2004 Cadillac XLR recalls and problems
The 2004 Cadillac XLR has 4 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Cadillac XLR vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Cadillac XLR recalls
Recall 06V-263: Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 05V-046: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Risk: If this were to occur, greater brake pedal force and a longer distance may be required to stop the vehicle.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-525: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-273: Steering
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
2004 Cadillac XLR problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 11 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 3 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | |
| Power Train | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Tires | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 8
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1
- Tires › Sidewall — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 1
- Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 Cadillac XLR complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Cadillac XLR years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Cadillac XLR have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Cadillac XLR: 06V-263 (exterior lighting), 05V-046 (vehicle speed control), 04V-525 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-273 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Cadillac XLR?
Owners report structure problems most often (11 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,000 miles.
Are Cadillac recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.