2005 Cadillac XLR recalls and problems

The 2005 Cadillac XLR has 2 safety recalls and 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
31
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Cadillac XLR vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Cadillac XLR recalls

Recall 06V-263: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 19, 2006 · 7,689 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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 04V-525: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Nov 3, 2004 · 5,225 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

2005 Cadillac XLR problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure14
Exterior Lighting3
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Seats2
Service Brakes2
Air Bags2
Unknown or Other2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Visibility2
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 10
  • Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 2
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 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 2005 Cadillac XLR complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Mar 13, 2024
Brake were dragging I came to a stop .Checked the parking brake. Then after releasing the parking brake. The car wouldn't move until I pushed the traction control button. Drove 1/2 mile stopped and again the brakes were locked up. Call [XXX] Thanx INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure · reported Apr 3, 2023
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
Structure · reported Mar 28, 2023
My 2005 Cadillac XLR Was Being Towed To Vera Cadillac Dealership And The Roof Flew Off The Car [XXX] Why Was This Not A Recall ? Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure · reported Mar 24, 2023
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 ?
Structure · at 144,000 miles · reported Aug 14, 2019
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.

Other Cadillac XLR years

Compare all Cadillac XLR years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Cadillac XLR have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Cadillac XLR: 06V-263 (exterior lighting), 04V-525 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Cadillac XLR?

Owners report structure problems most often (14 reports), followed by exterior lighting (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 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.