Cadillac›XLR›2006›Overview/cadillac/xlr/2006/base/

2006 Cadillac XLR

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2006 XLR.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S5)

The 2006 Cadillac XLR is a passenger‑car that carries a 7.5‑quart oil capacity filled with 5W‑30 API‑specified lubricant and is paired with an Automatic (S5) transmission, delivering EPA‑rated 15 city/23 highway/18 combined mpg. Its power‑train, the focus of the nine total owner complaints recorded for the model year and the sole recall, reflects a reliability profile that improves markedly from the peak complaint year in 2004 to the minimal 2009 figure. Consequently, the 2006 XLR sits near the lower end of the 2004‑2009 complaint spectrum, signaling a more stable ownership experience.

Model year2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity7.5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy15/23/18 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 90 · 590 CCA battery, OE oil filter 12684038. Note the factory cabin air filter is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 90 · 590 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	12684038 alt 12731179
Engine air filter	10342024 alt 19166106
Spark plug	12592619 alt 12571533
Battery	88866263
Front wiper blades	19388169
Serpentine belt	12578060 alt 12599847
Thermostat	12559807 alt 12601556
Cabin air filter	15861929 discontinued

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S5)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	177.6 in
Overall width	72.4 in
Overall height	50.4 in
Wheelbase	105.9 in
Curb weight	3646 lb
Track (front / rear)	62.2 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	49/51

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	15 / 23 / 18 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the XLR of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.8–6.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.80 sec — 2004 Roadster

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2004	Roadster 4.6L V8	5.80 sec	14.20 sec	320 hp	RWD
2004	Roadster 4.6L V8	5.80 sec	14.10 sec	320 hp	RWD
2004	Roadster 4.6L V8	5.90 sec	14.40 sec	320 hp	RWD
2004	Roadster 4.6L V8	6.00 sec	14.15 sec	320 hp	RWD
2004	Roadster 4.6L V8	6.50 sec	14.80 sec	320 hp	RWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 7.5 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 15.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	6.7
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	3.3 qt
Engine Coolant	DEX-COOL OR EQUIVALENT
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	7.5 qt

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	Supercharger: 18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	15.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	15.0 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	8.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	100 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	151 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Ac Delco
Spark Plug Gap	.040 in
Spark Plug Torque	11 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Ac Delco
Spark Plug Gap	.040 in
Spark Plug Torque	11 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Ac Delco

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.10 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	5.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	90
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	590 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	90

Service checks

Pressure Test	15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	15 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188-206 °F
Pressure Test	15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188-206 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	55-60
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	55-61

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	125 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.030; Rear: 0.030 specification
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.001 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.26 in / 1.024 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.26 in / 1.024 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	1.205 in / 0.98 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

74 ft. lbs., step 2: 150

74 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

37 ft. lbs., step 2: 120

37 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	bolts 1-10	22 ft. lbs
2	turn an additional 60 degrees	60 degrees
3	turn an additional 60 degrees	60 degrees
4	turn an additional 60 degrees; Final - turn an additional 40 degrees	60 degrees
1	bolts 11-13	106 in

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Note: Ensure replacement M11 cylinder head bolts are of the same thread, pitch as original cylinder bolts to prevent engine damage., Bolts with a 1.5 mm thread pitch have a thread length of 1.89 inches (48 mm)., Bolts with a 2.0 mm thread pitch have a thread length of 2.638 inches (67 mm). Step 1: M11 bolts: 22 ft. lbs.

2	M11 bolts	60 degrees
3	M11 bolts	60 degrees
4	M11 bolts	60 degrees
5	8.9

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant at 150,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 150,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 50,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel System (inspect)
Every 100,000 mi	Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 150,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In 2006, the Cadillac XLR recorded 9 complaints and only 1 recall, a sharp decline from 34 complaints and 5 recalls in 2004 and 31 complaints with 3 recalls in 2005. The trend over the six‑year span shows a progressive drop in complaints—down to 2 in 2007 and 1 in 2009—while recalls remained low, hovering at one per year after 2006. The 2006 model’s complaints were largely concentrated in the power train (3 incidents), with additional concerns in electrical system, structure, electrical system, and wheels. Fire‑related complaints were minimal (1), and no crash complaints were reported. This year sits at the apex of the downward trend, indicating fewer reliability issues than earlier models and a stable recall profile. Consequently, 2006 represents a strong year to consider purchasing a used XLR.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

729

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 1 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’04 ’05’06’07 ’08 ’09

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 9 complaints on record, top 7 components.

Power Train3

Electrical System,Structure1

Electrical System1

Wheels1

Fuel/Propulsion System1

Tires1

Steering,Visibility,Latches/Locks/Linkages,Vehicle Speed Control,Equipment,Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

11E009000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 28/02/2011

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 729 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
PIP5601C	2025-07-18	Unknown Or Other	This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic…
PIT5074R	2025-05-30	Unknown Or Other	This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about…
PIT5074R	2025-05-30	Unknown Or Other	This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about…
PIT5074R	2025-05-30	Unknown Or Other	This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about…
23-NA-001	2025-03-28	Electrical System	This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific XLR. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 90 battery Vehicles taking 7.5 qt Engine oil filter 12684038 Engine air filter 10342024 Spark plug 12592619 Battery 88866263

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2006 XLR take?

7.5 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2006 XLR have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the XLR get?

EPA figures are 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined mpg.