2014 Cadillac Elr problems

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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.

2014 Cadillac Elr

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Common 2014 Cadillac Elr problems

The 2014 Cadillac ELR has faced several common problems based on complaints from owners, as reported in various forums and articles. Here are some of the issues that have been highlighted:

  • Sales and demand: The ELR has struggled with sales, with only 61 units sold in April 2014 and a total of 241 units sold in the first four months of the year. This slow sales pace has made it the most disliked car of 2014, with a two-year backlog of unsold vehicles.
  • Design and functionality: The ELR's styling has been described as aggressive and brash, which may not appeal to all buyers. Its design has also been criticized for contradicting its fuel-saving mission. Additionally, the car's interior has been criticized for being cramped, with a small trunk and tight backseat. The noisy gasoline engine has also been a point of contention.
  • Battery life: The battery life of the 2014 Cadillac ELR has been a concern for some owners, particularly those living in colder climates like Minnesota. High mileage ELR owners have been encouraged to share their experiences with the battery life of their vehicles.
  • Reliability: While the 2014 Cadillac ELR has not been specifically mentioned in Consumer Reports' reliability charts, the model's reliability has been a topic of discussion among owners. Some have reported that the car feels reliable, while others have expressed concerns about its long-term durability.

In summary, the 2014 Cadillac ELR has faced several common problems based on complaints from owners, including performance and price, sales and demand, design and functionality, battery life, and reliability. These issues have contributed to the car's poor sales performance and unfavorable reception among buyers and critics.

2014 Cadillac Elr engine

What problems does the 2014 Cadillac SRX have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

  • In-car Electronics. Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display. ...
  • Electrical Accessories. ...
  • Steering And Suspension. ...
  • Transmission Major. ...
  • Noises And Leaks. ...
  • Transmission Minor. ...
  • Fuel System/Emissions. ...
  • Engine Electrical.

How many miles per gallon does a Cadillac ELR hybrid get?

This rating considers a conversion factor of 33.7 kWh of electricity being the energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline, and the ELR has an energy consumption rate of 41 kWh/100 mi for combined city/highway driving. The EPA rating in gasoline-only mode is 33 mpg‑US (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg‑imp) for combined driving.

When was the Cadillac ELR discontinued?

2016

The ELR Coupe (discontinued in 2016) featured a powerful electric drive system, an athletic chassis for an energetic drive and an optional sport package – all of which made it a true driver's car.

What is the warranty on the battery in the 2016 Cadillac ELR?

The ELR's battery is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. The Cadillac ELR is manufactured at General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, the world's only automotive manufacturing facility that mass-produces extended-range electric vehicles for global markets in 21 countries.

What problems does the 2014 Cadillac SRX have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

  • In-car Electronics. Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display. ...
  • Electrical Accessories. ...
  • Steering And Suspension. ...
  • Transmission Major. ...
  • Noises And Leaks. ...
  • Transmission Minor. ...
  • Fuel System/Emissions. ...
  • Engine Electrical.

When was the Cadillac ELR discontinued?

2016

The ELR Coupe (discontinued in 2016) featured a powerful electric drive system, an athletic chassis for an energetic drive and an optional sport package – all of which made it a true driver's car.

Is the Cadillac ELR fully electric?

The ELR is powered by GM EREV technology, combining pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered electric generator capable of 162 kW (217 hp) of total system power.

How many miles per gallon does a Cadillac ELR hybrid get?

This rating considers a conversion factor of 33.7 kWh of electricity being the energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline, and the ELR has an energy consumption rate of 41 kWh/100 mi for combined city/highway driving. The EPA rating in gasoline-only mode is 33 mpg‑US (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg‑imp) for combined driving.

2014 Cadillac Elr car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Elr problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles 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 2014 Cadillac Elr vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2014 Cadillac Elr complaints

The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Cadillac Elr.

2022-05-06

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-11-30
  • VIN: 1g6rm1e40eu
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Shift to park error message unable to turn off or exit vehicle. This is a hybrid vehicle
2020-11-02

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-26
  • 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.
2020-10-05

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-03
  • 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
2020-09-20

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-09-06
  • 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.
2020-02-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-01-15
  • 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.
2018-11-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-11-05
  • 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.
2018-10-26

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-10-25
  • 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.
2016-06-04

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-03-23
  • 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
2016-05-19

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 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.
2016-01-11

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-01-02
  • 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.
2015-12-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 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.
2015-08-03

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-01-01
  • 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.
2014-11-05

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-08-04
  • 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.
2014-06-28

VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-06-25
  • 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

2014 Cadillac Elr recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2014 Cadillac Elr.

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.
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.

Positive 2014 Cadillac Elr car reviews

  1. Mikel Wunsch 2024-11-26

    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.

  2. Cleve Hoppe 2024-10-16

    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.

  3. Mac Schiller 2024-10-06

    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.

  4. Jack Cronin 2024-08-10

    Hi there! Would you like to buy it?

  5. Werner O'Reilly 2024-07-08

    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!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2014 Cadillac Elr problems:

Nothing but problems with my ELR from day one | Cadillac Owners ...
Nothing but problems with my ELR from day one | Cadillac Owners ...
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/nothing-but-problems-with-my-elr-from-day-one.763969/

Sep 16, 2015 ... I leased my ELR in March of 2014 and about 3 weeks after driving it off the showroom the problems started. A high pressure transmission ...

Cadillac ELR Battery Replacement - Q&A on 2014 Model ...
Cadillac ELR Battery Replacement - Q&A on 2014 Model ...
https://www.justanswer.com/cadillac/g9mh7-2014-elr-battery-seems-degrading.html

Mar 7, 2021 ... The most common cause unfortunately is the battery itself to where it has to be replaced. In order to determine that the battery is the cause ...

Problems, Driver Warnings or DTCs - Cadillac ELR | GM Volt Forum
Problems, Driver Warnings or DTCs - Cadillac ELR | GM Volt Forum
https://www.gm-volt.com/forums/problems-driver-warnings-or-dtcs-cadillac-elr.186/

Problems, Driver Warnings or DTCs - Cadillac ELR · 2014 ELR Mirrors breaking off · 2014 Dead ELR -- HELP · 2014 ELR P1e00, P0AF8, P0D22 and WTH??? · 2014 ELR gone ...

How about a 2014 Cadillac ELR? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
How about a 2014 Cadillac ELR? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/15uudlz/how_about_a_2014_cadillac_elr/

Aug 18, 2023 ... About 3 years ago, I had a gray ELR. 2014 with 55k miles that I got for $23k. It was something different because it was my first plug in ...

Continued problems with 2014 ELR | Cadillac Owners Forum
Continued problems with 2014 ELR | Cadillac Owners Forum
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/continued-problems-with-2014-elr.789290/

Nov 17, 2015 ... Bought a brand new 2014 Cadillac ELR at Herb Chambers Cadillac in Warwick in April this year. The car went back to the dealer within the ...

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