XLR (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
LH2
4.6L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Cadillac XLR regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (5)
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 FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR problems?
The 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR has accumulated 80 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Fuel System, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Cadillac XLR engine is most reliable?
The 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.6L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR a good used car?
The 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 80 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR have?
The 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR has 80 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR?
There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Cadillac XLR?
Before buying a used Cadillac XLR, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Fuel System, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the XLR have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 80 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-04-07.