Should I buy a 2006 Cadillac XLR with documented powertrain problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented powertrain issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2006 Cadillac XLR powertrain problems

moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$2,500

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

powertrain · filed 06/30/2013

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 SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN ON 6/27/13 AT 42874 MILES ONLY THIS TIME CABLE SNAPPED WHILE ATTEM…

powertrain · filed 03/08/2021

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

powertrain · filed 03/08/2021

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

Common questions

How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Cadillac XLR?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to powertrain?

No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.