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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 34 |
| 2005 | 31 |
| 2006 | 9 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file.
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, 20240522
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, 20190212
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, 20190131
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20180715
9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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. IF
Campaign 04V273000 — check if this car was fixed
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 PIP
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 REINSTAL
Campaign 04V525000 — check if this car was fixed
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 FAI
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.
Campaign 05V046000 — check if this car was fixed
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 EN
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.
Campaign 06V263000 — check if this car was fixed
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 DEFECTIVE
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 CONTACT
Campaign 11E009000 — check if this car was fixed
Roof Skin Separation While Driving
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Cadillac XLR — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V273000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V525000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V046000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V263000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11E009000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
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:body, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac XLR have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.