MotorDeets

Cadillac Xlr problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Xlr from 2004 to 2009: 80 owner complaints and 6 recalls across 6 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (34), 2005 (31), 2006 (9). Best fuel economy: 18 mpg combined (2009).

Cadillac Xlr
Photo: Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Body & structure26
Fuel system8
Exterior lights8
Electrical8
Fuel & propulsion7
Transmission & drivetrain7
Stability control5
Other / unknown5

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200443418
200523118
20060918
20070218
20080318
20090118

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Cadillac Xlr.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Cadillac Xlr?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (34), 2005 (31), 2006 (9).

How many recalls has the Cadillac Xlr had?

Across 2004–2009, NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).