Model year guide

2008 Cadillac XLR

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Cadillac XLR is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2008 Cadillac XLR — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Cadillac XLR at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints3
Combined18 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2008 Cadillac XLR recalls 1

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #11E009000 · 28/02/2011

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.

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.

2008 Cadillac XLR common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2008 Cadillac XLR MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,550
EPA size classTwo Seaters
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$10,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Cadillac XLR costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,750
Fuel only$22,750
Per mile$0.30

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

Length
177.6 in
Width
72.4 in
Height
50.4 in
Wheelbase
105.9 in
Curb weight
3,646 lb
Front track
62.2 in
Rear track
62.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2008 Cadillac XLR. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 910

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 910.

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

Bulletin 13598 · Sep 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060,…

Bulletin PIC5650M · Aug 2025

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This 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 2025

This 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 2025

This 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 2025

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

Bulletin 23-NA-001 · Electrical System · Mar 2025

This 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 2025

This 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 2024

This 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 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the XLR RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

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.

2008 Cadillac XLR trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl

2008 Cadillac XLR vehicles on record

Other Cadillac XLR model years

2008 Cadillac XLR — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Cadillac XLR have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2008 Cadillac XLR. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Cadillac XLR?

Across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, fuel/propulsion system, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Cadillac XLR get?

The 2008 Cadillac XLR has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (15 city / 24 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.