2007 Cadillac Xlr problems
The Cadillac XLR is a front-engine, rear-drive, two passenger roadster manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 2003 to 2009 across a single generation — and noted for its power retractable hardtop, Bulgari designed interior instruments, head-up display, adaptive suspension, rear-mounted transmission and near 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. As Cadillac's flagship model, the XLR was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show and began production for the 2004 model year — foreshadowed by the 1999 Evoq concept.
The Cadillac XLR, although sometimes perceived as a badge-engineered variant of the Chevrolet Corvette – also manufactured at GM's Bowling Green assembly, and with the XLR sharing its GM Y platform, hydroformed perimeter frame and composite bodywork construction technology with the Corvette — each car has unique engines, exterior body panels, and their own interiors, suspension settings; and importantly, the XLR featured a power retractable hardtop. And the XLR arrived a year ahead of its platform sharing C6 Corvette sibling.
The XLR was the first production Cadillac with radar-based adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the first to offer both heated and cooled seats.
The XLR was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2004.
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Common 2007 Cadillac Xlr problems
The Cadillac XLR, produced from 2003 to 2009, was a luxury sports car based on the Chevrolet Corvette C6. Despite its appealing features, such as unique styling and high-end equipment, it faced several common problems that affected its performance and user satisfaction.
- Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure: One of the most common issues reported by XLR owners is the failure of the steering wheel position sensor. This problem can cause the steering system to malfunction, leading to difficulty in steering or even complete loss of steering control.
- Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue: A faulty gas cap or a loose gas cap can trigger the check engine light in the XLR. This issue is often misinterpreted as a more severe problem, causing unnecessary concern and expenses for the owners.
- Contamination of Extended Life Coolant: The XLR's coolant system has been reported to have issues with coolant contamination. This problem can lead to overheating and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Steering System Issues: The XLR's steering system has been reported to have various problems, including stiffness, noise, and vibration. These issues can affect the car's handling and overall driving experience.
- Transmission Shifting Issues: Some XLR owners have reported issues with the car's transmission, such as harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or slipping. These problems can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency.
- Roof Panel Delamination and Leaking: The XLR's retractable hardtop roof has been reported to have issues with panel delamination and leaking. This problem can lead to water damage and potential electrical issues if not addressed promptly.
- Faulty Front Lock Cylinder: The XLR's front lock cylinder has been reported to leak, causing stains on the headliner and potential damage to the car's interior. This problem can also affect the car's security and convenience.
- Expensive and Hard-to-Find Parts: Some XLR parts, such as headlights and taillights, have been reported to be expensive and hard to find. This issue can affect the car's maintenance and repair costs, making it less appealing to some owners.
In summary, the Cadillac XLR has faced several common problems, including steering wheel position sensor failure, check engine light due to gas cap issues, contamination of extended life coolant, steering system issues, transmission shifting issues, roof panel delamination and leaking, faulty front lock cylinder, and expensive and hard-to-find parts. These problems have affected the car's performance, user satisfaction, and maintenance costs, making it less appealing to some owners.
Why did the Cadillac XLR fail?
The Cadillac roadster was actually based on a Chevrolet Corvette, but lack of power and poor quality led to its ultimate failure.
Why was the Cadillac XLR discontinued?
What happened to the Cadillac XLR? Short answer: Like any number of specialty cars, it was discontinued after sales could no longer support continued production, but it had a good run of six years, 2003–2009.
Does the Cadillac XLR have a Corvette engine?
The XLR marked a significant divergence from the Corvette in terms of powertrain. The engine was a 4.6 liter 32-valve DOHC Northstar V8 rather than an LS V8. It produced 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Does the Cadillac XLR have a Northstar engine?
The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT. The XLR-V is powered with a 443-horsepower (330 kW) 4.4L Northstar V-8 supercharged engine.
Is the Cadillac XLR expensive to maintain?
The average annual repair cost for a Cadillac is $783, which means it has average ownership costs. The other factors that contribute to Cadillac reliability include an average of 0.4 visits to a repair shop per year and a 17% probability of a repair being severe.
Why did the Cadillac XLR fail?
The Cadillac roadster was actually based on a Chevrolet Corvette, but lack of power and poor quality led to its ultimate failure.
Why was the Cadillac XLR discontinued?
What happened to the Cadillac XLR? Short answer: Like any number of specialty cars, it was discontinued after sales could no longer support continued production, but it had a good run of six years, 2003–2009.
Does the Cadillac XLR have a Northstar engine?
The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT. The XLR-V is powered with a 443-horsepower (330 kW) 4.4L Northstar V-8 supercharged engine.
2007 Cadillac Xlr car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Xlr problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2007 Cadillac Xlr vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2007 Cadillac Xlr complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2007 Cadillac Xlr.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-16
- VIN: 1G6YX36D375
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE QUITS DURING NORMAL DRIVING, THIS CONDITION OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER PULLING OVER AND SHIFTING INTO "PARK" ENGINE WILL RESTART NORMALLY.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-27
- VIN: 1G6YV36A875
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRUNK MECHANISM WOULD LIFT THE TRUNK BUT IMMEDIATELY SETTLE BACK TO THE CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION. IT NEARLY CAUGHT MY FINGERS AND I CAN SEE A SMALL CHILD LOSING FINGERS OR HAVING HIS/HER HEAD CAUGHT. *TR
2007 Cadillac Xlr recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2007 Cadillac Xlr.
- Manufacturer: TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2007 Cadillac Xlr car reviews
Positive 2007 Cadillac Xlr car reviews
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What a fantastic looking car! The new XLR is truly a step above my previous five Jags. The interior is beautifully appointed with burled Ash wood trim, color-coordinated leather, and a suede headliner. It runs like a dream and the adaptive cruise control means you can take your foot off the pedals. I absolutely adore the way the hard-top folds into the trunk like a piece of origami. The color is also lovely, a subtle purple, and the automatic locking doors on both sides are a great feature. The heads-up driving feature is just fabulous! This car truly has it all!
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I'm so glad to hear that you've had no issues with your Cadillac XLR! It sounds like a real showstopper. It's great to hear that it's been getting such positive attention wherever you take it. It's also good to know that it's comfortable for you to drive. It's understandable that you might have some regrets about not waiting for the V-series, but it's still a fantastic car. It's impressive that you've only seen a few others on the road in the past year, especially when compared to the more common Mercedes SL500. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
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Wow, it's amazing to hear that you've owned over 150 cars! It's great to hear that you think this car is the finest auto GM has ever built. It's a shame that it has been discontinued, but it's wonderful to know that it's a great collectors car.
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Hi there! Every time I walk into my garage, I can't help but stare in awe for a few seconds. With this beauty parked next to my 2007 XKR, it's truly a sight to see. The XLR is one of the best head-turning cars, period. It looks incredible, and when you add the retractable hardtop, it's even more reason to buy it. I have the regular XLR, and while it's quick, I feel like it needs a little more power and a better exhaust note. The interior is a bit cramped, especially for someone like me who's 6 ft tall, and it lacks storage. However, I personally like the interior. It's nice enough and very user-friendly, although it could be even nicer. Overall, it's just a great car!
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My Cadillac XLR doesn't have much room in the trunk. I parked the car in Soho, NYC to see how people would react on a Sunday afternoon. About 30% of the people stopped to look at the car and some even took out their phone cameras. The car drives like a typical GM car, with comfortable handling. However, at high speeds, I would prefer a bit more stiffness.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2007 Cadillac Xlr problems:
Any big problems with the XLR | Cadillac Owners Forum
Mar 29, 2006 ... Faulty Delco batteries and/or parasitic discharging, a common problem on other Cadillacs too. Rear windows coming apart from their tops ...
2007 Cadillac XLR Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Problem with your 2007 Cadillac XLR? Our list of 12 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2007 Cadillac XLR.
2008 XLR-V Problems | Cadillac XLR Forum
Apr 5, 2010 ... I had to work this issue with my 2008 "V" last year. Also there is a top software bulletin that says it applies to all XLRs up to the 2007.
Cadillac XLR Problems and Complaints - 15 Issues
Top Cadillac XLR Problems · Steering Wheel Position Sensor May Fail · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue · Contamination of extended life coolant · Steering ...
2005 XLR Head Gasket | Cadillac XLR Forums
Aug 29, 2015 ... As a whole I quote the NorthStar guru who says "The engine in the xlr is not known for having the problems with head gaskets and head bolts that ...
Other years of Cadillac Xlr
Are you having problems with your 2007 Cadillac Xlr?
Grayce Jenkins 2025-01-19
This car is a close second to the Corvette, but unfortunately, after owning it for a year, I have spent more on repair costs than any car I've ever owned. It has been a bit of a lemon. Almost every two weeks, I was spending $800 on something to have it fixed. The extended warranty was worthless. I had to replace both window regulators, which cost $800 each, and then the transmission cable broke, which cost $400. As a single woman, the repair costs have been overwhelming, and I am struggling to keep up with the bills. However, I truly love driving this car with the top down and up.