NHTSA investigates Cadillac XLR roof separation

Owners have claimed adhesive failure has allowed the outer panel to fly off the car while driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into Cadillac XLR roof failures.

The agency has identified 10 reports claiming the outer roof panel separated from the inner frame of the convertible top. In seven cases, separation allegedly occurred while the vehicle was driving.

"This condition is attributed to the degradation of the panel adhesive used in production to secure the outer roof panel to the inner retractable top frame," the investigation notice says.

The inquiry focuses on the 2004 and 2005 model years, Notably, General Motors issued a recall campaign for the 2005-2007 Corvette to address a similar problem with adhesive degradation and roof panel separation.

"I was driving a 2005 Cadillac XLR ... when the roof suddenly, and quite unexpectedly separated at approximately 70 mph," one complaint claims. "I hear a very loud bang and an abundance of wind noise. I immediately looked in my rear view mirror and saw a large black object going end-over-end across ... lanes of traffic."

In such recalls, the NHTSA appears to be focused on the safety of other motorists that may encounter a jettisoned roof panel on the road or flying through the air at high speed.