The 2004 Cadillac XLR has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the suspension and rear brakes: a ball joint washer can fracture and fall away, and rear brake lines can be damaged by exhaust heat, both of which affect the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
On the suspension side, lower control arm ball stud washers made of the wrong steel can crack and separate from the joint, reducing the clamping force that holds the ball stud in place. If the joint loses enough tension, steering and handling can become unpredictable. The brake concern involves rear hydraulic lines routed too close to the left exhaust manifold and pipe, where heat can degrade the lines over time and lead to brake fluid loss, reducing stopping power at the rear wheels.
There is also a throttle concern: if one of the two accelerator pedal return springs fails at extreme cold temperatures, down around minus 22 to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the engine may not return to idle within the required three seconds after the pedal is released. In that situation, the vehicle can require noticeably more brake pedal force and a longer distance to come to a stop.
The remaining two recalls both relate to the front bulbs that serve as daytime running lights, turn signals, and parking lamps. The bulb can burn out early due to vibration in a loose socket or an inadequate seal that lets air in, leaving the vehicle without a functioning turn signal or running light on that corner. The faster-than-normal flashing of the turn signal arrow on the instrument panel is typically the first sign the
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running light, turn signal, and parking lamp share one bulb. A loose socket lets the bulb vibrate and damage, or air leaks in due to a poor seal. Either way, the bulb burns out early.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the socket and bulb in both lamps at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The bulb that powers the daytime running lights, turn signals, and parking lamps may burn out sooner than expected on some vehicles.
What the fix does
Your dealer will replace both the socket and bulb in each affected lamp.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
One of the two return springs in the accelerator pedal can fail in very cold temperatures (below -22°F). When this happens, the engine may not return to idle speed within three seconds as required.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake hydraulic lines may contact hot engine exhaust parts or the rear differential, potentially causing brake fluid to fail and reducing braking power.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair and reposition the rear brake lines to prevent contact with exhaust components and the differential.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The washer in the lower control arm ball stud nut assembly is made of incorrect steel and may fracture and loosen or fall away. This reduces clamping force, allowing the control arm to separate from the steering knuckle without warning, causing the wheel to drop and tilt outward.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new nut and washer assembly, and replace the ball stud and/or steering knuckle if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
