Is the Cadillac Xlr reliable?

The Cadillac Xlr has 108 NHTSA complaints, or 169.5 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is STRUCTURE:BODY. Source: VinItel

What Cadillac Xlr years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2004 model year of the Cadillac Xlr — it has significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2004 model year alone has 45 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What are common Cadillac Xlr problems?

The most common Cadillac Xlr problems reported to NHTSA are: STRUCTURE:BODY (19 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints, 25.0% crash rate); POWER TRAIN (7 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (6 complaints, 0.0% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Cadillac Xlr?

Used Cadillac Xlr buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Cadillac Xlr Reliability by Year

108 NHTSA complaints (2004–2009). Complaint rate: 169.5 per 1,000 vehicles.

Cadillac Xlr reliability varies significantly by model year. Based on 108 NHTSA complaints (2004–2009), the most problematic years are 2004, with high complaint volumes linked to structure:body.

Why these years are worse

The most common issues driving the complaint spikes:

structure:body — 19 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)
electrical faults — 8 complaints (25.0% involved a crash)
transmission issues — 7 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)
fuel system issues — 7 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)
fuel system, gasoline — 6 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)

Severity Score

222.9

Complaints

108

Crash Rate

7.4%

Fire Rate

1.9%

Injuries

Fatalities

—

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2004–2005 Cadillac Xlr. The 2007–2008 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: STRUCTURE:BODY.

Avoid These Years

2004–2005

~42/yr complaints · 5 crashes

Average

2006

~15/yr complaints

Better Years

2007–2008

~4/yr complaints

Looking at a specific Cadillac Xlr?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Cadillac Xlr — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2004 (45)

Common Cadillac Xlr Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
STRUCTURE:BODY	19	0.0%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	8	25.0%
POWER TRAIN	7	0.0%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	7	0.0%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	6	0.0%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	6	0.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	5	0.0%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	5	20.0%
SERVICE BRAKES	4	25.0%
STRUCTURE	4	0.0%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2004AVOID	—	45	5	—	View →
2005AVOID	—	39	0	—	View →
2006	—	15	0	2	View →
2007GOOD	—	2	0	—	View →
2008GOOD	—	6	3	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Cadillac Xlraccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Cadillac Xlr?

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