Reliability & cost of ownership
Cadillac SLS Reliability & Common Problems
How reliable is the Cadillac SLS? Compare every model year side by side — NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and crash-test stars where on file — then open the year you're shopping for its AI reliability outlook where NHTSA has enough data.
Cadillac SLS problems by model year
1 recall entry across 1 model year and 27 owner complaints across 4 model years on file, sourced from the federal NHTSA database. We couldn't confirm the NHTSA recall list for the remaining 3 model years — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | NCAP stars | Full report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 SLS | Not confirmed | 1 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2002 SLS | Not confirmed | 10 | No overall rating on file | AI reliability outlook → |
| 2000 SLS | 1 | 11 | No overall rating on file | AI reliability outlook → |
| 1999 SLS | Not confirmed | 5 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
Most-complained-about components
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA against the Cadillac SLS, grouped by the component each complaint names — the fastest read on where this model gives trouble.
- engine and engine cooling10 complaints
- electrical system6 complaints
- structure3 complaints
- electronic stability control2 complaints
- fuel system, gasoline1 complaint
- service brakes, hydraulic1 complaint
- interior lighting1 complaint
- tires1 complaint