What's Wrong with the 1st Generation XLR (2004—2009)?

Owners of the 1st generation XLR have sent in 15 complaints over 6 model years. The overall PainRank™ of 2.47 ranks 26th in reliability out of 37 Cadillac generations.

Problems to Expect

We've crunched the data, monitored TSBs, and listened to owner complaints to come up with a list of the most common 2004—2009 XLR issues.

  1. XLR Roof Detatches

    The XLR roadster comes with a retractable roof system that is supposed to give owners the option of riding around with the top down. Unfortunately, a problem with the adhension of the roof means owners may suddenly find themselves riding ar... 

    Published in #body on

Complaints By Model Year

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Year Complaints
2004 7
2005 0
2006 7
2007 0
2008 0
2009 1

Where This Generation Breaks the Most

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This Generation in the News

2020

  • NHTSA Says No Recall Neccessary for Flying XLR Roof Panels

    carcomplaints.com

    The agency tasked with keeping our national highways safe has decided that roofs flying off cars at 65mph doesn't warrant a recall. During their investigation into why XLR roofs are detaching, NHTSA found that the adhesion holding the car's roof panels in place will weaken over a decade or so due to an "unintentional oxide layer" on the magnesium roof frame.

    So they know the problem will eventually occur, but it just takes too long to justify fixing it?

    Published in #investigation on

2019

  • Investigation Looks Into Reports Roofs Flying Off the XLR

    carcomplaints.com

    Multiple complaints about the roof flying off of the 2004-2005 XLR are under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There’s concern that the adhesive used to secure the roof panels to the frame is degrading over time. Obviously, folks who bought an XLR enjoy driving with the roof down, but the roof off? That’s a different story.

    Published in #investigation on