2 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Cadillac XLR.
2
recalls
31
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2005 Cadillac XLR recalls
Exterior lighting: turn signal
NHTSA campaign 06V263000 · reported July 19, 2006 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 7,689 vehicles potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA campaign 04V525000 · reported November 3, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 5,225 vehicles potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Structure13
Exterior lighting3
Fuel system, gasoline3
Air bags2
Forward collision avoidance2
Fuel/propulsion system2
Service brakes2
Unknown or other2
Visibility2
Electrical system1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Mar 13, 2024 · Service brakes
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 […] Thanx INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…
Apr 18, 2023 · Structure
Driving home and the roof came off. Didn't realize what had happened thought the seal was broken
Apr 3, 2023 · Structure
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
Mar 28, 2023 · Structure
My 2005 Cadillac XLR Was Being Towed To Vera Cadillac Dealership And The Roof Flew Off The Car […] Why Was This Not A Recall ? Thank You […] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Mar 24, 2023 · Structure
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 ?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Cadillac XLR, the most recent reported on July 19, 2006 (Exterior lighting: turn signal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Cadillac XLR?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (13 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (3).
How many 2005 Cadillac XLR complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 31 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 13, 2024.