Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9 | −43% | — | Transmission | Good |
| 2005 | 31 | 1.4× | 2 | Body | Average |
| 2004 | 34 | 1.2× | 4 | Body | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median XLR year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Cadillac XLR problems
Latest Cadillac XLR recalls
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
On certain passenger vehicles, the daylight running lights (drl), turn signal, and parking lamps use the same bulb. The bulb May become damaged from vibration within a loose fitting socket or air entering the bulb due to an inadequate seal. Both of these conditions will cause the bulb to burn out prematurely.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the socket and bulb in both lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2006. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, 'accelerator control systems.' if one of the two accelerator pedal return springs fails and the temperature is -22 degrees f to -40 degrees f, the engine May not return to idle within three seconds, as required.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly. This recall began on March 8, 2005. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Certain passenger vehicles were produced with one or both rear brake hydraulic lines that can come in contact with or be affected by heat from the left engine exhaust manifold and the left exhaust pipe. The brake fluid could reach elevated temperatures and boil.
Remedy: Dealers will (1) inspect the left engine exhaust manifold clip for proper alignment and placement on the body-mounted stud.
Steering › Linkages
On certain passenger vehicles involved in this campaign, the lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers were made of the wrong material. The washers May fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, reducing clamp load.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ball stud joints and measure the torque of the nut for all front lower control arms in all models affected as well as the rear lower control arms on the xlr and corvette.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Cadillac XLR should you avoid?
None of the Cadillac XLR years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Cadillac XLR?
2006 has the fewest complaints compared with other XLR years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Cadillac XLR problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (25), fuel & propulsion system (14) and lights (7). Body complaints peak in the 2005 model year.
How many recalls has the Cadillac XLR had?
4 recalls across 2004–2006. The model year with the most is 2004. See all Cadillac XLR recalls by year.
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.