Most common 2005 Cadillac XLR problems
Share of the 31 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac XLR complaints by model year
Best XLR years: 2006. Compare all years →
2005 Cadillac XLR recalls (2)
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Cadillac XLR:
Roof Skin Separation While Driving
On August 23rd, 2018 - the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a media inquiry pertaining to a motorist experiencing separation of the roof skin from their Cadillac XLR while driving.Based on the data in-hand at that time and a subsequent (December) consumer complaint, ODI opened PE19-001 on February 1, 2019 to evaluate the scope of this condition in the 2004 - 2005 XLR population.The subject vehicle…
What 2005 Cadillac XLR owners say
Body & structure
I broke down with a bad shifter cable so I called a tow truck 4 hr later he gets to the car, he puts on the tow truck and takes off for the Vera Cadillac dealer. AND THE ROOF BLUE OFF CAME OFF THE CAR AND BROKE And Cadillac knew they had the problem but NEVER RECALLED THEM NOW WHAT DO I DO ?
My 2005 Cadillac XLR Was Being Towed To Vera Cadillac Dealership And The Roof Flew Off The Car [redacted] Why Was This Not A Recall ? Thank You [redacted]
Fuel & propulsion system
Fuel gauge is problematic, fuel gauge reports 3/4 when full and needle points halfway between 1/4 and 1/2 when empty. The low fuel indicator light does not engage in this condition and the distance to empty still shows about 200 miles in which the driver will have no idea he is low on fuel. My car stalled during rush hour traffic on a expressway and was almost rear ended. This has happened on 2 occasions and had to call road side assistance to bring me fuel before I realized what was happening. I researched several blog web sites(XLR.net) and found this is a known issue with this model of car listed under gas gauge error. GM/Cadillac is aware of this but instead of recalling they are charging consumers 1800 to 2500 to replace a tank sending unit.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac XLR. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11e009000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000. The VIN was not available.
Lights
The turn signal in the left rear tail lamp assembly which is a sealed LED based system is not working. I reached out to Cadillac dealers and the part has been discontinued. This renders the vehicle unsafe as it cannot be legally driven and neither can it be repaired or resold as there is not a substitute part. GM used a supplier called guide corporation, which has went out of business. I believe GM should recover their tools and move them to another supplier in order to resume manufacturing of this key safety component.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac XLR. While driving at 40 MPH, the daytime running lights melted without warning. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a faulty lighting, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 29,500.
2005 Cadillac XLR engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Cadillac XLR a good car?
Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 XLR rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the XLR at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Cadillac XLR?
The body & structure — 13 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (5) and lights (3).
How many recalls does the 2005 Cadillac XLR have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2005 Cadillac XLR, the most recent from July 19, 2006 (turn signal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac XLR?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006. See the full Cadillac XLR years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac XLR problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 27% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.