Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 at an undisclosed speed, the panoramic sunroof fractured without impact. The fractured panoramic sunroof glass fell in on the contact. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,741.
The exterior housing units prematurely wear out and allow moisture to cause failures of the lights. The makes driving at night hard, because you can barely see. GM tried to give some customers a rebate, but this required owners to pay out of pocket at first for repairs, and this causes me an undue burden because I don't have that kind of money. This is very dangerous and GM should recall this.
Windshield wipers stopped working while in rain storm. Motor was still running but the wiper transmission was disconnected from motor. My 2 year old grandson was in the car at time of failure. They were able to safely return home. This incident could have caused a serious accident.
It is a common issue with 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX for the reflective material on the inside of the low beam halogen projectors to flake off, causing extreme decreased visibility at night, especially in inclement weather.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving with the air condition activated, the windows and the windshield became foggy. Additionally, while driving in inclement weather, the windshield and the windows became foggy. The contact manually wiped the windshield to drive safely. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred the contact to classic Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac (8020 broadway st #9165, galveston, tx 77554, [phone]. The contact was informed that there was an available software update however, a diagnostic cost would be assessed to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac srv. The contact stated that there was excessive moisture and condensation inside of the headlamp assembly. The contact stated that the adaptive forward lighting warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the projected luminescence from the headlamp was drastically reduced. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The contact became aware of a warranty extension provided by the manufacturer in regard to the failure. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle no longer qualified for the extended warranty repair since the warranty period was exceeded. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
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 panoramic sun roof seal became loose which allowed rain water to enter the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to jim hudson Buick GMC (4035 kaiser hill rd, columbia, sc 29203, [phone]) and the contact was informed that the sunshade and sunshade assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The factory low beam headlights on this car pose a safety risk for everyone on the road. You can barely see anything on the road with the low beam headlights on this car. The high beam headlights work perfect, but the low beam headlights are dangerous. I've seen many people that drive this vehicle have the same problem. I believe a recall should be put into place due to this problem originating from the factory.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that water leaked into the sun roof. An unknown dealer performed a diagnostic test, but was unable to diagnose or repair the sun roof seal tubes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Window & Wiper complaints in other SRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2011 Cadillac SRX?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2011 Cadillac SRX, 5% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Cadillac SRX window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
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.