2005 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
32% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC XLR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ROOF PANEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180613
ROOF PANEL IS SEPARATING FROM TOP, FAILURE OF THE GLUE USED TO HOLD THE TOP PANEL ON PANEL MAY FLY OFF AT ANY SPEED
NHTSA ODI report, 20180223
10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: service brakes — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Brake were dragging I came to a stop .Checked the parking brake. Then after releasing the parking brake. The car wouldn't move until I pushed the traction control button. Drove 1/2 mile stopped and again the brakes were locked up.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240313
WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 CADILLAC XLR ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, DRY HIGHWAY MY CAR DIPPED TO THE LEFT WITH INSTANTANEOUS STABILITRACK ACTIVE FLASH. THEN A FEW SECONDS LATER DIPPED LEFT AGAIN AND PULLED SEVERALLY TO THE LEFT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120613
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
2005 Cadillac XLR — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V525000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V263000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11E009000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 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 2005 Cadillac XLR?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Cadillac XLR have?
3 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.