2005 Cadillac XLR Problems
- Complaints
- 31filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 69,000miles, 22 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Cadillac XLR (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2005 Cadillac XLR. The part named most often is body and structure, with 13 complaints (42% of the total), followed by fuel system (5) and exterior lighting (3). 22 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 69,000 miles. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 572 technical service bulletins for this model year. Body and structure complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation and 21 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 22 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure13 42%
- Fuel system5 16%
- Exterior lighting3 9.7%
- Air bags2 6.5%
- Brakes2 6.5%
- Other or unknown2 6.5%
- Electrical system1 3.2%
Also reported: Engine cooling (1), Seats (1), Steering (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “Cadillac XLR roof separation: I was driving a 2005 Cadillac XLR south of I-75 when the roof suddenly, and quite unexpectedly separated at approximately 70 MPH. I was driving in absolute terrible, rainy weather when the roof separated. Just before the separation I heard a very brief 'road noise' sound come from just above the rear view mirror, at the roof line. It had a similar sound to a window being slightly cracked and allowing in air. The next thing I know, I hear a very loud bang and an abundance of wind noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #11155574, filed 2018-12, 70,000 milesFuel system: “Fuel gauge is problematic, fuel gauge reports 3/4 when full and needle points halfway between 1/4 and 1/2 when empty. The low fuel indicator light does not engage in this condition and the distance to empty still shows about 200 miles in which the driver will have no idea he is low on fuel. My car stalled during rush hour traffic on a expressway and was almost rear ended. This has happened on 2 occasions and had to call road side assistance to bring me fuel before I realized what was happening. …”
NHTSA complaint #10981251, filed 2017-04, 75,000 milesExterior lighting: “Drl, turn signal parking lamp failure. Recall reported to dealer by me in july 2006. I was told, after some discuss, that the parts would be ordered and I will be notified. Today, september 6, 2006, for the third time the above described failed. Please advise. Nm”
NHTSA complaint #10167442, filed 2006-09Air bags: “Takata recall. Myself, my family, friends, and associates have been exposed to the takata inflator which could have caused serious physical injury or death. It is a ticking time bomb as I continue to drive the vehicle and GM will not replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #11041591, filed 2017-10Mileage when problems were reported
27% of the 22 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,000 and 79,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2005 Cadillac XLR version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLR RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V263000Jul 19, 2006Exterior lighting › Turn signalCovers: Cadillac XLR 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…
- 04V525000Nov 3, 2004Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Cadillac XLR 2004–2005, Chevrolet Corvette 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…
Recall details for the 2005 Cadillac XLR → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE19001Roof Skin Separation While DrivingClosed · Feb 1, 2019
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 572 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
Other model years of the Cadillac XLR
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9 | 44,600 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 31 | 69,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 34 | 42,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Cadillac XLR have?
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2005 Cadillac XLR as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Cadillac XLR is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 13 complaints (42% of the total), followed by fuel system with 5.
Has the 2005 Cadillac XLR been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Cadillac XLR get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Cadillac XLR (XLR, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Cadillac XLR reported?
Among the 22 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 69,000 miles and the middle half falls between 48,000 and 79,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.