NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2004–2009

Cadillac XLR recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 80 owner complaints for the Cadillac XLR, covering model years 2004 to 2009. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (34), and Structure is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Cadillac XLR VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

4 recall campaigns on file
80 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
6 model years with data (2004–2009)

most complaints: 2004 (34 for that model year)
top component: Structure (26 complaints)
latest recall 06V263000 (reported Jul 19, 2006)

3 complaints reporting a crash (3.8%)
1 complaint reporting a fire (1.3%)
0 complaints reporting an injury (0.0%)
0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Cadillac XLR complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 34 of 80, or 42.5%. Next come 2005 (31) and 2006 (9). The fewest are for 2009, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years

Cadillac XLR complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death

Cadillac XLR complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model year	Complaints	Reporting a crash	Reporting a fire
2004	34	2	0
2005	31	0	0
2006	9	0	1
2007	2	0	0
2008	3	1	0
2009	1	0	0
All model years	80	3	1

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Cadillac XLR components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Structure is the component named most often, in 26 complaints (32.5% of all 80), followed by Electrical System (8) and Exterior Lighting (8).

Components named most often in Cadillac XLR complaints (top 15)

Components named most often in Cadillac XLR complaints (top 15)
Component	Complaints	Share of complaints
Structure	26	32.5%
Electrical System	8	10.0%
Exterior Lighting	8	10.0%
Fuel System, Gasoline	8	10.0%
Fuel/Propulsion System	7	8.8%
Power Train	7	8.8%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	5	6.3%
Unknown or Other	5	6.3%
Visibility	5	6.3%
Service Brakes	4	5.0%
Steering	3	3.8%
Vehicle Speed Control	3	3.8%
Air Bags	2	2.5%
Engine	2	2.5%
Forward Collision Avoidance	2	2.5%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Cadillac XLR recalls

4 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name XLR, newest first. The 4 campaigns cover model years 2004 to 2005. The 2004 model year appears in the most campaigns (4).

4 recall campaigns

Cadillac XLR recall campaigns covering each model year
2004: 4 campaigns	2005: 2 campaigns

Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

NHTSA campaign 06V263000
Reported Jul 19, 2006
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Model years 2004–2005
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.
Consequence:
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.
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.
Filed by General Motors, LLC
NHTSA campaign 05V046000
Reported Feb 9, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Model year 2004
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.
Consequence:
If this were to occur, greater brake pedal force and a longer distance may be required to stop the vehicle.
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.
Filed by General Motors, LLC
NHTSA campaign 04V525000
Reported Nov 3, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Model years 2004–2005
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.
Consequence:
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 brakes. The operator of the vehicle will experience limited braking which could result in a crash.
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 reinstall the clip on the stud; (2) the dealer will verify that both rear brake lines have the proper clearance to the left exhaust pipe. They will reposition the lines by bending as necessary; (3) dealers will remove the machining tab from the rear differential housing. Also, dealers are to inspect the brake lines for wear in these related areas and repair or replace if there is any sign of wear-through on the nylon overcoating. The recall began on January 18, 2005. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2239 or Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Filed by General Motors, LLC
NHTSA campaign 04V273000
Reported Jun 9, 2004
Steering › Linkages
Model year 2004
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.
Consequence:
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 vehicle to turn in the direction of the affected wheel. In extreme situations, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel;s hydraulic brake hose and result in diminished braking performance of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
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 the torque is not at specification, the dealers will replace the ball stud, the knuckle, and the nut. If the torque is at specification, the dealers will replace the nut/washer assembly only. The recall will begin on August 25, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means

What each recall field means
Field	What it tells you
Campaign number	NHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
Component	The system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
Summary	What the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
Consequence	The safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
Remedy	What the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.

Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Cadillac XLR questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Cadillac XLR have?

NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recall campaigns for the Cadillac XLR, covering model years 2004 to 2009. The most recent, 06V263000, was reported on July 19, 2006 and is filed under “Exterior lighting”. The 2004 model year is covered by the most campaigns (4).

Which Cadillac XLR model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 34 of the 80 complaints in NHTSA’s file (42.5%). The next are 2005 (31) and 2006 (9). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Cadillac XLR complaint?

Structure is the component named most often: 26 complaints, or 32.5% of all 80. Electrical System (8) and Exterior Lighting (8) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Cadillac XLR?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Cadillac dealer.

How many Cadillac XLR complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 80 complaints, 3 report a crash, 1 a fire, 0 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

8 models · most complaints first

The Cadillac models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Cadillac VIN decoder with every Cadillac model page, WMI code and VIN note.

Cadillac SRX 2004–2019 · 24 recalls · 3,262 complaints
Cadillac CTS 2003–2019 · 27 recalls · 2,217 complaints
Cadillac Deville 1995–2005 · 17 recalls · 2,023 complaints
Cadillac Escalade 1999–2026 · 52 recalls · 1,696 complaints
Cadillac Seville 1995–2004 · 11 recalls · 590 complaints
Cadillac Escalade ESV 2003–2026 · 42 recalls · 528 complaints
Cadillac DTS 2004–2011 · 6 recalls · 527 complaints
Cadillac Catera 1997–2003 · 468 complaints

All Cadillac models and WMI codes Look up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.