2004 Cadillac Xlr Problems
For the 2004 Cadillac XLR, NHTSA data reveals a low-confidence pattern of structural and fuel system complaints that buyers should investigate. Based on 34 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Structural Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2004 Cadillac Xlr has 34 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Cadillac Xlr Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2004 Cadillac Xlr.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2004 Cadillac Xlr Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CADILLAC XLR 2004 has 34 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Structural problems lead with 11 complaints, followed by fuel system issues with 5. Buyers should inspect these areas and verify recall repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Xlr
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 34
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 23
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2004 Cadillac Xlr problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Fuel System
Gasoline
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Fuel System, Gasoline. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Cadillac Xlr?
The 2004 XLR is a high-risk purchase due to structural and fuel system complaints. Only consider if a thorough inspection and recall verification are performed.
Structural problems can affect safety and resale value, while fuel system issues may lead to costly repairs or fire risk.
May Suit
This year may suit a collector or enthusiast willing to invest in meticulous maintenance and inspections.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver or those unwilling to accept potential structural and fuel system repairs should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Cadillac Xlr
Inspection Focus
- Inspect structural components for damage or corrosion.
- Check fuel system for leaks or previous repairs.
- Verify headlight and taillight functionality.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect structural components thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel system and electrical repairs.
- Test headlights, taillights, and brake system before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Cadillac Xlr, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Cadillac XLR has 34 total complaints and 5 recalls. The top complaint component is structural problems with 11 reports, followed by fuel system issues with 5 complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: With only one model year analyzed, no comparison to other years is possible from the provided data.
Recall context: Five recalls indicate a need to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Structural problems account for 11 of 34 total complaints.
- Fuel system issues total 5 complaints.
- There are 5 recalls for this model year.
- Structural Problems: 11 complaints reported.
- Fuel System: 5 complaints reported.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures: 4 complaints reported.
Full breakdown
All 2004 Cadillac Xlr complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Cadillac Xlr. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Cadillac Xlr. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 from the frame of the ve…
The roof panel that was only attached with adhesive has detached from the frame of the car. This has also caused the retractable convertible top to stop working. I have read about the roof of many of these cars flying off while driving down the road. It is only a matter of time b…
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH in the rain, the contact heard wind coming from the area where the front roof panel was connected to the windshield. The roof panel then detached and separated from the vehicle. The contact pulled in…
The top roof panel separated while driving on the highway, and almost struck another vehicle causing it to swerve to miss it. The vehicle then proceeded to follow me as he though I was to blame. Once I got off the highway he got out of his car an violently started screaming at me…
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated that fuel had begun to leak from the fuel pump without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure and informed him that while the motor was running, the fuel would leak from …
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated there were strong fumes coming from the vehicle. The contact parked his vehicle in the garage and then leave it partially cracked due to the fumes. The contact changed the gas cap; however, the fumes continues. There were n…
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud whistling sound coming inside the vehicle. The contact looked up and noticed that the sunroof glass had detached from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of th…
My roof panel is separating from the roof frame of my 04 Cadillac XLR. If it come off it will cause property damage to another vehicle or death! It a GM defect that should be recall !!!! Thanks!
Was driving on interstate and top panel on convertible top flew off.
I PURCHASED A 2004 XLR IN 2019 FROM AN AGENT IN FL. I IMMEDIATELY OR WITH-IN 200 MILES I BEGAN TO RECEIVE MESSAGES ON MY DASH! FIRST IT WAS TRACTION CONTROL THAT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CAUSED THE CAR TO VET VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AS SOON AS I HIT 65 MILES AN HOUR. THEN THE CHECK …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC XLR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PULLED INTO THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS MELTED AND MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE CONTACT TO SEE CLEARLY. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL DEALERS, INCLUDING WALLACE CADILLAC (772-286-3555, LOCAT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC XLR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR DRL HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES MELTED AND CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE DIMLY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. WALLACE CADILLAC(3555 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART,…
WHEN DRIVING I NOTICED A SEVERE WHISTLING SOUND COMING FROM JUST ABOVE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. UPON INSPECTING, I NOTICED THAT THE ROOF PANEL HAD A 8' SECTION THAT HAD SEPARATED. WHEN GOOGLED, I SAW SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD REPORTED THAT THEIR XLR'S HAD A ROOF PANEL SEPARATE WHILE DRI…
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE SUDDENLY THERE WAS A RUSH OF AIR COMING FROM THE REARVIEW MIRROR AREA. I STOPPED AT THE NEXT SERVICE PLAZA AND OBSERVED THE FRONT OF THE ROOF PANEL SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME. GM USED A ADHESIVE ON THESE XLR ROOFS THAT IS FAILING NOW. CORVE…
CHECK GAS CAP, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DEALER SAYS I NEED A NEW RT FUEL TANK BUT NONE ARE AVAILABLE. WHAT DO I DO NOW?
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 APPARENTLY ONLY GLUED…
THE RETRACTABLE ROOF FLEW OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING. GM OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE WITH THIS AND DENIED ANY NEGLIGENCE. CASE #8-2866250293
I DRIVING FREEWAY ABOUT 70MPH, BIG AIR NOISE THEN ROOF PANEL COME OFF & FRYING.
I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2004 XLR FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR STORE IN RIVERSIDE. UPON STORING IT IN MY GARAGE, I FOUND THE NEXT MORNING AN OVERWHELMING GASOLINE SMELL. UPON TAKING IT TO MY LOCAL GM DEALER FOR INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ISSUE WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY EXTEND…
FUEL SENDING UNIT KEEPS FAILING CAN'T TELL HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK. HAD FIRST ONE REPLACED AT COST OF AROUND $2300.00 REPLACEMENT LASTED AROUND 18 MONTHS THEN IT FAILED . NEVER KNOW WHEN WHOLE UNIT WILL SHUT DOWN AND LEAVE ME VULNERABLE TO A REAR END OR STALL. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Cadillac Xlr.
Safety recalls
2004 Cadillac Xlr recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Cadillac Xlr. Five recalls indicate a need to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
STEERING:LINKAGES
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Cadillac Xlr buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Cadillac Xlr reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 34 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 XLR is a high-risk purchase due to structural and fuel system complaints. Only consider if a thorough inspection and recall verification are performed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Cadillac Xlr?▾
#1: Structural Problems (11 complaints). #2: Fuel System (5 complaints). #3: Gasoline (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Cadillac Xlr?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Cadillac Xlr?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Cadillac Xlr, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 34 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Cadillac Xlr have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Cadillac Xlr. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Five recalls indicate a need to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Cadillac Xlr?▾
The 2004 XLR is a high-risk purchase due to structural and fuel system complaints. Only consider if a thorough inspection and recall verification are performed. Structural problems can affect safety and resale value, while fuel system issues may lead to costly repairs or fire risk. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Xlr reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Cadillac Xlr based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.