Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 approximately 3 MPH, there was a failure with the transmission and loss of power steering assist. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed. The contact also stated that the rear axle and suspension warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated there was a default of service axle notification warning light on the instrument panel while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed at a local dealer with an external rear axle leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000
"Rear Axle Service" light remains on after replacement of rear toelinks due to manufacturer recall. Rear differential clutch control module issue. Differential clutch oil leaking into the rear differential through the limited slip differential clutch. Oil pump was not replaced.
Front struts making bouncing noise. On instrument panel it states service rear axle. I took my car into elco Cadillac they told me I should replace struts every 60-70,000 miles ?????????? Aslo the service rear axle they claimed was the sensor shorting out. So they replaced rear differential clutch control module and solenoid. They said solenoid valve stuck. My cost $1400 the day I picked it up the same [redacted] message appeared (service rear axle) ??????????????????? I brought it right back ? They have lost all of my trust ! My car has only 77,000 miles on it. Also they told me that nobody had the part. They checked all of Cadillac throughout the USA and said they will try to locate one. Next thing I know they received the part but it came in broken? So they reordered from GM I don't believe much of what they say now. …
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.
I have been having issues with the acceleration of my SRX, this problem mostly occurs when I am almost at a complete stop then I accelerate and nothing, it almost makes me think the vehicle has died. I can also feel a mild clunk when letting my foot off the accelerator. I have had the car in the shop and was told I needed to have the TCM reprogrammed, so I agreed to the repair. I can honestly say that repair did nothing to help the issue. I bought the car preowned and didnt notice the issue for about a month or so after the purchase. The issue seems intermittent, but when it does happen it is scary. Especially when pulling out into traffic and the car doesn't accelerate.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. While the vehicle was engaged in park, it rolled backwards on its own and struck another vehicle. The contact was seated in the front passenger seat at the time of the failure. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained injuries to the shoulder that required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to doug richert Cadillac (1900 sw topeka blvd, topeka, ks 66612, [phone]) for repairs. The contact was not provided any specifics regarding the diagnostic or repairs. The contact was not sure if the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
The rear differential has failed. The warning light came on, so I took my car in to be checked. The part has been on back order for 3 weeks and I am now being told it will be 2+ more weeks before I will hear anything, along with all other GM customers in the country that are waiting for this part. I have been told by Cadillac there is no specific date on its arrival. Should this not be a recall item if the part is not available for this long? I am not sure how many people are waiting for it as of yet. I am trying to find out with little help from Cadillac.
My stabilizer track/ABS light came on but before it did my car was driving about 20 miles even though I had my foot down on the gas. Then it jumps into moving fast. The light goes on and off, so when it's off the car won't move it drags then it jumps but when the stabilizer track/ABS light comes back on it doesn't do this. I checked recalls and it says my vehicle doesn't have any but who knows if this has been fixed improperly before. I was driving and cars were beeping then when it jumped I almost hit a car in front of me.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
General motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Cadillac srx vehicles manufactured from October 26, 2008, through June 23, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, "theft protection." these vehicles May have a transmission shift cable that was…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will ensure that the transmission shift cable is properly routed and seated in the transmission cable bracket. This service will be performed free of charge.
Transmission complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Cadillac SRX, 8% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Cadillac SRX transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-595 (automatic transmission, Dec 20, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Cadillac SRX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 37% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.