The 2004 Cadillac XLR has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the suspension and brakes: lower control arm washers can fracture and fall away, reducing the clamping force that holds the suspension together, and rear brake hydraulic lines can contact exhaust components and overheat, potentially reducing braking effectiveness.
At extreme cold temperatures, around -22 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, if one of the two accelerator pedal return springs fails, the engine may not return to idle promptly after releasing the pedal, requiring more brake pedal force and a longer distance to stop. Two recalls address the same front corner lighting issue: the bulb shared by the daytime running lights, turn signals, and parking lamps can burn out prematurely, leaving those lights non-functional. A faster-than-normal flashing turn signal arrow on the instrument panel is typically the first sign of this problem.
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.
