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 owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the traction control and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was jerking intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing needed to be replaced. The part was replaced on two different occasions; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlight film clear coating was worn out and was clouding the visibility of the bulbs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was swaying. The vehicle then stalled with the service traction control and stability warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified but, no further assistance was provided. Parts distribution disconnect. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
We bought a 2011 Cadillac SRX from Carvana April 4th of 2022 later that same year in October 22 the engine lights came on and I had to replace the water pump and the belt twice. I call them in October and the rep said it is what is. Now in January 2023 I need a new engine. I took it to 2 different repair shops, and they said same the same thing I need a new engine. So, I took it to the Cadillac dealership to make sure and they told me that this car has never been service in a very long time. Dealership said he never saw anything like this, and dealership also said this car had problems before it got to me, I have been going back and forth with Carvana with no end sight. I have all the records of the services that has been done since we had it. Claimed loss: $15,453 Desired outcome: Carvana needs to pay bridgeCrest financial the money we borrowed from them. …
Engine timing chain had stretched and jumped a notch on the sprocket, which caused the check engine light to come on, and that's the only reason I knew there was an issue. If I had kept driving it and it jumped another notch, it would have stalled, making the vehicle hard to control. I've read numerous other owners have had the same issue with this vehicle.
Car has stalled out 5 times since NOV 12,2021 to Nov 22, 2021 and now the car has broken down in the middle of the road and will not start back up. We were at a red light when it just turned off and does not work now. It was smoking and smelled horrible like burning plastic. I had to remove my kids from the car because they could not breath anymore.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature was very hot and smoke was present coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was turn off and parked. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.
As I approached an intersection with a green traffic light a vehicle driving on the crossing street failed to stop at red light and I had to accelerate to avoid being hit and my vehicle failed to accelerate and almost got hit . As I tried to resume my travel and enter a freeway my car would not go over 35 miles per hour until I had to stop and shut off the engine and restart , it then functioned as it should . This is the second time this has happened upon acceleration . I then reported this to general motors customer support and was told to take the vehicle to a dealer . I did and was told they found nothing wrong , and failed to repair. Upon researching I have found that this is a common problem with this 2011 Cadillac SRX.there are reports on a Cadillac user forum that have had the transmission computer module reflashed as a solution . …
This problem has been happening since I bought car with 9000 miles on it the dealer claims it is the transmission learning your driving habits, I do not agree. What happens is at any given time when the accelerator is pushed the engine/transmission will hesitate. This is happening with more frequency and more lag time. It does not matter if you are merging at 50 MPH or turning right on red. The dealer also claims this is a common complaint. As a ase certified master advance level technician with 35 years experience I believe this is a software or programing problem and can only be repaired by GM ,but doubt that will happen till people die. These cars are losing a lot of resale value as this problem continues to grow and is more well known, this I learned first hand when I tried to trade-in for new.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure occurred randomly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the mass flow sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. When the brake pedal was depressed, it traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000. ...updated 04/26/16 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired by replacing the master cylinder.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. It was discovered that the timing belt was stretching and could prevent the vehicle from being operable. The dealer (gerry lane Cadillac, 10945 reiger rd, baton rouge, la 70809, [phone]) stated that they were unaware of the failure and offered a 15% discount towards the repair that cost over $1,800. The manufacturer stated that as long as it was not a safety issue they were not going to recall the vehicle. The manufacturer did not offer to assist with the repair cost. The failure mileage was 100,300.
Engine complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Cadillac SRX, 6% of the model year's 447 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Cadillac SRX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.