Own a Cadillac ELR in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Cadillac ELR for model years 2014 to 2016. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help ELR owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on file for the ELR and 2 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (6), air bags (5), fuel/propulsion system (2).
Most-Reported Cadillac ELR Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the ELR (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | 28% | |
| Air Bags | 5 | 23% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 9% | |
| Power Train | 2 | 9% | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 9% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 4% | |
| Wheels | 1 | 4% | |
| Steering | 1 | 4% |
Electrical System
6 of the 21 complaints (28%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Air Bags
5 of the 21 complaints (23%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Fuel/Propulsion System
2 of the 21 complaints (9%) mention the fuel system. Fuel system problems can cause stalling, hard starts and poor mileage. We test fuel delivery and related sensors to find the real cause. See our no-start diagnostics and check engine light diagnostics pages.
Cadillac ELR Complaints by Model Year
The ELR model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2016. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 17 | |
| 2016 | 4 |
Most Common Cadillac ELR Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the ELR. The most-cited is U0170 (network code), mentioned in 3 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| U0170 | Network code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Cadillac ELR Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the ELR in these model years, most often involving electronic stability control (esc), seats. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2014 recall, Electronic Stability Control (esc) (campaign 14V144000): 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.
- 2014 recall, Seats (campaign 14V446000): 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.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the ELR, 1 involved a crash, 1 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Cadillac ELR Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Cadillac will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a ELR that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for ELR owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Cadillac ELR, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Cadillac ELR Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Cadillac ELR repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →No-Start Diagnostics
Find out why it will not start.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Cadillac ELR FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Cadillac ELR?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Cadillac ELR are electrical system (6), air bags (5), fuel/propulsion system (2). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which ELR model years have the most complaints?
The ELR model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2016. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Cadillac ELR?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Cadillac ELR, the codes cited most often are U0170 (network code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Cadillac ELR have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the Cadillac ELR across model years 2014 to 2016. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Cadillac ELR in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Cadillac vehicles including the ELR, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Cadillac ELR?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Cadillac ELR in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Cadillac Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.