Before you buy
This 2006 Cadillac Xlr has 9 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
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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2006 Cadillac Xlr Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2006 Cadillac Xlr trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2006 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 2006 has 9 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall. Top issues include transmission/drivetrain (3 complaints) and electrical faults (2). No crash complaints were reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Xlr
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 9
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 23
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2006 Cadillac Xlr problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Structural Problems. 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 2006 Cadillac Xlr?
The 2006 XLR may be worth considering for enthusiasts who accept the risks of a low-volume luxury convertible, but the transmission and electrical complaints warrant caution. Pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Transmission and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs, and the low complaint count may not reflect all potential problems.
May Suit
This year may suit collectors or buyers seeking a unique luxury roadster who are prepared for higher maintenance costs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver or those on a tight budget should avoid this year due to potential repair expenses.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2006 Cadillac Xlr
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping, harsh shifts, or leaks.
- Check all electrical systems including lights, windows, and infotainment.
- Examine body panels and frame for structural integrity.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission hesitation or electrical glitches.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 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 2006 Cadillac XLR shows a low number of owner complaints (9 total) and one recall. The most reported issue involves the transmission/drivetrain (3 complaints), followed by electrical faults (2). With no crash-related complaints, the data suggests a generally low complaint rate, but the small sample size limits reliability. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2006 has few complaints, but data is insufficient to determine if it is better or worse.
Recall context: One recall indicates a known safety issue that should be verified as repaired before purchase.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for 3 of 9 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported issue with 2 complaints.
- No crash-related complaints were reported for the 2006 XLR.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
- Structural Problems
Full breakdown
All 2006 Cadillac Xlr complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Cadillac Xlr. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized 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 2006 Cadillac Xlr. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
DRIVING AT 45MPH THEN THE CAR SURGED TO THE LEFT. I GOT CONTROL THEN IN SERVICE STABLE TRACTION WARNING AND TRACTION CONTROL OFF LIGHT APPEARED
DRIVING AT STEADY 45 MPH THEN THE REAR OF THE CAR SURGED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT.I GAINED CONTROL BUT THE THE SERVICE STABLETRAK WARNING AND THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF LIGHT CAME ONE
2006 CADILLAC XLR ROADSTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE ELECTRIC DOOR RELEASE BUTTONS. *LD *TR
THE MONITORS DO NOT REPORT WHEN THE BATTERY IS GOING DEAD. AS A RESULT I WAS TRAPPED IN MY CAR FOR TWO HOURS BECAUSE OF A DEAD BATTERY. THERE ARE NO SAFETY FEATURES THAT ALLOWED ME TO OPEN THE DOOR. I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND LUCKILY AFTER SCREAMING AT A GUEST OF MY NEIGHBORS, MY…
I REPLACED MY FRONT HUBS ON 12/29/2015 AND LESS THEN 4 MONTHS LATER THEY NEEDED REPLACING AGAIN. IS THEIR A MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN THE HUBS AND WHAT WOULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE..
GAS TANK LEAK - STRONG GAS/FUEL ODOR/SMELL COMING FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON (DATING BACK TO 2009; WAS TOLD THEN BY CADILLAC SERVICE ADVISOR THAT MY GAS CAP WAS LOOSE). PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME TO THE POINT WHERE I CAN NO LONGER …
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT I PLACED CAR IN REVERSE AND IT BACKED UP AS IT SHOULD. WHEN I PLACED GEAR IN FORWARD AND STEPPED ON ACCELERATOR THE CAR STILL WENT REARWARD ALMOST STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT THAT POINT VEHICLE ONLY HAD REVERSE AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED FOR SHI…
FAX REQUEST ASSISTANCE WITH GMAC, COMPANY REFUSES TO BUY BACK DEFECTIVE VEHICLE *CC. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH RUN FLAT TIRE THEREFORE IT IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE. THE VEHICLE ALSO ISN'T EQUIPPED WITH A JACK OR A PLACE TO STORE A SPARE. THE RUN FLAT TIRE WENT FLAT AND…
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS SLID UP AND DOWN ON THEIR OWN. THIS CONTINUOUSLY OCCURRED, BUT THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY ACCESSING THE TRUNK, IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE POWER STEERING FAILED, HOWE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Cadillac Xlr.
Safety recalls
2006 Cadillac Xlr recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Cadillac Xlr. One recall indicates a known safety issue that should be verified as repaired 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
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2006 Cadillac Xlr buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Cadillac Xlr reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 9 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2006 XLR may be worth considering for enthusiasts who accept the risks of a low-volume luxury convertible, but the transmission and electrical complaints warrant caution. Pre-purchase inspection is essential. 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 2006 Cadillac Xlr?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (3 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (2 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Cadillac Xlr?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Cadillac Xlr?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Cadillac Xlr, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 9 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Cadillac Xlr have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2006 Cadillac Xlr. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. One recall indicates a known safety issue that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Cadillac Xlr?▾
The 2006 XLR may be worth considering for enthusiasts who accept the risks of a low-volume luxury convertible, but the transmission and electrical complaints warrant caution. Pre-purchase inspection is essential. Transmission and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs, and the low complaint count may not reflect all potential problems. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain 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 2006 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.