Cadillac Elr problems
The Cadillac ELR is a two-door, four-passenger luxury plug-in hybrid compact coupé manufactured and marketed by Cadillac for model years (MY) 2014 and 2016 – with a hiatus for MY 2015. Using a retuned version of the Chevrolet Volt's Voltec EREV drivetrain, the ELR's lithium-ion battery pack delivered an all-electric range of 37–39 miles (60–63 km) and a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h).
The ELR derived from Cadillac's Converj concept, which debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. Scheduled for production and subsequently canceled during GM's bankruptcy and restructuring, and after a series of on-again, off-again decisions, the ELR was approved for production for MY 2014 with a MSRP at roughly $75,000 — $35,000 higher than the Volt whose basic powertrain it shared.
Styled under the exterior design direction of Tim Kozub, Cadillac presented the production ELR at the 2013 North American International Auto Show with retail deliveries beginning in the United States and Canada in December 2013.
ELR manufacture ended in February 2016 with a total production just under 3,000.
Social links
Cadillac Elr model years
Common Cadillac Elr problems
The Cadillac ELR, a plug-in hybrid introduced in 2014, has faced criticism from owners and experts alike due to several common problems. These issues range from poor performance and loud engine noise to cramped spacing and a subpar infotainment system.
- Loud Engine Noise: The ELR's engine was noticeably loud, which was not in line with the expectations of a luxury vehicle. This issue was particularly pronounced during acceleration, detracting from the overall driving experience.
- Cramped Spacing: The ELR's interior was criticized for being cramped, with limited headroom in the backseat and a large center console that reduced cargo space when the rear seats were folded down. This made the car less practical for passengers and cargo than its competitors.
- Subpar Infotainment System: The ELR's infotainment system was criticized for being clunky, with hard-to-read screens and slow response times. This made it difficult for drivers to use the system safely while driving, as they had to concentrate on it to navigate its functions.
- Limited Charging Range: For a car meant to compete with the Volt, the ELR's charging range was disappointing, with a maximum of 40 miles on a full charge. This limited the car's usability for long-range trips, making it more suitable for shorter commutes or around-town driving.
- Lack of Standard Features: The ELR was criticized for lacking features that were expected in a luxury vehicle, such as a sunroof, automatic wipers, and a heads-up display. These omissions made the car feel less premium than its price tag suggested.
- High Price Point: The ELR's original starting price of $76,000 was significantly higher than its competitors, making it a difficult sell for many potential buyers. This high price point, combined with its underperformance and lack of features, contributed to the car's poor sales and eventual discontinuation.
In summary, the Cadillac ELR faced several common problems that negatively impacted its appeal to buyers. These issues included poor performance, loud engine noise, cramped spacing, a subpar infotainment system, limited charging range, lack of standard features, and a high price point. While the ELR had some strengths, such as its attractive design and better-than-expected performance, these issues ultimately led to its discontinuation after just two years of production.
What is the warranty on the battery in the 2016 Cadillac ELR?
The battery is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty or 10 years/150,000 miles in states following Air Resource Board guidelines.
When was the Cadillac ELR discontinued?
February 18, 2016
ELR production ended on February 18, 2016. Cadillac announced that it will launch a new plug-in hybrid version of its new CT6 sedan in late 2016.
What does Cadillac ELR stand for?
Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology
It represents the first application of Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand. The ELR delivers on the promise of the Converj Concept on which it is based.
Is the Cadillac ELR a plug in hybrid?
One in the case of the Chevy Vault GM transformed its popular plug-in hybrid into something. Else. Entirely based on Cadillac's 2009 converge concept the Cadillac ELR is GM's response to Tesla's all
Percentage distribution of complaints by Cadillac Elr years
We have researched Cadillac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Cadillac Elr cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Cadillac Elr model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Cadillac Elr model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Cadillac Elr years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Cadillac Elr car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Cadillac Elr , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Cadillac Elr vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Elr model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Elr model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Cadillac Elr . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Cadillac Elr vehicles.
List of Cadillac Elr complaints
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-30
- Date Complaint: 2022-05-06
- VIN: 1g6rm1e40eu
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Shift to park error message unable to turn off or exit vehicle. This is a hybrid vehicle
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-26
- Date Complaint: 2020-11-02
- VIN: 1G6RL1E48EU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN IT OFF BY HITTING THE POWER BUTTON, YIELDS A WARNING ON THE DIC SAYING "ACTION REQUIRED: SHIFT TO PARK", DESPITE THE SHIFT SELECTOR ALREADY BEING IN PARK. THIS PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM BEING TURNED OFF. REQUIRES MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS OF TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF, AND MOVING OF THE SHIFT SELECTOR TO GET THE CAR TO RECOGNIZE THE VEHICLE IS ACTUALLY IN PARK.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-05
- VIN: 1G6RR1E49EU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SERVICE S R S LIGHT STAYS ON NO ACCIDENT IT JUST CAME ON ONE DAY NO ONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSAGES
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-06
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-20
- VIN: 1G6RM1E4XEU
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: ALL FOUR ORIGINAL WHEELS AND ONE GM REPLACEMENT WHEEL HAVE ALL CRACKED RANDOMLY OVER THE COURSE OF MY OWNERSHIP OF THE CAR. GM HASN'T OFFERED ANY HELP AND DEALERSHIP PERSONNEL JUST SHRUG AND SAY YEAH THOSE WHEELS HAD PROBLEMS.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2020-02-05
- VIN: 1G6RM1E45EU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CADILLAC CUE SYSTEM SCREEN HAS DEVELOPED DEAD SPOTS WITHOUT WARNING. UNABLE TO FIND WORK AROUND TO TURN ON PARTS OF VENTILATION SYSTEM, STEREO, NAVIGATION, AND CHARGING SYSTEMS.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-05
- Date Complaint: 2018-11-28
- VIN: 1G6RR1E43EU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE TOUCHSCREEN IS FAILING. PARTS OF THE SCREEN NO LONGER RESPOND TO TOUCH. THIS AFFECTS THE RADIO, GPS, DEFROSTER, HEAT, AIR CONDITIONING, CAR SYSTEM CONFIGURATION, ETC.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2018-10-26
- VIN: 1G6RR1E49EU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHEN USING THE BRAKES; SMALL BUMPS CAN TRIGGER THE ABS SYSTEM TO INTERVENE UNNECESSARILY, CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE SIGNIFICANT GROUND WHEN BRAKING, THIS CAN BE CATASTROPHIC EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS AN ISSUE I HAVE EXPERIENCED FIRST HAND IN BOTH THE CADILLAC ELR, AND THE SISTER CAR THE CHEVY VOLT. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS, MOSTLY ON ROADS WITH POTHOLES WHERE THE WHEEL WILL MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE ROAD. THIS CAN BE RESOLVED IN THE WAY AUDI/VW HAS, THAT INCREASES THE BRAKE PRESSURE ONCE THE ABS SYSTEM IS TRIGGERED TO MAKE UP FOR LOST DISTANCE, THUS REDUCING THE CHANCES OF AN ACCIDENT.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-23
- Date Complaint: 2016-06-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G6RR1E48EU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MOLD IN AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATOR GOT ME SICK. TREATMENT BY DEALER SENT ME TO THE HOSPITAL COUGHING & SPITING-UP BLOOD! VERY SICK FROM EXPOSURES. GM TSB 99-01-39-004H CLEARLY SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE 3/24/2016 & THEY ARE DENYING CHEMICAL ODOR THAT TWO INSPECTORS HAVE ALREADY VERIFIED. NHTSA HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS TSB. WHY? UPDATED 04/03/2017*JS
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-19
- Date Complaint: 2016-05-19
- VIN: 1G6RM1E48EU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CADILLAC CUE SYSTEM AND CENTER STACK SYSTEM FREEZING AND UNRESPONSIVE. THE CADILLAC ELR'S HVAC, NAVIGATION, AUDIO AND OTHER SYSTEM FUNCTIONS ARE ALL CONTROLLED ONLY BY TOUCH SENSITIVE PANEL EITHER IN THE CUE SCREEN OR BELOW IT. WHEN CUE FREEZES OR LAGS AS IT OFTEN DOES THIS CAUSES A DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE WHERE THE DRIVER MUST DIVERT ATTENTION FROM THE ROAD TO OPERATE THE CAR'S SYSTEM. WHILE ON MY NORMAL COMMUTE THIS MORNING I WENT TO ADJUST MY AIR CONDITIONING WHEN THE SYSTEM FROZE. I WAITED FOR THE SYSTEM TO CATCH UP OR UN-FREEZE AND AS THE SCREEN STARTED TO RESPOND MY DISTANCE SENSOR SOUNDED AND I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING A CAR THAT HAD SLOWED IN FRONT OF ME. THE CONSTANT MALFUNCTION OF THIS SLOW OPERATING SYSTEM DIVERTS ENTIRELY TOO MUCH ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE ROAD AND CREATES AN UNSAFE DRIVING EXPERIENCE. THE ALTERNATIVE IS TO NOT ENGAGE WITH AUDIO OR HVAC CONTROLS WHILE DRIVING, WHICH IS NOT THE INTENDED DESIGN OF THE CAR. THE LAGGING CUE SYSTEM HAS PERSONALLY CAUSED DISTRESS AND NERVOUSNESS WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR. I'VE ADDRESSED THESE CONCERNS WITH BOTH CADILLAC EXECUTIVE TEAM AND TWO LOCAL DEALERSHIPS ALL OF WHICH SAY THE SYSTEM FUNCTIONS AS DESIGNED.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-11
- VIN: 1G6RM1E46EU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: SIMILAR TO MY 2014 CHEVROLET VOLT, THE STEERING COLUMN STICKS ON HIGHWAYS AT HIGH SPEEDS, IT FEELS LIKE IT CATCHES ON SOMETHING, WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. BEHAVIOR SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIGHT FOR A TIME, THEN WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL, IT CATCHES. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT EXACT BEHAVIOR IN MY VOLT, WHICH WAS CORRECTED WITH RECALL.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-10
- Date Complaint: 2015-12-10
- VIN: 1G6RS1E46EU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAD A RESET OF THE GAUGE CLUSTER OCCUR WHILE USING STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS TO SEARCH MUSIC ON SD CARD. ISSUE IS THE SAME AS DISCRIBED AT THIS PAGE - HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2014/02/26/GM-CHEVY-SILVERADO-GMC-SIERRA-PICKUP-GLITCH-COULD-SPARK-RECALL/ - EXCEPT ON ELR. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING. ON EV POWER. CONDITIONS DRY, TEMPS IN HIGH 40S. I WAS SLOWING FROM 45 TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC WHEN RESET OCCURRED. WAS A MAJOR DISTRACTION SINCE ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AT ONCE.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2015-08-03
- VIN: 1G6RS1E4XEU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ELR. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-04
- Date Complaint: 2014-11-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6RL1E41EU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC ELR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED ON A SLIGHT HILL, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND STARTED TO DRIFT DOWN THE HIL IN REVERSEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKES FAILED TO STOP AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 20. THE VIN WAS NOT MADE AVAILABLE.
Cadillac Elr 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2014-06-28
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I TEST DROVE A NEW ELR AT NIGHT. THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS THE AUTOMATIC DIMMING TYPE. UNLIKE ALMOST ALL SUCH MIRRORS, THE COMPLETE MIRROR DOES NOT DIM. THE CENTER SECTION DIMS, BUT THERE IS AN APPROXIMATELY QUARTER-INCH BAND THAT DOES NOT BETWEEN THE DIMMING SECTION AND THE FRAME. AT NIGHT, WITH A TALLER VEHICLE'S LIGHTS SHINING ON THE MIRROR THIS NON-DIMMING SECTION REFLECTS THEM AT FULL BRIGHTNESS. THIS IS BOTH ANNOYING AND DISTRACTING. I BELIEVE ADDITIONAL CADILLAC VEHICLES, SUCH AS THE XTS, ALSO HAVE THIS DEFECT. *TR
Recalls Cadillac Elr
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Cadillac Elr.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Cadillac Elr 2014
- Report Received Date: 2014-07-23
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
- Consequence: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
- Model: Cadillac Elr 2014
- Report Received Date: 2014-03-27
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac ELR vehicles not equipped with adaptive cruise control and manufactured September 26, 2013, through February 14, 2014, and equipped without adaptive cruise control. In these vehicles, the electronic stability control (ESC) system software may inhibit certain ESC diagnostics, preventing the system from alerting the driver that the ESC system is partially or fully disabled. As such, these vehicles fail to conform with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Consequence: If the driver is not alerted to an ESC malfunction they may continue driving with a disabled ESC system which may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14087.
Latest positive Cadillac Elr car reviews
Are you having problems with your Cadillac Elr?
Mikel Wunsch 2024-11-26
Vehicle year: 2014
The 2014 Cadillac is a joy to drive. It has all the features you would expect in a luxury car and also the responsiveness of a sports car. The only downside is that it takes over twelve hours to fully recharge the electric battery unless you have the upgraded charging unit.
Cleve Hoppe 2024-10-16
Vehicle year: 2014
This modern day automobile has a style like no other. It is super economical to drive and provides great comfort for two. The blind spots are not as bad as you might think and the back-up camera is a great help. The performance is very good and the handling is great. The ride is adjustable with four settings from touring to all-out performance and mountain driving with just the tip of your finger. Wind noise is non-existent, but there is a little road noise present with the Z-rated performance tires currently on the car. When replacement is required, I will opt for good all-season radials. I bought mine used with 55,000 miles last September (2019), so the big depreciation was gone. The price was less than a later model Chevy Camaro, but there is no comparison between the two. Because so few were built (about 2,500 2014 models), they could become somewhat of a collectable. I'll probably never see that in my lifetime, but who knows? In the meantime, I will enjoy it all I can.
Mac Schiller 2024-10-06
Vehicle year: 2014
I've owned a number of cars, mostly sporty and fast. However, the ELR is a different kind of car. It may not be a great cornering car or a hot rod, but it offers a very nice, smooth, and mostly quiet ride with a great sound system. It feels like driving a cloud, surrounded by comfort. Despite my positive experience with the car, I would not recommend buying it through Vroom, as they dropped the ball on so many levels.
Jack Cronin 2024-08-10
Vehicle year: 2014
Hi there! Would you like to buy it?
Werner O'Reilly 2024-07-08
Vehicle year: 2014
I picked up the car with no charge and quickly noticed how good the mileage was with no charge. Despite other reviews, I found the car to be quiet in EV mode and when the motor/generator is on. This car rides so smoothly and attracts a lot of attention. I am excited to drive it more and more. Thank you!