2005 Cadillac XLR
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Cadillac XLR is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.
2005 Cadillac XLR at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2005 Cadillac XLR recalls 3
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.
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 TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
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 PREMATURELY.
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.
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.
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 WILL VERIFY THAT BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES HAVE THE PROPER CLEARA…
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2005 Cadillac XLR common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2005 Cadillac XLR MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.
What's a 2005 Cadillac XLR worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2005 Cadillac XLR costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2005 Cadillac XLR. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
Roof Skin Separation While Driving Closed
On August 23rd, 2018 - the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a media inquiry pertaining to a motorist experiencing separation of the roof skin from their Cadillac XLR while driving. Based on the data in-hand at that time and a subsequent (December) consumer complaint, ODI opened PE19-001 on February 1, 2019 to evaluate the scope of this condition in the 2004 - 2005 XLR population. The subject vehicle mod…
NHTSA #PE19001 · Structure · opened Feb 2019 · closed Dec 2019An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 589
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 589.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
Bulletin 23-NA-001 · Electrical System · Mar 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…
Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing t…
Bulletin PIT5074Q · Dec 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the XLR. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2005 Cadillac XLR. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles the bulb used for the Daytime Running Lights (DRL), turn signals, and parking lamps may burn out prematurely. Correction: Dealers will replace the socket and bulb in both lamps.
Transport Canada #2006172 · Jul 2006Brakes
Certain 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. Also, on some 2005 vehicles, the crossover brake line to the right rear brake can come in contact with the rear differential case. In both cases, a half system brake failure could occur,…
Transport Canada #2004389 · Oct 2004Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Cadillac XLR
The Cadillac XLR is a convertible car manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 2003 to 2009 across a single generation. It is a two-seat roadster and has a power retractable hardtop. The XLR was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show as a halo model for Cadillac, and began production for the 2004 model year. The design was inspired by the 1999 Evoq concept.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
2005 Cadillac XLR trims & engines on record
2005 Cadillac XLR vehicles on record
2005 Cadillac XLR Base1G6YV34A955601560
2005 Cadillac XLR Base1G6YV34A255600637
2005 Cadillac XLR Base1G6YV34A855604014
2005 Cadillac XLR Base1G6YV34AX55602832
2005 Cadillac XLR Base1G6YV34A355600792
2005 Cadillac XLR Base1G6YV34A055604122
2005 Cadillac XLR Base1G6YV34A455600350
2005 Cadillac XLR Base1G6YV34A755601234