an unknown mechanic however, the failure recurred three months later. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The tail gate will open when the button is pressed but unexpectedly falls striking anyone in the head when putting something in the back end or taking out of the backend. Because the struts fail that hold the gate open. This is the same type of recall as 15V415000 that was issued 6/30/2015 for the GMC acadia, Chevy traverse, Saturn outlook, Buick enclave that was manufactured during the same period as the SRX. This started last year but the dealer said I would have to take care of it even though it failed fairly early in the cars life.
Body complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2011 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the body & structure of the 2011 Cadillac SRX, 6% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is body (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Cadillac SRX body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2011 Cadillac SRX, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Cadillac SRX body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.