Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac XLR vs Toyota Camry
How the Cadillac XLR and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Cadillac XLR vs Toyota Camry: The XLR has 49 complaints over 7 years (7.0/yr) with roof separation and fuel leaks, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) with brake failures and transmission issues. The XLR's issues are more severe but less frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac XLR or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac XLR
The Cadillac XLR is a low-volume luxury roadster, and its complaint history suggests a car that can be thrilling but demanding. Owners report serious structural issues with the retractable hardtop, including panels separating at speed, as well as electrical gremlins that can leave you stranded or locked in. Fuel system problems, including strong gasoline odors, are also common, pointing to potential leaks. With only 49 complaints over 7 years, the volume is low, but the severity of the issues is high.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with a much larger complaint count, but that's partly due to its popularity. The complaints cluster around the powertrain, with reports of transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, as well as engine issues like coolant valve problems. Brake failures are also a concern, with some owners reporting a complete loss of braking. While the sheer number of complaints is higher, the Camry's issues are more varied and often relate to specific components that may be covered by recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac XLR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 49 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Cadillac XLR
- 01STRUCTURE13
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 03POWER TRAIN6
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
Owners report the retractable hardtop can separate and fly off at highway speeds, often preceded by a whistling noise. This is a serious safety hazard and a major repair cost.
The car may fail to recognize the key fob, leaving you unable to start the engine or even exit the vehicle. Another issue is the car moving rearward when shifted into drive or park, indicating a serious transmission control problem.
Strong gasoline vapors inside and outside the car, along with a gas tank leak, are reported. This poses a fire risk and can cause health issues.
“SEVERAL XLR OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THAT THEIR ROOF PANEL HAS SEPARATED AND FLOWN OFF THE CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MY TOP BEGAN EMITTING A WHISTLING NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WHEN INSPECTING IT, THE CENTER FRONT OF THE TOP HAS BEGUN TO SEPARATE. THESE TOPS WERE APP…”
“The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound like a shotgun being fired overhead. The contact pulled over and observed that the retractable fiberglass roof panel had detached fro…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues include grinding noises on acceleration and the need for replacement. Some owners also report sudden unintended acceleration, which can lead to crashes.
Engine problems include a coolant valve bypass issue that triggers a maintenance light, and in some cases, sudden acceleration that has caused accidents.
Brake failure is reported, with the pedal going to the floor and no response, especially on hills. This is a critical safety concern.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Cadillac XLR — 12 recalls
The defect: TI 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.
The risk: A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
The fix: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON…
The defect: 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 PEDA…
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 W…
The defect: 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 P…
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…
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.
The defect: TI 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.
The risk: A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
The fix: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac XLR or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac XLR has far fewer complaints per year (7.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the XLR's issues are more severe and potentially dangerous. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the nature of its problems, especially with brakes and acceleration, is also serious. In practice, the XLR may be more of a niche vehicle with unique risks, while the Camry's issues are more widespread but often addressed by recalls.
Key differences
- The XLR has a serious issue with the retractable hardtop separating at speed, while the Camry has no such structural problem.
- The XLR has electrical problems that can lock you in or out, while the Camry's electrical issues are less severe but include airbag sensor problems.
- The Camry has a higher rate of brake failures and sudden acceleration, which are critical safety concerns, whereas the XLR's fuel system leaks are more of a fire risk.
- The XLR's complaints are fewer but more severe, while the Camry's are numerous and varied, with many tied to recalls.
- Inspect the roof panel for any signs of separation or whistling noises at highway speeds.
- Check for strong fuel odors and have the fuel system inspected for leaks.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, for any loss of response.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and check for any pending recalls.
Before you buy
- For the XLR, have a mechanic inspect the roof mechanism and seals for wear or damage.
- For the XLR, check the fuel system for leaks and ensure the gas cap seals properly.
- For the Camry, verify that all recalls have been performed, especially those for airbags and brakes.
- For the Camry, take a test drive that includes acceleration and braking on a slope to check for transmission and brake issues.
- For both, review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Cadillac XLR or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac XLR vs Toyota Camry
- Cadillac XLR total complaints
- 49
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Cadillac XLR total recalls
- 12
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac XLR avg complaints/year
- 7.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac XLR
- Cadillac XLR top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN