DecodedCars2009 Cadillac XLR
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Roadster 2dr Conv RWD
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 177.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,646 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Cadillac XLR is a two seaters offered with a 4.6L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,646 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 24 highway), 5% worse than the 2009 two seaters average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 XLR — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 XLR →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roadster 2dr Conv RWD | 177.6 in | 72.4 in | 50.4 in | 105.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,646 lb | 49/51 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLR | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -5% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Cadillac XLR under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Cadillac XLR (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Porsche 911 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Audi R8 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Porsche Boxster | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Porsche Cayman | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Lexus SC | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Cadillac XLR.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Cadillac XLR is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Cadillac XLR buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 11,008 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Cadillac XLR. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XLR years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →