2009 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 2009 Cadillac Xlr problems
The 2009 Cadillac XLR has been praised for its performance, fuel efficiency, and dependability. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common complaints is the cramped cabin, which lacks space for even the smallest items.
Another issue reported by owners is the car's electronics. Some have experienced problems with the LED lights, which can be expensive to repair.
The car's suspension is another area where problems have been reported. Some owners have experienced issues with the suspension components wearing out prematurely, which can lead to a rough ride and expensive repairs.
The 2009 Cadillac XLR's braking system has also been a source of complaints. Some owners have reported issues with the anti-lock brakes, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty speed sensors, low brake fluid, or total brake failure.
Finally, the car's sunroof motor has been known to fail, which can be a costly repair. This issue is not unique to the 2009 model, as it has been reported in other years as well.
In summary, the 2009 Cadillac XLR is a high-performance car with a comfortable cabin and good fuel efficiency. However, it is not without its problems, including a cramped cabin, issues with electronics, suspension, brakes, and the sunroof motor. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making their purchasing decision.
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.
2009 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:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Cadillac Xlr vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2009 Cadillac Xlr complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Cadillac Xlr.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-18
- VIN: 1G6YV36A295
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: OPENED CAR WITH KEY FOB, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. UPON PRESSING THE START BUTTON THE DASH READOUT STATED 'NO KEY FOB DETECTED', OR SOMETHING SIMILAR. TRIED TO EXIT VEHICLE AND COULD NOT. I WAS LOCKED IN! CONTINUED TO TRY AND START VEHICLE, UNLOCK DOOR, ROLL DOWN WINDOW, ALL TO NO AVAIL. DASH READOUT THEN STATED 'LOW VOLTAGE'. I PRESSED THE ONSTAR EMERGENCY BUTTON, BUT WITH THE BATTERY DISCHARGED THEY COULD NOT CALL ME. MY VEHICLE HAD JUST BECOME A PRISON.I AM 67 YEARS OLD WITH HEART PROBLEMS. THANKFULLY IT WAS NOT MY WIFE AS SHE IS CLAUSTROPHOBIC.I WILL ALSO PASS THIS ALONG TO GM/CADILLAC. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE BY HAVING MY CELL PHONE ON THIS DAY & WAS FINALLY ABLE TO BE RELEASED FROM THIS "PRISON". THE REMOTE DOOR UNLATCH LOCATED IN THE TRUNK COULD NOT BE EASILY ACCESSED AS THE TRUNK LID APPARENTLY ALSO WORKS OFF 12 VOLTS. ALL VEHICLES NEED TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO UNLATCH THE DRIVER'S DOOR ACCESSIBLE FROM THE DRIVER''S SEAT BY THE DRIVER. IMMEDIATELY UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, MY BATTERY WAS AT 7.3 VOLTS. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE. IF THE DOOR UNLATCH OPERATED AT 6 VOLTS THERE WOULD BE LESS OF A SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE TRUNK UNLATCH OPERATED AT 6 VOLTS THERE WOULD BE LESS OF A SAFETY ISSUE. IF TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS YOU TO ENTER A VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY MUST ALLOW YOU TO EXIT AND THEREFORE BE LESS OF A SAFETY ISSUE.
2009 Cadillac Xlr recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 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 2009 Cadillac Xlr car reviews
Positive 2009 Cadillac Xlr car reviews
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What an awesome car! I really enjoyed the old saying, 'the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys'. It's such a fun car to drive and it definitely turns heads. Although, being 79 years old and quite tall, I do find it a bit of a challenge to get in and out of the seat. Additionally, due to the car's low height, it doesn't provide the same smooth ride as a larger Cadillac, like my SRX. However, these minor drawbacks don't take away from the fact that this car is a fantastic toy. It's worth noting that General Motors no longer produces repair parts, but that won't stop me from enjoying this amazing car!
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Congratulations on your new car purchase! It's great to hear that you're enjoying your XLR so far. I completely agree with you that the car is stunningly beautiful, whether the top is up or down, and it performs really well on the road. I'm surprised to hear about the marginal reviews of the interior, as I think the appointments are really nice for a car in this price range. The seats are especially comfortable and the lighting and overall visibility are excellent. I can understand that it might take some time to get used to all the voice commands, but it's great that the car has hands-free phone capabilities and free OnStar for a year, as well as XM radio for three months. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I hope you continue to enjoy your new ride!
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Fast, ready to go, and easy to drive! The immediate turn on a dime ability is amazing. The steering is tight, precise, and direct.
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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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Having just purchased a 2006 Cadillac XLR Limited Edition model, I am thrilled to say that it has exceeded my expectations. The ride is wonderful and it has much more storage than I would have expected. It's an absolute pleasure to drive. This car is definitely not your typical Cadillac!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Cadillac Xlr problems:
2009 Cadillac XLR Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Problem with your 2009 Cadillac XLR? Our list of 11 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2009 Cadillac XLR.
2008 XLR-V Problems | Cadillac XLR Forum
Apr 5, 2010 ... However it has also been used for the 2008 and 2009 models as well even though the title remains up to 2007. ... issues that weren't covered.
End of my XLR? | Cadillac XLR Forums
Feb 15, 2020 ... Now I know everyone on this group probably already knows about the battery causing crazy issues, but maybe this dealer doesn't realize this? I ...
Concidering buying a XLR | Cadillac Owners Forum
Jan 8, 2020 ... Can the forum give me their opinions on the reliability the XLR. The amount of maintenance the is required. Parts availability. Vehicle issues.
Q&A: Cadillac XLR 2007 Stuck Accessory & XLR Cable Issues
May 18, 2015 ... My 2007 cadillac xlr has issues stuck in accessory mode light says place in park ,car is in park and car won't start, - Answered by a ...
Other years of Cadillac Xlr
Are you having problems with your 2009 Cadillac Xlr?
Colin Schneider 2024-05-26
After conducting extensive research and reading numerous reviews, I would like to share some important information with you. Please be aware that replacement body parts, bumpers, light assemblies, and trim parts are not available for this car, neither in the USA nor abroad, not even in the after-market. This makes insurance extremely expensive and difficult to obtain. However, this car has great performance, handles well, and is comfortable to ride in, although it has poor mileage. It might be a good option for car collectors who have the means to maintain it. I just want to advise you to be cautious and avoid accidents.