200 of the 575 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac SRX are about the lighting — 35% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 80,000 miles.
200
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlights are useless for night driving. The operator is required to run high beam during any night time or low light operation. This creates a safety issue for both the operator and any incoming vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11727193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlight low beam illumination is extremely dangerous for driving at night. Very poor illumination distance and very poor overall lighting. Can barely even see pedestrians walking if on the side or crossing the road, VERY DANGEROUS!! Have to turn on high-beams when possible just to see at night.
NHTSA complaint #11700660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
There were recalls on this vehicle. I just purchased and trying to get assistance.
NHTSA complaint #11664447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I own a 2011 Cadillac SRX and have experienced a serious issue with the headlights. Over time, the headlights became extremely dim, making it difficult and dangerous to drive at night. This was not due to the bulbs themselves, but rather an issue with the headlight housing or design, which many other Cadillac SRX owners have also reported. The visibility is so poor that it creates a major safety concern for myself, my passengers, and others on the road. Despite the widespread nature of this issue and media coverage (including WSOC-TV Channel 9’s investigation), there has been no recall or extended warranty to cover the cost of repairs, which can be significant. I am submitting this complaint in hopes that the NHTSA will investigate and consider opening a recall to address this recurring and dangerous issue with the 2011 SRX headlight system.
NHTSA complaint #11656478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The car is extremely unsafe. The headlights are dim no matter how many times they are replaced. I have to drive with high beams on.
NHTSA complaint #11644719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
After braking hard, skidding or going over a hard bump, brakes go to the floor and do not recover. This has ongoing since I purchased the car in 2012.
NHTSA complaint #11630207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights dim and the cars can't be driven at night. It's a well documented issue.
NHTSA complaint #11617688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights are failing at night creating a safety concern. The first time I drove at night the headlights were like not even on. I about hit someone when they approached me and I dimmed my lights. You can see only on brights. Performed Google search to learn many of these, if not all, have faulty headlights. Purchased this vehicle in March 2024, contacted dealer was advised it’s not covered under warranty. Was advised to take it to the GM dealer, they want $1200 each side to fix and what I’ve read this doesn’t fix the faulty headlights either. Help, can’t drive at night at all and I’m disabled and unable to repair.
NHTSA complaint #11596089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My 2011 SRX has lost brake power 4 times in the past 2 years. I reported to GM as other owners had this complaint. I hit the brakes at low speed when going into a parking lot incline and lose my brake power. The brakes go to the floor and eventually the car stops. Thankfully no other car was near me as the car is hard to stop. I also slammed on my brakes around 25-30 mph as another car was coming head on in my lane. Once the collision was avoided I tried to stop at a red light. Again the brakes went to the floor without stopping the vehicle immediately. My auto mechanic test drove it everywhere to see if he could reproduce the issue, but could not . I contacted GM and they told me to take it to a dealership which I did. They could not find anything but bled the brake lines hoping this was the issue. It was not. I went over an inclined manhole on a side street going about 5-10 miles and afterwards the brakes were very soft. I read in the SRX cadillac forum that others that had the same issue said to try and pump the brakes. I did this and the brake power re- engaged. This is a scary safety issue as I am always wondering if my brakes will stop the car. I only have 80000 miles on this car and keep routine maintenance. I also have an issue with the condensation of the headlights that dims the lighting on the headlights. I had received a letter ( Court Settlement Claim) stating if I had an issue to bring it to a dealership and they would look at it. If it did have this issue the headlight company would pay for some repair. I didn’t go since my headlight issue didn’t start until later . When I contacted the dealership I was told that offer expired along with GM confirming this. It is extremely frustrating and scary to know other owners have the same complaints and GM doesn’t do any safety recalls. These 2 issues are a big safety issue and I pray it never causes an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11594514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Condensation on both headlights
NHTSA complaint #11590099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Over time the headlight casings have moisture inside. Also, the plastic covering to the headlights is no longer clear but is cloudy. Driving at night I am forced to put on the high beams to brighten up the road ahead of me. Memphis Cadillac dealership said there is a history of this problem. They will not work on the car because of this. Is there a recall? Please let me know. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11577599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights on my 2011 Cadillac SRX4 (62,000 miles and garage kept from new until 2 years ago) started to fail in 2022. The passenger side failed in 2022 and had to be replaced at an out of pocket cost of $1,536.98. The driver's side failed on 1/15/2024 and it had to be replaced at an out of pocket cost of $2,046.70. I understand that there was not a recall on this problem but rather a reimbursement program. I was told by the Dealer that that program ended in 2020. I don't understand how a vehicle manufacturer, who has admitted that there was a problem with the sealant on their headlight, can just stop reimbursing owners. The best part is the replacements that I paid $3,583.68 for, still have bad sealant, and will go again eventually. My safety and the safety of other is put at risk because there is no warning light or anything indicate to the driver that your headlight has failed. The problem has been reproduced over and over and the Dealer/GM/Cadillac all have acknowledged the problem exists. My vehicle was inspected by the Cadillac Dealer (Smail Buick, GMC, Cadillac) and that's when I was informed that the reimbursement from Cadillac has ended. Please advise if there is any way to force Cadillac to reimburse these costs.
NHTSA complaint #11567528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I NEVER GOT A RECALL ON THE LIGHT REPAIR. HAS MOISTURE IN HEADLIGHT. YOU CAN NOT SEE AT NIGHT. LIGHTS ARE VERY LOW LIGHTING. IT IS A SAFETY RISK. GOING TO CHURCH AT NIGHT IS IMPOSSIBLE. YOU CANNOT SEE OUT AHEAD. TRYING TO WATCH FOR DEER. I GOT ONE LIGHT FIXED FEW YEARS AGO. I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER. IS THERE A RECALL. THE PICTURE LOADED IS WHAT LIGHT LOOKS LIKE ON DRIVERS SIDE. I PRAY THEY STAND BEHIND THE LIGHT. THANK YOU FOR CARING
NHTSA complaint #11538860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My lights have conditions and when it rains one of my lights do not come on until it is dry. I have replaced two bulbs since 2020. Now my steering wheel warning light came on, I had steering wheel fluid put in, and it's still hard to turn, and the warning light is still coming on with StabiliTrak warning light
NHTSA complaint #11505049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Both headlights are filled with condensation which makes driving the car not too good at night getting concerned that they might go out at night due to a short or something cuz of the water
NHTSA complaint #11501771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
It is clear that it's a manufacturing problem with the seals for the headlights in this vehicle. There are many of the same complaints concerning visibility and water log inside the headlamps. I am having this same issue. Because of the water log inside of the headlamps, this could cause electrical damage. The seals in these headlamps aren't sealing correctly and water from rain is flooding the inside of my headlamps, especially the driver's side. A recall should be given for these faulty headlamps. 2011 Cadillac SRX - FWD
NHTSA complaint #11499469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I have had my vehicle about a month I have a 2011 Cadillac SRX I have had it in the shop at least 3 weeks since I had it due to the headlights being out or damaged by water they have worked out about $6,000 on my vehicle to have the bulbs burner ballast and igniter replaced and replaced my passenger side lens but they did not replace the driver side and it accumulates a lot of water all the time if it's a pretty day it's still keeps water inside I think the cover needs to be replaced due to water getting into the headlight or any type of moisture I've been seeing that this is been an ongoing problem with these vehicles I feel like if I just bought the vehicle I should not be responsible for replacing the lens on the driver side because it is a safety issue and it's more dim than the other side I think these should be recalled
NHTSA complaint #11497692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
on Feb 24, 2020 Cadillac sent letters notifying owners of Cadilla 2010-2015 SRX that they will replace the headlamps or reimburse any out of pocket payments for headlamp replacement or service. I had headlamp bulb replaced and sent the invoice to GM for reimbursement I had to resubmit my claim with the proper invoice and information from the repair shop who tried replacing my head lamp bulbs. I did this within the time frame requested. Now they have informed me they have closed out the reimbursement and will not reiumburse me for the headlamp service i had done in april 2019 to try and improve my headlamps with replacement bulbs. I have emailed all this information and attached the bulb replacement invoice to cadillac begining in Oct 13,2022 and they still are aguing they will not reimburse me. They call me weekly, email me weekly, since 9/13/2022 to tell me nothing and they will not reimbuse me for a recall they initiated! They call me weekly to tell me this and emial me the same form letter
NHTSA complaint #11491178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
It’s one problem but it’s a big problem and for the life of me it seems as if I can’t get through to someone. My headlights are so dim that I can’t drive at night it’s already know that this is a manufacturer problem I know its known that it is. Listen I’m a disabled veteran on a fixed income I need help with this problem can you help me?
NHTSA complaint #11489331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights are leaking and allowing moisture to enter into the headlight assembly. In turn, this is causing headlights to rust and fail early. Additionally, they fail without warning, thus potentially leaving the driver in the dark. Very serious safety issue. Dealer contacted and stated they were, at one time, reimbursing car owners, however they are not doing so now. Cadillac states that since my car was purchased in Florida, they would have taken care of the issue, but they are no longer doing reimbursing customers for repairs needed to make the car safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11474131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Rear brake lights remains on while moving and when the car is parked.
NHTSA complaint #11467938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The head lights are so dim the suv can’t be driven at dark . Replaced bulbs and it was not any better
NHTSA complaint #11466171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My headlights are so dim i cannot use my car at night. It started a while ago I have replaced the lights but they become dim and the moisture in the headlights is terrible it is so dangerous to drive my car at night i cannot move it once it is dark. I have searched and found that this is an ongoing issue not only in my 2011 model but all Cadillac and is a known issue that Cadillac refuses to take responsibility for. I received a letter during the high of COVID stating they would reimbursement if you had gotten it fixed but i got the letter in May and time to get the repair and the reimbursement had passed. live in NY and everything was shut down for quiet sometime so perhaps the letter was sent internationally at that time so i couldn't take advantage of the offer. My understanding is that it will be around $1600.00 to repair the headlights which i feel i should not have to bear after paying so much money for my car this is a manufacturer defect and they should bear the responsibility to correct and fix my car. I purchased my vehicle and paid 48K which wasn't cheap I should not have to pay additional out of pocket due to their poor workmanship and parts.
NHTSA complaint #11463004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlight goes out after rain. Fogging and condensation can be seen, when headlight doesn't work. Takes several days to dry out and come on again. Headlight will cut off will driving if raining.
NHTSA complaint #11461115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My headlight assembly have been taking in water for about a year. Last year I had to replace the ballast on one side. Last week we had a lot of rain and while driving home both of my headlights went out. I’ve looked up the problem online and found out I’m not alone. Cadillac did send me a notice last year about a settlement they made for similar issue but the notice they sent me stated it was for models with halogen bulbs. My vehicle has HID. I have called several dealerships and was told the part cost about $1400.00 each. I want to replace both sides. They say they don’t have both available. My guess is there’s a shortage because everyone has this problem. Cadillac should have been made responsible for selling this garbage. This is a safety and consumer problem. How can I drive my vehicle if I can’t even replace the part ?
NHTSA complaint #11458840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH at night, the headlights were extremely dim, the contact was unable to see more than approximately 8-feet ahead of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #11455838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights, driver and passenger, repeatedly fill up with water/condensation and cause the light to short completely. This is dangerous for night time driving as it impairs visibility and is also illegal. When I asked a repairman about a replacement I was told that it’s useless as the replacement parts are made of the same components and I would pay thousands of dollars to eventually incur the same problem because it is a design flaw. There is no warning that the light is going to short. It just shorts but it usually is when the water has built up inside the light. If it rains or snows I’m guaranteed to get water in the lights and with large accumulations of precipitation is when it’s for sure shorting out from water/condensation buildup. I have had the lights short at least 4 times over the last two years.
NHTSA complaint #11443831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
UNKNOWN THE DIM HEADIGHTS AS WELL AS MOISTURE IN HEADLIGHTS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM . IT IS NOT SAFE DRIVING WITH THE HEADLIGHS ON DIM---YOU MUST DRIVE WITH THEM ON HIGH BEAM TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD AHEAD. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR GM TO CORRECT THIS MOST DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS MANY ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP!!!11
NHTSA complaint #11443485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11438152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
In Sep 2021 I purchased this car. During the first drive after dark I noticed the headlights were very dim and the high beam only extended to just go just past the front of the car. these are the up-level HID lights. I didn't do anything right away as I rarely drive at night and then in well-lit areas. There is also considerable condensation inside primarily the passenger side light. On Oct 23,2021 I went to Caddilac of Bentonville, AR to inquire about an open recall on the rear end. They are ordering parts. While there I inquired about the headlights and asked if there was a recall on them. The answer was there is no recall established but that it is a known problem by Caddilac. Today, I started started an Internet search for more information and found 166 problems noted on Web Site carproblemzoo.com. Nearly all stated it as a serious safety issue. Some reported near accidents, lights burning out while driving, condensation inside, dimness, etc. Fortunately I haven't had an accident nor have they burnt out. However, I do consider the problem a very serious concern. I can drive into oncoming traffic with high beams on and get zero reaction from the oncoming drivers. Actually, dim as they are, the low beams provide better light. This obviously has been a long-time problem on this and other like vehicles. There are 160 complaints on carcomplaints.com including crash and injury. Caddilacsociety.com says customers have been promised reimbursement for expenses but apparently little to no response from GM or Caddilac. There has been at least one class action lawsuit.The Internet is full of these serious safety reports and it makes me wonder why NHTSA has not made Caddilac issue a recall to prolate these faulty lights.
NHTSA complaint #11437953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.