U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Cadillac XLR: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

34 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

42,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 29 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Structure:Body is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 34 complaints (23.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	7	20.6%
Fuel system concerns	4	11.8%
Electrical and battery issues	2	5.9%
Steering behavior	2	5.9%
Transmission and shifting	1	2.9%
Engine operation	1	2.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Structure:Body

Electrical System

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Exterior Lighting

Fuel System, Gasoline

Fuel/Propulsion System

Power Train

Service Brakes

Structure:Body: 8; Electrical System: 3; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 3; Exterior Lighting: 3; Fuel System, Gasoline: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Power Train: 2; Service Brakes: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 9; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 0

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004

2007

2009

2010

2013

2014

2015

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2026

2004: 2; 2007: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 3; 2013: 3; 2014: 5; 2015: 1; 2017: 3; 2018: 1; 2019: 4; 2020: 1; 2021: 3; 2022: 3; 2023: 1; 2024: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Structure:Body leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10056298 · 2004-02-02 (February 2, 2004)

THE CAR STARTED EMITTING GASOLINE FUMES THROUGHOUT THE GARAGE AND HOUSE. THE DEALER REMOVED THE GASOLINE TANK AND DISCOVERED A LEAK AT THE MOLDED SECTION WHERE THE FILL TUBE ENTERS THE TANK. THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 779 miles reported. Look up ODI 10056298 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10090709 · 2004-09-09 (September 9, 2004)

I HAVE A 2004 CADILLAC XLR WITH 8031 MILES. THE CAR HAS MICHELIN PILOT ZEROPRESSURE TIRES. THE SIDEWALLS BUBBLE WHEN YOU HIT A POTHOLE, AND I DON'T MEAN A BIG POT HOLE. I HAVE WATCHED MANY CARS TRAVEL THROUGH THIS PART OF THE ROAD AND HIT THE SAME POT HOLE I HIT WITHOUT THEIR SIDEWALLS BUBBLING AND HAVING TO REPLACE THE TIRES. THIS HAPPENED ON THE FIRST AND ONLY POTHOLE I HIT. THESE TIRES SELL FOR $415.00 PLUS TAX. THEY SHOULD HOLD UP AT LEAST AS WELL AS THE 79.99 SPECIAL WHICH HAD NO DAMAGE TO THEIR TIRES.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 8,031 miles reported. Look up ODI 10090709 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10210589 · 2007-11-29 (November 29, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC XLR. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TO APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO NINE PARKED VEHICLES. ALL OF THE VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS IN THE REPAIR SHOP FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2006 TO FEBRUARY 23, 2007. THE CONTACT CALLED ONSTAR OVER 50 TIMES DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE ALSO FAILED AND, ON ONE OCCASIO…

Owner-reported narrative. 10,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10210589 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10289939 · 2009-10-27 (October 27, 2009)

A PRONOUNCED ODOR OF GASOLINE AND APPEARANCE OF AN ERROR MESSAGE STATING "CHECK GAS CAP" LED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE, A 2004 CADILLAC XLR, TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT A CROSSOVER PIPE BETWEEN THE TWO GASOLINE TANKS WAS LEAKING. REPLACEMENT OF THE CROSSOVER PIPE (AT A COST OF $2295.14) DID NOT CURE THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE SAME ERROR MESSAGE RECURRED THE FOLLOWING DAY, I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FEED PIPE LEADING FROM THE GAS CAP TO THE GASOLINE TANK WAS LEAKING AT ITS INLET. REPLACE…

Owner-reported narrative. 19,112 miles reported. Look up ODI 10289939 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10342498 · 2010-07-11 (July 11, 2010)

I HAVE A 2004 CADILLAC XLR THAT HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2005-2009 CORVETTES HAVE. THE SERVICE STABILITRAK MESSAGE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CARS BRAKES LIGHT DO NOT WORK WHEN THIS COMES ON. YOUR CASE NUMBERS FOR THIS ARE PE08056 AND EA09-002 MY CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT SUDDENLY WHEN THIS MESSAGE CAME ON. ALSO ANOTHER RELATED PROBLEM TO THIS IN BOTH CORVETTES AND XLR'S IS AFTER THIS HAPPENS AND YOU TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND START THE CAR AGAIN IT GIVES A MESSAGE TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAUSE THE CAR HAS PUSH BUTTON …

Owner-reported narrative. 26,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10342498 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10343330 · 2010-07-14 (July 14, 2010)

2004 CADILLAC XLR STRONG FUEL SMELL AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK. MECHANIC SAID THERE IS A LEAK IN THE CROSSOVER TUBES LEADING TO THE FUEL TANK. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 39,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10343330 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10345873 · 2010-07-28 (July 28, 2010)

I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND THE COMPLAINT BELOW REGARDING MY 2004 CADILLAC XLR. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED BELOW. MAKE : CADILLAC MODEL : XLR YEAR : 2004 MANUFACTURER : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. CRASH : NO FIRE : NO NUMBER OF INJURIES: 0 ODI ID NUMBER : 10342498 NUMBER OF DEATHS: 0 DATE OF FAILURE: JULY 10, 2010 VIN : [XXX]... COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC SUMMARY: I HAVE A 2004 CADILLAC XLR THAT HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2005-2009 CORVETTES HAVE. THE SERVICE STABILITRAK MESSAGE AND TRACTION…

Owner-reported narrative. 78,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10345873 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10510369 · 2013-05-02 (May 2, 2013)

I BOUGHT THIS USED VEHICLE ON THE DATE SHOWN ABOVE AT THE "INCIDENT DATE". I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE ACTUAL PROBLEM BEGAN ON THIS CAR, BUT IT WAS PROBABLY YEARS EARLIER. THE SAFETY PROBLEM IS THAT THE LENSES OF BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT DRIVING/PARKING/DIRECTIONAL LAMPS HAVE APPARENTLY BEEN HEAT AFFECTED...THE PLASTIC LENSES HAVE BEGUN TO MELT. THE LAMPS ARE PART OF THE HEADLIGHT CLUSTER. THE OUTER OVERALL LENS OF THE CLUSTERS ARE FINE...IT'S JUST THE INTERNAL LENSES OVER THE DRIVING/PARKING/DIRECTIONAL LAMPS THAT HAVE THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO ME …

Owner-reported narrative. 76,474 miles reported. Look up ODI 10510369 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

04V273000 · Steering:Linkages

Reported: 2004-06-09 (June 9, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

04V525000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2004-11-03 (November 3, 2004)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

05V046000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal

Reported: 2005-02-09 (February 9, 2005)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

06V263000 · Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal

Reported: 2006-07-19 (July 19, 2006)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

34 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

85.3%Usable mileage29 / 34 records

100.0%Valid incident date34 / 34 records

100.0%Valid filing date34 / 34 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates34 / 34 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Structure:Body	823.5% ODI 10970383 · 70 mi I DRIVING FREEWAY ABOUT 70MPH, BIG AIR NOISE THEN ROOF PANEL COME OFF & FRYING. Look up ODI 10970383 at NHTSA ↗	1032.3% ODI 11012166 · 78,000 mi ROOF FLYING OFF WHILE DRIVING Look up ODI 11012166 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10949637 · 40,390 mi AUTOMATIC TRUNK MECHANISM WOULD LIFT THE TRUNK BUT IMMEDIATELY SETTLE BACK TO THE CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION. IT NEARLY CAUGHT MY FINGERS AND I CAN SEE A SMALL CHILD LOSING FINGERS OR HAVING HIS/HER HEAD CAUGHT. *TR Look up ODI 10949637 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	38.8% ODI 10210589 · 10,500 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC XLR. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TO APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO NINE PARKED VEHICLES. ALL OF THE VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS IN THE REPAIR SHOP FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2006 TO FEBRUARY 23, 2007. THE CONTACT CALLED ONSTAR OVER 50 TIMES DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE ALSO FAILED AND, ON ONE OCCASIO… Look up ODI 10210589 at NHTSA ↗	13.2% ODI 10454543 · 40,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC XLR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR SEVERAL HOURS WITHOUT THE CONTACT TURNING ON THE VEHICLE. IN ORDER TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVE THE FUEL PUMP FUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000. UPDATED 05/11/12 *BF Look up ODI 10454543 at NHTSA ↗	222.2% ODI 10928263 THE MONITORS DO NOT REPORT WHEN THE BATTERY IS GOING DEAD. AS A RESULT I WAS TRAPPED IN MY CAR FOR TWO HOURS BECAUSE OF A DEAD BATTERY. THERE ARE NO SAFETY FEATURES THAT ALLOWED ME TO OPEN THE DOOR. I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND LUCKILY AFTER SCREAMING AT A GUEST OF MY NEIGHBORS, MY NEIGHBOR CAME OVER AND JUMP MY BATTERY AND I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE DEAD BATTERY WAS UNABLE TO DETECT THE FOB. Look up ODI 10928263 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10307807 · 19,786 mi TRAVELING 65MPH ON A FREEWAY, MY CADILLAC XLR SUDDENLY WAS UNCONTROLLABLE; IT THEN STARTED TO SPIN; WAS HIT B A SEMI AND CONTINUED TO SPIN. I HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM DAY ONE. THE MORNING BEFORE THE ACCIDENT THE READ OUT SAID WAIT FOR STABILITRAK. I KNOW THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO BECOME UNSTABLE. I HAVE SEEN MENTION OF THIS FOR THE XLR ON THE INTERNET. WHEN I GOT TO A GARAGE AND GOT OUT, THE CAR LOCKED ME OUT WITH THE KEY IN THE CAR SO I AM SURE OF AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *TR Look up ODI 10307807 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 10717233 · 11,008 mi OPENED CAR WITH KEY FOB, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. UPON PRESSING THE START BUTTON THE DASH READOUT STATED 'NO KEY FOB DETECTED', OR SOMETHING SIMILAR. TRIED TO EXIT VEHICLE AND COULD NOT. I WAS LOCKED IN! CONTINUED TO TRY AND START VEHICLE, UNLOCK DOOR, ROLL DOWN WINDOW, ALL TO NO AVAIL. DASH READOUT THEN STATED 'LOW VOLTAGE'. I PRESSED THE ONSTAR EMERGENCY BUTTON, BUT WITH THE BATTERY DISCHARGED THEY COULD NOT CALL ME. MY VEHICLE HAD JUST BECOME A PRISON.I AM 67 YEARS OLD WITH HEART PROBLEMS. THANKFULLY IT WAS NOT MY WIFE AS SHE IS CLAUSTROPH… Look up ODI 10717233 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	38.8% ODI 10641923 FUEL SENDING UNIT KEEPS FAILING CAN'T TELL HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK. HAD FIRST ONE REPLACED AT COST OF AROUND $2300.00 REPLACEMENT LASTED AROUND 18 MONTHS THEN IT FAILED . NEVER KNOW WHEN WHOLE UNIT WILL SHUT DOWN AND LEAVE ME VULNERABLE TO A REAR END OR STALL. *TR Look up ODI 10641923 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10906105 · 63,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC XLR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11E009000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10906105 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10681013 · 45,000 mi GAS TANK LEAK - STRONG GAS/FUEL ODOR/SMELL COMING FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON (DATING BACK TO 2009; WAS TOLD THEN BY CADILLAC SERVICE ADVISOR THAT MY GAS CAP WAS LOOSE). PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME TO THE POINT WHERE I CAN NO LONGER PARK THE CAR IN MY GARAGE OR RIDE IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN. THIS WEEK I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A LEAK AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE FUEL PUMP. THAT LEAK WAS ALLOWING FUEL AND VAPOR TO ESCAPE … Look up ODI 10681013 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10969271 · 43,000 mi WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY IN OUR GARAGE, THE GASOLINE VAPORS ARE WAY TOO STRONG! LITERALLY CAN KNOCK YOU OVER AS YOU OPEN THE DOOR BETWEEN THE HOUSE AND CLOSED-UP GARAGE. DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF IT'S RECENTLY BEEN FILLED WITH GASOLINE OR IF IT'S DEPLETED SOME. *TOOK OUR CAR TO THE LOCAL CADILLAC DEALER FOR THE WORST RAW GAS SMELL EVER WITHIN OUR GARAGE, WHERE WE PARK THIS 'NEW BLACK BEAUTY'. THEY'VE DONE ALL SORTS OF TESTS, BUT HAVE FOUND NO LEAKS, ETC. :-( THIS SEEMS LIKE A REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN OUR ATTACHED GARAGE FILLS UP WITH GAS… Look up ODI 10969271 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	25.9% ODI 10545438 · 60,599 mi 8/24/11 - VEHICLE STUCK IN REVERSE. WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. DEALER FOUND SHIFT CABLE BROKEN. - 09/19/13-PARKED WAITING ON A FAMILY MEMBER. HAD THE VECHILE IN PARK (SO I THOUGHT). WHEN I WAS READY TO LEAVE THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR. DEALER FOUND SHIFT CABLE BROKE. *JS Look up ODI 10545438 at NHTSA ↗	13.2% ODI 10864446 · 74,000 mi BROKEN SHIFT CABLE PARKED THE VEHICLE AS NORMAL. RETURNED TO THE CAR AND STARTED IT. SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO LEAVE A PARKING SPACE AND THEN TO DRIVE. THE CAR REMAINED IN REVERSE ONLY CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN I THEN SHUT IT OFF, IT WOULD NOT START AS IT BELIEVED IT WAS IN REVERSE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AND DEALER CHARGE $600 TO REPLACE THE SHIFTER CABLE. I WENT ONLINE TO THE XLR FORUM AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OVER THIS PART FAILING - LEAVING PEOPLE STRANDED IN HARM'S WAY. Look up ODI 10864446 at NHTSA ↗	333.3% ODI 10522532 · 35,960 mi WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT I PLACED CAR IN REVERSE AND IT BACKED UP AS IT SHOULD. WHEN I PLACED GEAR IN FORWARD AND STEPPED ON ACCELERATOR THE CAR STILL WENT REARWARD ALMOST STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT THAT POINT VEHICLE ONLY HAD REVERSE AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED FOR SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN ON 6/27/13 AT 42874 MILES ONLY THIS TIME CABLE SNAPPED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GO IN REVERSE AND INSTEAD WENT FORWARD ALMOST STRIKING A PEDESTRIAN. IN TALKING WITH OTHER OWNERS OF XLRS,THREE OTHER OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED… Look up ODI 10522532 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10969271 · 43,000 mi WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY IN OUR GARAGE, THE GASOLINE VAPORS ARE WAY TOO STRONG! LITERALLY CAN KNOCK YOU OVER AS YOU OPEN THE DOOR BETWEEN THE HOUSE AND CLOSED-UP GARAGE. DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF IT'S RECENTLY BEEN FILLED WITH GASOLINE OR IF IT'S DEPLETED SOME. *TOOK OUR CAR TO THE LOCAL CADILLAC DEALER FOR THE WORST RAW GAS SMELL EVER WITHIN OUR GARAGE, WHERE WE PARK THIS 'NEW BLACK BEAUTY'. THEY'VE DONE ALL SORTS OF TESTS, BUT HAVE FOUND NO LEAKS, ETC. :-( THIS SEEMS LIKE A REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN OUR ATTACHED GARAGE FILLS UP WITH GAS… Look up ODI 10969271 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	38.8% ODI 10510369 · 76,474 mi I BOUGHT THIS USED VEHICLE ON THE DATE SHOWN ABOVE AT THE "INCIDENT DATE". I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE ACTUAL PROBLEM BEGAN ON THIS CAR, BUT IT WAS PROBABLY YEARS EARLIER. THE SAFETY PROBLEM IS THAT THE LENSES OF BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT DRIVING/PARKING/DIRECTIONAL LAMPS HAVE APPARENTLY BEEN HEAT AFFECTED...THE PLASTIC LENSES HAVE BEGUN TO MELT. THE LAMPS ARE PART OF THE HEADLIGHT CLUSTER. THE OUTER OVERALL LENS OF THE CLUSTERS ARE FINE...IT'S JUST THE INTERNAL LENSES OVER THE DRIVING/PARKING/DIRECTIONAL LAMPS THAT HAVE THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO ME … Look up ODI 10510369 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10721988 · 29,500 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC XLR. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS MELTED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY LIGHTING, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,500. Look up ODI 10721988 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10679528 · 41,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC XLR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A PORTION OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NO LONGER ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. Look up ODI 10679528 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline	38.8% ODI 10289939 · 19,112 mi A PRONOUNCED ODOR OF GASOLINE AND APPEARANCE OF AN ERROR MESSAGE STATING "CHECK GAS CAP" LED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE, A 2004 CADILLAC XLR, TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT A CROSSOVER PIPE BETWEEN THE TWO GASOLINE TANKS WAS LEAKING. REPLACEMENT OF THE CROSSOVER PIPE (AT A COST OF $2295.14) DID NOT CURE THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE SAME ERROR MESSAGE RECURRED THE FOLLOWING DAY, I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FEED PIPE LEADING FROM THE GAS CAP TO THE GASOLINE TANK WAS LEAKING AT ITS INLET. REPLACE… Look up ODI 10289939 at NHTSA ↗	39.7% ODI 10396156 · 39,000 mi I CURRENTLY OWN THE ABOVE CADILLAC VEHICLE WHICH I PURCHASED PRIVATELY IN AUGUST 2010 WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES REGISTERING ON THE ODOMETER,I NOW HAVE 44,500 (APROX) DURING THE TIME I HAVE OWNER IT,,,THE ENGINE HAS SHUT OFF 17 TIMES UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS. I AM A LICENSED MECHANIC SO I HAVE THE BACKGROUND TO BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE VEHICLE PROBLEMS,,,BUT THIS ONE HAS ME PERPLEXED THE CAR HAS STOPPED WHEN AT IDLE OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AT VARIOUS LEVELS IN THE TANK. THE ONE THING THAT I NOTICE IN COMMON IS THAT THE FUEL AT THE FUEL RAIL TE… Look up ODI 10396156 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	38.8% ODI 10345873 · 78,000 mi I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND THE COMPLAINT BELOW REGARDING MY 2004 CADILLAC XLR. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED BELOW. MAKE : CADILLAC MODEL : XLR YEAR : 2004 MANUFACTURER : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. CRASH : NO FIRE : NO NUMBER OF INJURIES: 0 ODI ID NUMBER : 10342498 NUMBER OF DEATHS: 0 DATE OF FAILURE: JULY 10, 2010 VIN : [XXX]... COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC SUMMARY: I HAVE A 2004 CADILLAC XLR THAT HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2005-2009 CORVETTES HAVE. THE SERVICE STABILITRAK MESSAGE AND TRACTION… Look up ODI 10345873 at NHTSA ↗	13.2% ODI 10461671 · 53,000 mi WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 CADILLAC XLR ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, DRY HIGHWAY MY CAR DIPPED TO THE LEFT WITH INSTANTANEOUS STABILITRACK ACTIVE FLASH. THEN A FEW SECONDS LATER DIPPED LEFT AGAIN AND PULLED SEVERALLY TO THE LEFT. THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I COULD FEEL THE ABS PULSATING IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. FORTUNATELY NOTHING WAS IN THE LANE NEXT TO ME OR THERE WOULD HAVE SURELY BEEN AN ACCIDENT. I LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR BACK INTO MY LANE BY JUST BEING FULLY AWARE OF MY SURROUNDINGS AND HAVING BOTH HANDS ON THE… Look up ODI 10461671 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10307807 · 19,786 mi TRAVELING 65MPH ON A FREEWAY, MY CADILLAC XLR SUDDENLY WAS UNCONTROLLABLE; IT THEN STARTED TO SPIN; WAS HIT B A SEMI AND CONTINUED TO SPIN. I HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM DAY ONE. THE MORNING BEFORE THE ACCIDENT THE READ OUT SAID WAIT FOR STABILITRAK. I KNOW THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO BECOME UNSTABLE. I HAVE SEEN MENTION OF THIS FOR THE XLR ON THE INTERNET. WHEN I GOT TO A GARAGE AND GOT OUT, THE CAR LOCKED ME OUT WITH THE KEY IN THE CAR SO I AM SURE OF AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *TR Look up ODI 10307807 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	25.9% ODI 10701012 · 86,845 mi I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2004 XLR FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR STORE IN RIVERSIDE. UPON STORING IT IN MY GARAGE, I FOUND THE NEXT MORNING AN OVERWHELMING GASOLINE SMELL. UPON TAKING IT TO MY LOCAL GM DEALER FOR INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ISSUE WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY EXTENDED PROTECTION BY CADILLAC AS IT ENDED AFTER A 10 YEAR PERIOD IN JANUARY OF 2014. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL TANK SYSTEM AND IS NOT A RECALL ITEM WHICH IS EXTRAORDINARILY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE DEALT WITH AT NOT COST TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE … Look up ODI 10701012 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10748595 · 68,000 mi MY CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST TIME WAS THREE YEARS AGO I END UP PAYING $2294.25 TO GET IT FIX, AT THE TIME I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE UNDER RECALL, BUT IT WASN'T . NOW THAT IT HAPPEN AGAIN , WHY SHOULD I PAY TO GET IT FIXED. THATS PRETTY BAD TO BE DRIVING AND YOUR FUEL GAUGE IS ON HALF A TANK AND YOUR CAR STALLS IN TRAFFIC. WHY IS IT A RECALL BUT NOT ON MY CAR.? Look up ODI 10748595 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10175248 DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS SLID UP AND DOWN ON THEIR OWN. THIS CONTINUOUSLY OCCURRED, BUT THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY ACCESSING THE TRUNK, IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE POWER STEERING FAILED, HOWEVER THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED A BLOWN FUSE. THE CD PLAYER WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE CRUISE CONTROL DID REACT AS IT SHOULD WHEN GETTING CLOSE TO OTHER VEHICLES, THE POWER SEATS WERE NOT… Look up ODI 10175248 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Structure:Body	33,320–41,800 mi	36,788 mi	5	ODI 10970383 · 70 mi I DRIVING FREEWAY ABOUT 70MPH, BIG AIR NOISE THEN ROOF PANEL COME OFF & FRYING. Look up ODI 10970383 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10970736 · 110,000 mi THE RETRACTABLE ROOF FLEW OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING. GM OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE WITH THIS AND DENIED ANY NEGLIGENCE. CASE #8-2866250293 Look up ODI 10970736 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10985013 · 41,800 mi 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. IN THE PICTURE SHOWN, T… Look up ODI 10985013 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	26,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10210589 · 10,500 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC XLR. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TO APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO NINE PARKED VEHICLES. ALL OF THE VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS IN THE REPAIR SHOP FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2006 TO FEBRUARY 23, 2007. THE CONTACT CALLED ONSTAR OVER 50 TIMES DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE ALSO FAILED AND, ON ONE OCCASIO… Look up ODI 10210589 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10557973 · 42,500 mi PARKED IN A PARKING LOT & PLACED IT IN PARK. UPON RETURNING I STARTED THE CAR & PLACED IT IN DRIVE. I TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE & CAR MOVED REARWARD. PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL & CAR MOVED REARWARD. I TRIED ALL GEARS INCLUDING PARK & CAR MOVED REARWARD, TURNED CAR OFF. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART BECAUSE IT WAS NOT IN PARK. BECAUSE CAR WAS NOT IN PARK ALL ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES WOULD NOT TURN OFF & BATTERY WENT DEAD, DOORS OR WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPEN BECAUSE ALL ARE OPERATED ELECTRICALLY. FORTUNATELY THE BATTERY DIED ON ROUTE TO DEALERSHIP ON TOW TRUCK. THE SHIFT CA… Look up ODI 10557973 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Too few reports for a range	53,200 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10345873 · 78,000 mi I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND THE COMPLAINT BELOW REGARDING MY 2004 CADILLAC XLR. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED BELOW. MAKE : CADILLAC MODEL : XLR YEAR : 2004 MANUFACTURER : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. CRASH : NO FIRE : NO NUMBER OF INJURIES: 0 ODI ID NUMBER : 10342498 NUMBER OF DEATHS: 0 DATE OF FAILURE: JULY 10, 2010 VIN : [XXX]... COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC SUMMARY: I HAVE A 2004 CADILLAC XLR THAT HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2005-2009 CORVETTES HAVE. THE SERVICE STABILITRAK MESSAGE AND TRACTION… Look up ODI 10345873 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10598697 · 17,000 mi MY 2004 CADILLAC XLR APPLIED THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE ONLY AND ILLUMINATED THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAUSING A BRIEF AND SEVERE SWERVE FOR ABOUT 1 SECOND. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. EVERYTHING WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS WHEN IT DID IT AGAIN, LUCKILY NO ONE IN MY PATH OF TRAVEL. MOST RECENTLY IT DID IT AGAIN ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO , SAME WHEEL, SAME SPEED. I AM VERY MECHANICALLY INCLINED AND PERFORMED A THOROUGH INSPECTION AND I CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM WITH A PRETTY EXP… Look up ODI 10598697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11309062 · 53,200 mi I PURCHASED A 2004 XLR IN 2019 FROM AN AGENT IN FL. I IMMEDIATELY OR WITH-IN 200 MILES I BEGAN TO RECEIVE MESSAGES ON MY DASH! FIRST IT WAS TRACTION CONTROL THAT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CAUSED THE CAR TO VET VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AS SOON AS I HIT 65 MILES AN HOUR. THEN THE CHECK GAS CAP FOLLOWED BY CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. MY CADILLAC DEALER WAS AT A LOSS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH TRACTION CONTROL UNTIL THEY CONTACTED THE CORVETTE ENGINEERS IN BOWLING GREEN, WHICH TOOK A WEEK! THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP AND THAT PROBLEM WENT AWAY ONLY TEMPOR… Look up ODI 11309062 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	42,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10510369 · 76,474 mi I BOUGHT THIS USED VEHICLE ON THE DATE SHOWN ABOVE AT THE "INCIDENT DATE". I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE ACTUAL PROBLEM BEGAN ON THIS CAR, BUT IT WAS PROBABLY YEARS EARLIER. THE SAFETY PROBLEM IS THAT THE LENSES OF BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT DRIVING/PARKING/DIRECTIONAL LAMPS HAVE APPARENTLY BEEN HEAT AFFECTED...THE PLASTIC LENSES HAVE BEGUN TO MELT. THE LAMPS ARE PART OF THE HEADLIGHT CLUSTER. THE OUTER OVERALL LENS OF THE CLUSTERS ARE FINE...IT'S JUST THE INTERNAL LENSES OVER THE DRIVING/PARKING/DIRECTIONAL LAMPS THAT HAVE THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO ME … Look up ODI 10510369 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10564877 · 12,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC XLR. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AROUND THE TURN SIGNAL AND INFORMED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOCKET WAS MELTING AND THE PLASTIC HOUSING WAS WARPED. THE FAILURES WERE RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V263000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING; THE DAY TIME RUNNING LAMP/TURN SIGNAL AND PARKING LAMP BECAME INOPERATIVE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE SOCKETS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS FOR THE ENTIRE UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE… Look up ODI 10564877 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11206015 · 42,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC XLR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR DRL HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES MELTED AND CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE DIMLY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. WALLACE CADILLAC(3555 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. Look up ODI 11206015 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	24,089 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10289939 · 19,112 mi A PRONOUNCED ODOR OF GASOLINE AND APPEARANCE OF AN ERROR MESSAGE STATING "CHECK GAS CAP" LED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE, A 2004 CADILLAC XLR, TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT A CROSSOVER PIPE BETWEEN THE TWO GASOLINE TANKS WAS LEAKING. REPLACEMENT OF THE CROSSOVER PIPE (AT A COST OF $2295.14) DID NOT CURE THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE SAME ERROR MESSAGE RECURRED THE FOLLOWING DAY, I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FEED PIPE LEADING FROM THE GAS CAP TO THE GASOLINE TANK WAS LEAKING AT ITS INLET. REPLACE… Look up ODI 10289939 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10343330 · 39,000 mi 2004 CADILLAC XLR STRONG FUEL SMELL AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK. MECHANIC SAID THERE IS A LEAK IN THE CROSSOVER TUBES LEADING TO THE FUEL TANK. *TR Look up ODI 10343330 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11479731 · 24,089 mi The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated that fuel had begun to leak from the fuel pump without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure and informed him that while the motor was running, the fuel would leak from the rear driver's side wheel; the leak would stop once the engine was shut off. The mechanic later discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11E009000(Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified and an appointment was made for a diagnostic. Th… Look up ODI 11479731 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	Too few reports for a range	51,600 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 11111395 · 50,000 mi CHECK GAS CAP, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DEALER SAYS I NEED A NEW RT FUEL TANK BUT NONE ARE AVAILABLE. WHAT DO I DO NOW? Look up ODI 11111395 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11309062 · 53,200 mi I PURCHASED A 2004 XLR IN 2019 FROM AN AGENT IN FL. I IMMEDIATELY OR WITH-IN 200 MILES I BEGAN TO RECEIVE MESSAGES ON MY DASH! FIRST IT WAS TRACTION CONTROL THAT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CAUSED THE CAR TO VET VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AS SOON AS I HIT 65 MILES AN HOUR. THEN THE CHECK GAS CAP FOLLOWED BY CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. MY CADILLAC DEALER WAS AT A LOSS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH TRACTION CONTROL UNTIL THEY CONTACTED THE CORVETTE ENGINEERS IN BOWLING GREEN, WHICH TOOK A WEEK! THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP AND THAT PROBLEM WENT AWAY ONLY TEMPOR… Look up ODI 11309062 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	51,550 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10545438 · 60,599 mi 8/24/11 - VEHICLE STUCK IN REVERSE. WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. DEALER FOUND SHIFT CABLE BROKEN. - 09/19/13-PARKED WAITING ON A FAMILY MEMBER. HAD THE VECHILE IN PARK (SO I THOUGHT). WHEN I WAS READY TO LEAVE THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR. DEALER FOUND SHIFT CABLE BROKE. *JS Look up ODI 10545438 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10557973 · 42,500 mi PARKED IN A PARKING LOT & PLACED IT IN PARK. UPON RETURNING I STARTED THE CAR & PLACED IT IN DRIVE. I TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE & CAR MOVED REARWARD. PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL & CAR MOVED REARWARD. I TRIED ALL GEARS INCLUDING PARK & CAR MOVED REARWARD, TURNED CAR OFF. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART BECAUSE IT WAS NOT IN PARK. BECAUSE CAR WAS NOT IN PARK ALL ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES WOULD NOT TURN OFF & BATTERY WENT DEAD, DOORS OR WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPEN BECAUSE ALL ARE OPERATED ELECTRICALLY. FORTUNATELY THE BATTERY DIED ON ROUTE TO DEALERSHIP ON TOW TRUCK. THE SHIFT CA… Look up ODI 10557973 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	63,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10574399 · 110,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC XLR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD EMIT AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. ALSO, THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR A TRAFFIC STOP AND THE BRAKES SEIZED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ABS TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE IN… Look up ODI 10574399 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10598697 · 17,000 mi MY 2004 CADILLAC XLR APPLIED THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE ONLY AND ILLUMINATED THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAUSING A BRIEF AND SEVERE SWERVE FOR ABOUT 1 SECOND. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. EVERYTHING WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS WHEN IT DID IT AGAIN, LUCKILY NO ONE IN MY PATH OF TRAVEL. MOST RECENTLY IT DID IT AGAIN ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO , SAME WHEEL, SAME SPEED. I AM VERY MECHANICALLY INCLINED AND PERFORMED A THOROUGH INSPECTION AND I CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM WITH A PRETTY EXP… Look up ODI 10598697 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	1	None	ODI 11711077 · 88,000 mi The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound like a shotgun being fired overhead. The contact pulled over and observed that the retractable fiberglass roof panel had detached from the frame of the vehicle. The contact stated that the headliner, cables, and pulleys used to retract the roof were exposed. The contact was unable to recover the panel. The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failur… Look up ODI 11711077 at NHTSA ↗
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2008: 1 complaints · 2009: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2008	0	0	1
2009	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2008	3	0	0
2009	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Structure:Body	Electrical System	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Exterior Lighting	Fuel System, Gasoline	Fuel/Propulsion System	Power Train	Service Brakes
Structure:Body	—	1 ODI 11590209 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 Look up ODI 11590209 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 11590209 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 Look up ODI 11590209 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10557973 · 42,500 mi PARKED IN A PARKING LOT & PLACED IT IN PARK. UPON RETURNING I STARTED THE CAR & PLACED IT IN DRIVE. I TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE & CAR MOVED REARWARD. PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL & CAR MOVED REARWARD. I TRIED ALL GEARS INCLUDING PARK & CAR MOVED REARWARD, TURNED CAR OFF. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART BECAUSE IT WAS NOT IN PARK. BECAUSE CAR WAS NOT IN PARK ALL ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES WOULD NOT TURN OFF & BATTERY WENT DEAD, DOORS OR WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPEN BECAUSE ALL ARE OPERATED ELECTRICALLY. FORTUNATELY THE BATTERY DIED ON ROUTE TO DEALERSHIP ON TOW TRUCK. THE SHIFT CA… Look up ODI 10557973 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	0	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 11309062 · 53,200 mi I PURCHASED A 2004 XLR IN 2019 FROM AN AGENT IN FL. I IMMEDIATELY OR WITH-IN 200 MILES I BEGAN TO RECEIVE MESSAGES ON MY DASH! FIRST IT WAS TRACTION CONTROL THAT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CAUSED THE CAR TO VET VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AS SOON AS I HIT 65 MILES AN HOUR. THEN THE CHECK GAS CAP FOLLOWED BY CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. MY CADILLAC DEALER WAS AT A LOSS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH TRACTION CONTROL UNTIL THEY CONTACTED THE CORVETTE ENGINEERS IN BOWLING GREEN, WHICH TOOK A WEEK! THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP AND THAT PROBLEM WENT AWAY ONLY TEMPOR… Look up ODI 11309062 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10598697 · 17,000 mi MY 2004 CADILLAC XLR APPLIED THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE ONLY AND ILLUMINATED THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAUSING A BRIEF AND SEVERE SWERVE FOR ABOUT 1 SECOND. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. EVERYTHING WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS WHEN IT DID IT AGAIN, LUCKILY NO ONE IN MY PATH OF TRAVEL. MOST RECENTLY IT DID IT AGAIN ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO , SAME WHEEL, SAME SPEED. I AM VERY MECHANICALLY INCLINED AND PERFORMED A THOROUGH INSPECTION AND I CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM WITH A PRETTY EXP… Look up ODI 10598697 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	0	1 ODI 11309062 · 53,200 mi I PURCHASED A 2004 XLR IN 2019 FROM AN AGENT IN FL. I IMMEDIATELY OR WITH-IN 200 MILES I BEGAN TO RECEIVE MESSAGES ON MY DASH! FIRST IT WAS TRACTION CONTROL THAT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CAUSED THE CAR TO VET VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AS SOON AS I HIT 65 MILES AN HOUR. THEN THE CHECK GAS CAP FOLLOWED BY CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. MY CADILLAC DEALER WAS AT A LOSS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH TRACTION CONTROL UNTIL THEY CONTACTED THE CORVETTE ENGINEERS IN BOWLING GREEN, WHICH TOOK A WEEK! THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP AND THAT PROBLEM WENT AWAY ONLY TEMPOR… Look up ODI 11309062 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0
Power Train	0	1 ODI 10557973 · 42,500 mi PARKED IN A PARKING LOT & PLACED IT IN PARK. UPON RETURNING I STARTED THE CAR & PLACED IT IN DRIVE. I TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE & CAR MOVED REARWARD. PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL & CAR MOVED REARWARD. I TRIED ALL GEARS INCLUDING PARK & CAR MOVED REARWARD, TURNED CAR OFF. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART BECAUSE IT WAS NOT IN PARK. BECAUSE CAR WAS NOT IN PARK ALL ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES WOULD NOT TURN OFF & BATTERY WENT DEAD, DOORS OR WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPEN BECAUSE ALL ARE OPERATED ELECTRICALLY. FORTUNATELY THE BATTERY DIED ON ROUTE TO DEALERSHIP ON TOW TRUCK. THE SHIFT CA… Look up ODI 10557973 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0
Service Brakes	0	0	1 ODI 10598697 · 17,000 mi MY 2004 CADILLAC XLR APPLIED THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE ONLY AND ILLUMINATED THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAUSING A BRIEF AND SEVERE SWERVE FOR ABOUT 1 SECOND. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. EVERYTHING WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS WHEN IT DID IT AGAIN, LUCKILY NO ONE IN MY PATH OF TRAVEL. MOST RECENTLY IT DID IT AGAIN ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO , SAME WHEEL, SAME SPEED. I AM VERY MECHANICALLY INCLINED AND PERFORMED A THOROUGH INSPECTION AND I CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM WITH A PRETTY EXP… Look up ODI 10598697 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 11.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 61,600 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10574399 · 110,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC XLR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD EMIT AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. ALSO, THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR A TRAFFIC STOP AND THE BRAKES SEIZED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ABS TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE IN…

Look up ODI 10574399 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11111395 · 50,000 mi

CHECK GAS CAP, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DEALER SAYS I NEED A NEW RT FUEL TANK BUT NONE ARE AVAILABLE. WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Look up ODI 11111395 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11309062 · 53,200 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 XLR IN 2019 FROM AN AGENT IN FL. I IMMEDIATELY OR WITH-IN 200 MILES I BEGAN TO RECEIVE MESSAGES ON MY DASH! FIRST IT WAS TRACTION CONTROL THAT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CAUSED THE CAR TO VET VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AS SOON AS I HIT 65 MILES AN HOUR. THEN THE CHECK GAS CAP FOLLOWED BY CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. MY CADILLAC DEALER WAS AT A LOSS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH TRACTION CONTROL UNTIL THEY CONTACTED THE CORVETTE ENGINEERS IN BOWLING GREEN, WHICH TOOK A WEEK! THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP AND THAT PROBLEM WENT AWAY ONLY TEMPOR…

Look up ODI 11309062 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 5.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 52,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10342498 · 26,000 mi

Look up ODI 10342498 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10345873 · 78,000 mi

Look up ODI 10345873 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 86,845 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10701012 · 86,845 mi

I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2004 XLR FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR STORE IN RIVERSIDE. UPON STORING IT IN MY GARAGE, I FOUND THE NEXT MORNING AN OVERWHELMING GASOLINE SMELL. UPON TAKING IT TO MY LOCAL GM DEALER FOR INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ISSUE WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY EXTENDED PROTECTION BY CADILLAC AS IT ENDED AFTER A 10 YEAR PERIOD IN JANUARY OF 2014. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL TANK SYSTEM AND IS NOT A RECALL ITEM WHICH IS EXTRAORDINARILY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE DEALT WITH AT NOT COST TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE …

Look up ODI 10701012 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10641923

FUEL SENDING UNIT KEEPS FAILING CAN'T TELL HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK. HAD FIRST ONE REPLACED AT COST OF AROUND $2300.00 REPLACEMENT LASTED AROUND 18 MONTHS THEN IT FAILED . NEVER KNOW WHEN WHOLE UNIT WILL SHUT DOWN AND LEAVE ME VULNERABLE TO A REAR END OR STALL. *TR

Look up ODI 10641923 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b