PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated July 2026
2,137
complaints filed for the 2011 model year
2009–2016
Model years affected
$2,800 – $5,166
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.
Answer a few questions and get a preliminary read plus shops near you.
Start my diagnosis →Wheel lockup, sudden loss of acceleration
Check engine light: On
The transmission unexpectedly downshifts to first gear at highway speed, causing wheel lockup, sudden loss of acceleration, and simultaneous dashboard/instrument failure — the most common complaint on this generation, tied to a "molded lead frame" transmission control module defect. A recall exists (19V075000, 16V248000).
Occurring alongside the transmission downshift events
Check engine light: On
Dashboard gauges go dark, and speedometer failures and warning-light malfunctions occur concurrently with the transmission downshift events described above.
Steering becomes unresponsive
Check engine light: On
Power steering failures and lockup incidents are documented.
Reduced braking power
Check engine light: On
Brake system and vacuum booster failures are documented.
Rollaway risk — recall 11V582000
Check engine light: Off
The automatic transmission could be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake pedal — a rollaway risk covered by recall 11V582000. The same defect is reported on the Cadillac Escalade.
Documented across multiple model years and mileages
Check engine light: On
Recurring timing chain stretch/failure is documented across three independent entries at different model years and mileages.
There is little or no heat in the cabin
Check engine light: Off
There is little or no heat in the cabin. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 427 owner reports on file.
The engine runs rough at idle
Check engine light: On
The engine runs rough at idle. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 188 owner reports on file.
A technical service bulletin addresses possible ejection of a spark plug from the cylinder head
Check engine light: Off
A technical service bulletin addresses possible ejection of a spark plug from the cylinder head. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 187 owner reports on file.
An updated differential clutch kit is available if rear end noise is heard
Check engine light: Off
An updated differential clutch kit is available if rear end noise is heard. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 171 owner reports on file.
Ignition coil failure occurs due to excessive spark plug gap
Check engine light: On
Ignition coil failure occurs due to excessive spark plug gap. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 167 owner reports on file.
Oil may leak onto the starter from the passenger-side head gasket
Check engine light: Off
Oil may leak onto the starter from the passenger-side head gasket. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 162 owner reports on file.
Exhaust manifolds can crack and cause a leak
Check engine light: Off
Exhaust manifolds can crack and cause a leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 146 owner reports on file.
A noise occurs from the rear end when turning
Check engine light: Off
A noise occurs from the rear end when turning. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 129 owner reports on file.
The engine oil pan gasket may leak
Check engine light: Off
The engine oil pan gasket may leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 95 owner reports on file.
The blower motor only works on the high setting
Check engine light: Off
The blower motor only works on the high setting. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 86 owner reports on file.
A water leak into the cabin from the high mount brake light causes headliner damage
Check engine light: Off
A water leak into the cabin from the high mount brake light causes headliner damage. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 60 owner reports on file.
Spark plugs may be difficult to remove
Check engine light: Off
Spark plugs may be difficult to remove. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 50 owner reports on file.
The check engine light illuminates after hesitation or stalling
Check engine light: On
The check engine light illuminates after hesitation or stalling. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 36 owner reports on file.
Rough idle is caused by the EGR sensor sticking
Check engine light: Off
Rough idle is caused by the EGR sensor sticking. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 34 owner reports on file.
A rough engine restart and idle issue occurs when warm after driving
Check engine light: On
A rough engine restart and idle issue occurs when warm after driving. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 32 owner reports on file.
Multiple owners report their VINs were excluded from the downshift-defect recalls (19V075000/16V248000) despite matching symptoms. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
The transmission unexpectedly downshifts to first gear at highway speed, causing wheel lockup, sudden loss of acceleration, and simultaneous dashboard failure — the most common complaint on this generation, and it is tied to a confirmed recall. Multiple complainants report their VINs were excluded from that recall despite matching symptoms, and others report the defect persists even after the recall repair was performed.