Most common 2006 Cadillac XLR problems
Share of the 9 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 →
What 2006 Cadillac XLR owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
While backing out of a parking spot I placed car in reverse and it backed up as it should. When I placed gear in forward and stepped on accelerator the car still went rearward almost striking another vehicle. At that point vehicle only had reverse and needed to be towed for shift cable replacement. This same thing happened again on 6/27/13 at 42874 miles only this time cable snapped while attempting to go in reverse and instead went forward almost striking a pedestrian. In talking with other owners of xlrs,three other owners have complained of same problem. Dealer employee admitted to me that they have had several incidents similar to mine. Obviously, when placing gear selector in a particular mode that is the direction you expect the vehicle to go. …
Driving at steady 45 MPH then the rear of the car surged sharply to the left.I gained control but the the service stabletrak warning and the traction control off light came one
2006 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 2006 Cadillac XLR a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 XLR rates better than average: 43% fewer complaints than a typical year of the XLR at the same age. It is one of the best XLR years by this measure. 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 2006 Cadillac XLR?
The transmission & drivetrain — 3 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (2) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2006 Cadillac XLR have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2006 Cadillac XLR. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2006 Cadillac XLR problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 80% 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.