Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
The contact owned a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and approaching traffic ahead the driver depressed the brake pedal to stop and the vehicle suddenly lost control, spun out, and drove into the opposite lane before two other vehicles crashed into it. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed. The front passenger sustained a left shoulder injury which required medical treatment. No further injury information was available. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The VIN search confirmed that the NHTSA recall campaign 21v473000(suspension) was present. The contact believed the incident was related to the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drift out of the intended lane with the stabilitrak warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard with the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) which she linked to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained at the dealer for a week. After retrieving the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was not repaired. The contact then called the dealer and was informed that her vehicle was never included in the recall. The contact disputed the dealers claim and was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the power steering had malfunctioned making the steering wheel difficult to turn in either direction and the ABS warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was later informed that the part had been discontinued and no repair was available. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and attempting to stop at a stop sign, the brake pedal went all the way to the floorboard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at the local dealer; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance and was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The dealer informed the contact there was an excessive amount of rust and that the recall repair could not be performed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 107,342.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to operate as designed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle lost motive power while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The contact stated that the ABS and Stabili Trak warning lights illuminated and the message to service Stabili Trak was displayed. The contact stated he noticed the failure for the first time 02/07/2019, and the vehicle was taken to the King O'Rourke Cadillac (756 Smithtown Bypass #101, Smithtown, NY 11787) where the vehicle was repaired. However, the contact did not know what was repaired. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle he noticed that the warning lights were still illuminated. The dealer informed him that it could be a voltage issue and the battery was replaced. However, the failure reoccurred 01/07/2020. …
My brake pedal has gone to the floor at random times while driving. When it happens, approx. the last 10% of pedal travel has limited braking power. After this occurs, the pedal will return back to normal, after a day or so. This situation occurs after the ABS system is activated during a hard stop, sliding on ice or snow, or when the ABS is triggered. I have seen reports on internet that indicate that this issue can be caused by the ABS control module (part no. 20842710) having internal valve/seal leak failure. The theory is, once the ABS is activated and diverts fluid to the wheels that have traction (still spinning), the ABS valves.chambers stick open. Problem is the part - module is currently unavailable throughout North America.
Master brake cylinder/ABS Hydraulic unit failed. I noticed that while driving my vehicle at 35mph coming to a stop I had to press or pump my brakes to come to a complete stop. One one instance I had to brake abruptly and the brakes failed (pressed to the floor) so I swerved onto the shoulder to not cause a rear end collision. There was no warning or anything, I took the car to the dealer and was told that it would cost me $1700 to repair and that the problem is wear and tear. After doing my research I'm now discovering that it is a known problem. Please do your research because THIS IS A SCARY situation.
I was traveling on major roadway 95 south on the eastern part of MD .I had just exited off the highway as i was exiting and braking my brakes went totally out. This could have been a deadly accident for me and others .I had my car towed to the a cadillac dealership for repairs . The dealership replaced the brake modulator.I later discovered that GM has know about this problem with this particular modle and years 2011 and beyond and has had many complaints about failing brake modulator.There was no warnings of any kind .I did file a complaint with GM but i have not gotting no response . I
Brake complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2011 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Cadillac SRX, 9% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is antilock › abs warning light (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Cadillac SRX brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes 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.