VehicleVerdict

2006 Cadillac XLR problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2006 Cadillac XLR — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other XLR years?

XLR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted45 complaints2004: 45 complaints2005: 39 complaints2006: 15 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 6 complaints2009: 1 complaints
XLR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XLR years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Cadillac XLR problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission320%
Electrical System320%
Tires & Wheels213%
Other17%
Speed Control17%
Steering17%
Body & Structure17%
Visibility & Wipers17%
Fuel System17%
Latches & Locks17%

Does the 2006 Cadillac XLR have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11E009000Fuel SystemFebruary 28, 2011 · 4,887 units

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.

Consequence

A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 8, 2021

“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 NEIGHBOR CAME OVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 27, 2016

“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..”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 11, 2016

“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, HOWEVER THE DEALER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 29, 2006

“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, HOWEVER THE DEALER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 29, 2006

2006 Cadillac XLR — common questions

Is the 2006 Cadillac XLR reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2006 XLR problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).

Does the 2006 Cadillac XLR have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Cadillac XLR. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac XLR years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XLR years to avoid are 2004, 2005. The cleanest record among XLR years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.