KnownCarProblems2005 Cadillac Xlr Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Cadillac Xlr, most often about the body and structure (42% of complaints, typically around 79,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Xlr model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2005 Cadillac Xlr problems
Body and structure
13 complaints · 42%Half of these problems showed up before 79,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Cadillac Xlr roof separation: I was driving a 2005 Cadillac Xlr south of I-75 when the roof suddenly, and quite unexpectedly separated at approximately 70 MPH. I was driving in absolute terrible, rainy weather when the roof separated. Just before the separation I heard a very brief 'road noise' sound come from just…
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Xlr. While driving 35 MPH, the roof panel detached from the vehicle without warning. The dealer (fields Cadillac jacksonville, 7999 blanding blvd, jacksonville, fl 32244) informed the contact to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was notified…
Fuel system
5 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 63,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Xlr roaster. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without any warnings. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the fuel modular was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that two years later, the failure…
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…
Lights
3 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: turn signal.
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…
The turn signal in the left rear tail lamp assembly which is a sealed LED based system is not working. I reached out to Cadillac dealers and the part has been discontinued. This renders the vehicle unsafe as it cannot be legally driven and neither can it be repaired or resold as there is not a substitute part. Gm used…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2005 Cadillac Xlr recalls
Lights: turn signal
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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 o
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Roof skin separation while driving
Summary
On august 23rd, 2018 - the office of defects investigation (odi) received a media inquiry pertaining to a motorist experiencing separation of the roof skin from their cadillac xlr while driving.based on the data in-hand at that time and a subsequent (december) consumer complaint, odi opened pe19-001 on february 1, 2019 to evaluate the scope of this condition in the 2004 - 2005 xlr population.the subject vehicle model is a two-seat roadster equipped with an electrically powered retractable roof system. The outer roof skin is a sheet molded composite (smc) which is adhered to the magnesium alloy roof frame.odi's february 7, 2019 information request (ir) letter to general motors (gm) covered th
Questions about the 2005 Cadillac Xlr
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Cadillac Xlr?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (13 complaints, typically around 79,000 miles); fuel system (5 complaints, typically around 63,000 miles); lights (3 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2005 Cadillac Xlr have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 19, 2006 (lights). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2005 a bad year for the Cadillac Xlr?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Xlr model year since 2000, with 31 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.
Other Cadillac Xlr years
- 2004
- 2005