Cadillac SLS Problems by Year
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the Cadillac SLS, across 4 model years (1999–2004). The 2000 model year has the most complaints (11). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Cadillac SLS years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SLS year: 2000, 2002. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2000 SLS: 11 complaints, 1 recall
- 2002 SLS: 10 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1999 SLS: 5 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Cadillac SLS problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Cadillac SLS model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 SLS | 1 | 0 | — | Steering | |
| 2002 SLS | 10 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2000 SLS | 11 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1999 SLS | 5 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Cadillac: all Cadillac models · Cadillac VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac SLS years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2000 (11), 2002 (10) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SLS year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Cadillac SLS?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 10 complaints across 3 model years.
How many recalls does the Cadillac SLS have?
1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.