Cadillac XLR Problems by Year
NHTSA has 80 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file for the Cadillac XLR, across 6 model years (2004–2009). The 2004 model year has the most complaints (34). The most reported problem area overall is structure.
Cadillac XLR years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical XLR year: 2004, 2005. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2004 XLR: 34 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2005 XLR: 31 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2006 XLR: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
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 XLR problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 26 | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 8 | 5 | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Power Train | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Cadillac XLR model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 XLR | 1 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2008 XLR | 3 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2007 XLR | 2 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2006 XLR | 9 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 2005 XLR | 31 | 2 | — | Structure | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2004 XLR | 34 | 4 | — | Structure | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Cadillac: all Cadillac models · Cadillac VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac XLR years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2004 (34), 2005 (31) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical XLR 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 XLR?
Structure, with 26 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Cadillac XLR have?
4 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.