2005 Cadillac XLR Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 42%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the body and structure of the 2005 Cadillac XLR, 42% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 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.
“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 miles“Convertible top has separated from the frame. Did not come completely off, but cannot drive car with top up (closed) as it will most likely detach at highway speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #11194359, filed 2019-04, 130,000 miles“I broke down with a bad shifter cable so I called a tow truck 4 hr later he gets to the car, he puts on the tow truck and takes off for the Vera Cadillac dealer. AND THE ROOF BLUE OFF CAME OFF THE CAR AND BROKE And Cadillac knew they had the problem but NEVER RECALLED THEM NOW WHAT DO I DO ?”
NHTSA complaint #11513569, filed 2023-03“Will Cadillac do a recall on roof coming off as driving? Cost me $759.00 for the roof and $550.00 for the Vera the Cadillac dealer to install the roof And NO RECALL ON A $120,000.00 DOLLAR CAR I'M MAD AS HELL”
NHTSA complaint #11515175, filed 2023-04“The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac XLR. While driving more than 40 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise where the windshield met the roof of the vehicle. The noise was so loud that the contact could not drive on the highway due to the distraction. The contact was concerned that the roof would detach and cause a crash. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 144,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11243947, filed 2019-08, 144,000 milesRelated 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.
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Cadillac XLR
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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