2004 Cadillac XLR Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 32%of 34 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 Cadillac XLR, 32% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,800 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. When googled, I saw several people had reported that their XLR's had a roof panel separate while driving. I immediately took it to a body shop and they re-glued the panel by injecting glue into the separation. I have no idea if this is a recommended solutionn by GM.”
NHTSA complaint #11176647, filed 2019-02, 36,788 miles“Several XLR owners have reported that their roof panel has separated and flown off the car at highway speeds. My top began emitting a whistling noise at highway speeds. When inspecting it, the center front of the top has begun to separate. These tops were apparently only glued as the only securement. Not mechanical methods were used. While mine has not totally separated, I have taken it to a body shop to get it re-secured. This is a serious safety issue and I am thankful I caught it before causing a serious issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10985013, filed 2017-05, 41,800 miles“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. Gm used a adhesive on these XLR roofs that is failing now. Corvette roofs panels were recalled for this issue and failed adhesive, but GM has not recalled the XLR yet. They opened a investigation at the end of september of 2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11173362, filed 2019-01, 33,320 miles“The top roof panel separated while driving on the highway, and almost struck another vehicle causing it to swerve to miss it. The vehicle then proceeded to follow me as he though I was to blame. Once I got off the highway he got out of his car an violently started screaming at me for almost causing an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11480261, filed 2022-08“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. I have read about the roof of many of these cars flying off while driving down the road. It is only a matter of time before this poor defect causes serious injury and/ or significant property damage. I called cadillac customer service and they refused to offer any help. I recently spoke to a local body shop about getting it repaired and the estimate was upward of 1000 dollars”
NHTSA complaint #11590209, filed 2024-05Related service bulletins
- 10213818May 31, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint…
- 10210316Mar 3, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates helpful information on diagnosing general customer concerns related to a power folding top.
- 10197294May 12, 2021This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint…
- 10170477Dec 17, 2019This Preliminary Information communicates helpful information on diagnosing general customer concerns related to a power folding top.
- 10165129Aug 23, 2019This engineering information PI closure ends the need for information from the field to inspect the forward roof panel for outer SMC skin separation from the magnesium frame.
- 10158879Mar 21, 2019This engineering information PI is requesting information from the field to inspect the forward roof panel for outer SMC skin separation from the magnesium frame.
- 10155098Feb 27, 2019This engineering information PI is requesting information from the field to inspect the forward roof panel for outer SMC skin separation from the magnesium frame.
- 10129897Feb 20, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on a proper paint code for some hard to find color options.
- 10078801Apr 26, 201615521 customer advisory letter. On these vehicles, if the side doors will not open from inside the vehicle due to low or no battery voltage, such as a discharged or…
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Cadillac XLR
8 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Cadillac XLR
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology