Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn at an intersection the steering wheel was vibrating and the vehicle began to sway to the left and crashed into a vehicle on the opposite lane. The contact stated that her vehicle had almost made a U-turn due to the uncontrolled swaying. The contact stated that her vehicle crashed the other vehicle on the driver's side front door. The contact stated her vehicle had damage to the right front fender and the front passenger door. The contact stated that the damage to the passenger front door prevented it from being opened. The contact stated that no person involved in the accident was injured. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and issued a report. The contact stated that both vehicles were towed. The contact's vehicle was towed to her residence. …
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the service Stabili-trac and traction control warnings were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle also failed to start and was towed to the dealer. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact stated that her husband replaced the camshaft sensor. The contact stated that she had an alignment and the front tie rod was replaced by the independent mechanic. The contact stated that the rear end started to shake while driving. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, parts were not available. The contact stated that she called Don Wood Chevrolet Buick (12916 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138) who stated that the parts were not available for the recall repair. …
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed on the instrument panel to "Service Rear Axle". The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V571000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear toe link adjuster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the "Service Rear Axle" warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after driving less than 500 miles, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the rear axle, suspension, park assist, and stability tract control warning indictor lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle fishtailed. The contact called the local dealer. A multi-point inspection was provided by the dealer, who informed contact that the power steering and transmission lines were leaking. Additionally, a fuse was missing, the malfunction light illuminated and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine, ABS, traction control and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V473000 (Suspension). …
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering with the "Service Stability Trak" message on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving with an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. …
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 an abnormal clicking sound would emit from the rear passenger's side tire with the tire sensor warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Over time, the tread on the rear passenger's side tire began to wear and the contact had the tire replaced. The contact was informed by a mechanic that the failure was caused by the rear toe link and that unless the toe link was repaired, the same failure would occur with the replacement tire. Recently, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact mentioned that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, the Service Stabilitrak, and service traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to start. Due to the vehicle being in a parking garage, the tow truck was unable to enter the parking structure. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that it was her responsibility to tow the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service rear axle warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The mechanic stated that the warning light was illuminated because of the recall. The dealer informed the contact that there was no remedy currently available for the recall repair. The mechanic added fluid to the rear differential and replaced the clutch piston. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive since the rear suspension toe link might become loosened or detached due to parts not being available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,657.
Related recalls
Suspension › Rear
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicle if they experience certain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warnings or other issues, such as unusual steering behavior, while driving.
Suspension › Rear
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the left and right rear toe link adjuster lock nuts, and replace the parts if there is evidence of damage or a loose link, free of charge.
NHTSA investigations
Rear Toe Link Adjuster Separation
On November 06, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE20-019) to assess the remedy and scope of General Motors (GM) recall 14V-571. ODI had received a total of 9 complaints with allegations of rear toe links separating while the vehicle was in motion. There were 4 complainants indicating that the remedy for recall 14V-571 had been performed on their vehicle.
Suspension complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2011 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Cadillac SRX, 14% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is rear (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Cadillac SRX suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-473 (rear, Jun 24, 2021); NHTSA recall 14V-571 (rear, Sep 19, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Cadillac SRX suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension 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.