ProblemsByVin File / 2006-CADILLAC-XLR NHTSA data synced 1 day ago

Cadillac

2006 Cadillac XLR problems

The 2006 Cadillac XLR has 1 active recall campaign on file and only 9 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

The 2006 Cadillac XLR has 9 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 3 complaints, typically surfacing around 41,720 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Cadillac XLR owner complaints by model year
Model year	Owner complaints	Recalls
2005 XLR	31	3
2006 XLR (this page)	9	1
2007 XLR	2	1
2008 XLR	3	1
2009 XLR	1	1

Reliability score

Not rated

Limited NHTSA data — only 9 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2006 XLR?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 9 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

powertrain

3 reports · fails ~41,720 mi · avg $2,500

moderate

Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2006 XLR's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

Honest Calculator

Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2006 XLR?

We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.

See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 XLR · steering

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,…

12/05/2006 · NHTSA ODI #10175248.0

2006 XLR · electrical

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,…

11/28/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10928263.0

2006 XLR · powertrain

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…

06/30/2013 · at 35,960 mi · NHTSA ODI #10522532.0 · see powertrain pattern →

2006 XLR · wheels

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..

04/17/2016 · at 108,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10859981.0

View all 9 owner complaints →

Had a problem with your 2006 Cadillac XLR? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi

At 80,000 miles

Likely repair cost in next 24 months

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 11E009000 February 28, 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

A vehicle crash could occur should the engine stall while in use.

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.

Common questions

Is the 2006 Cadillac XLR reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 9 owner complaints have been filed for the 2006 Cadillac XLR, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2006 Cadillac XLR?

Only 9 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2006 Cadillac XLR without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2006 Cadillac XLR?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2006 Cadillac XLR to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2006 Cadillac XLR a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 9 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Cadillac XLR?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 41,720 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 41,720 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Cadillac XLR has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Cadillac XLR?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 9 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Cadillac/XLR. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Cadillac. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.