2004 Cadillac XLR
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 34
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 34 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 34 |
| 2005 | 31 |
| 2006 | 9 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
32% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing body and roof and pillars.
Show complaint excerpts
The roof panel that was only attached with adhesive has detached from the frame of the car. This has also caused the retractable convertible top to stop working.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-22
Also filed under Electrical system
When driving I noticed a severe whistling sound coming from just above the rear view mirror. Upon inspecting, I noticed that the roof panel had a 8' section that had separated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-12
While driving on the Florida turnpike suddenly there was a rush of air coming from the rearview mirror area. I stopped at the next service plaza and observed the front of the roof panel separating from the frame.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-31
Fuel system, gasoline
15% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.
Show complaint excerpts
The car started emitting gasoline fumes throughout the garage and house. The dealer removed the gasoline tank and discovered a leak at the molded section where the fill tube enters the tank. The tank had to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-02
Exterior lighting
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Service brakes
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated that the steering wheel would emit an abnormal noise when turned in either direction.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-24
Also filed under Steering and vehicle speed control
Fuel/propulsion system
9% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Check gas cap, check engine light. Dealer says I need a new rt fuel tank but none are available. What do I do now?
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-15
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004-08-25Steering04V273000 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…
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.…
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2005-01-18Service brakes, hydraulic04V525000 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…
Remedy: 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…
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2005-03-08Vehicle speed control05V046000 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…
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.
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2006-07-31Exterior lighting06V263000 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…
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.
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2011-02-22Fuel system, gasoline11E009000 Ti automotive is recalling certain fuel pumps, part numbers TU456 and TU303, sold under various brand names as aftermarket and replacement equipment for the motor vehicles listed above. The…
Remedy: 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. Owners may…
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2019-02-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-12-12 Roof Skin Separation While Driving
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Cadillac XLR — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V273000 · Steering
- Recall 04V525000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 05V046000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 06V263000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 11E009000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 2004 Cadillac XLR reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Cadillac XLR?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac XLR have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.