2004 Cadillac XLR: common problems and reliability
One of the worst XLR years.
One of the Cadillac XLR years to avoid. All XLR years
34 owner complaints, most about structure. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 XLR?The 2004 Cadillac XLR has 34 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and fuel system.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Cadillac XLR vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other XLR years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the XLR?
Across the 6 XLR model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2009) to 34 (2004). With 34 complaints, the 2004 XLR sits above the model's median of 9.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2004 XLR
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 11E009000TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Campaign 05V046000CERTAIN 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 04V525000CERTAIN 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.
exterior lighting:turn signal
Campaign 06V263000ON 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.
Show 1 more recall
steering:linkages
Campaign 04V273000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a low-volume enthusiast niche.
Owner insights cover all generations of the XLR. See the full XLR owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used XLR listings typically run $15,198–$22,690 across 2004 to 2009 model years.
Other XLR model years
Compare every XLR year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the XLR against its rivals
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