2004 Cadillac Xlr: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Cadillac Xlr: 4 recalls, 34 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #04V273000 · 2004 · 41,928 vehicles
What's wrong: 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. Separation of the control arm ball stud and steering knuckle, due to disengagement of the tapered attachment and retaining nut, is possible.
Why it matters: If the control arm separates from the knuckle, the affected corner of the vehicle will drop and the control arm would be forced downward, contacting the wheel. The affected wheel could tilt outward and create a dragging action that would tend to slow the vehicle and create a tendency for the…
The fix: 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. If the torque is not at specification, the dealers will replace the ball stud, the knuckle, and the…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #04V525000 · 2004 · 5,225 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the brake fluid boils in a rear brake line, the effectiveness of the rear brake system would be reduced which could result in a brake line leak and loss of brake fluid. If enough fluid leaks from the rear brake system so that brake pedal application can no longer build pressure to the rear…
The fix: Dealers will (1) inspect the left engine exhaust manifold clip for proper alignment and placement on the body-mounted stud. If incorrect, they will reposition the clip on the brake lines and reinstall the clip on the stud; (2) the dealer will verify that both rear brake lines have the proper…
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #05V046000 · 2005 · 19,924 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, greater brake pedal force and a longer distance May be required to stop the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly. This recall began on March 8, 2005.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #06V263000 · 2006 · 7,689 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, the driver would notice that the arrow in the instrument panel would flash faster than normal when the turn signal is activated. The loss of the drl and turn signals could fail to warn others of the driver's presence or intentions and could lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the socket and bulb in both lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #11E009000 · 2011 · 4,887 vehicles
What's wrong: The defective fuel pump May seize, stopping the fuel flow to the engine creating a stalling condition.
Why it matters: A vehicle crash could occur should the engine stall while in use.
The fix: Ti automotive will notify owners of record and will replace any defective fuel pump with a new or reworked fuel pump free of charge. The safety recall began on February 22, 2011.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Fuel system (5): the most common themes are leaks (4).
- Exterior lights (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), door / lock issues (2).
The 2004 Cadillac Xlr has 34 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 6 Xlr model years for complaints (2.5× the average Xlr year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 12 years old, at a median of 42,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (31 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
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 2004 Cadillac Xlr.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Cadillac Xlr have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Cadillac Xlr, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Cadillac Xlr problems?
Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (11), fuel system (5), exterior lights (4).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Cadillac Xlr get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Cadillac Xlr repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.