2016 Cadillac ELR recalls & problems
The 2016 Cadillac ELR has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 4 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is air bags (5 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2016 Cadillac ELR.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2016 Cadillac ELR 2 DR FWD
| Overall | Not Rated |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | Not Rated |
| Side crash | Not Rated |
| Rollover | Not Rated |
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
ELR Plug-in Hybrid
| City / highway | 31 / 33 mpg |
|---|---|
| Electric range | 40 mi |
| On electricity | 85 MPGe · 39 kWh/100 mi |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,550/year to fuel
ELR Sport Plug-in Hybrid
| City / highway | 28 / 33 mpg |
|---|---|
| Electric range | 36 mi |
| On electricity | 80 MPGe · 43 kWh/100 mi |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,750/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger | 5 | — |
| Seats | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Mar 13, 2026Air bags
The passenger occupancy sensor has failed on my 2016 ELR after 14k miles. The part is no longer available (23504893). I've inquired with General Motors and they said they could not help me. This seems to be a 1year only part used only on the Cadillac ELR. I believe this is an integral part of the Air Bag safety system in my vehicle and that the passenger seat is no longer safe for passengers. - Sep 12, 2025Air bags
Initial repair of the vehicle was initiated on 9/12/25 due to a dashboard warning message indicating an air bag system fault. The Cadillac dealership was unable to complete the repair during the initial service visit. The vehicle was returned to the dealership in October 2025 and has remained there since that time. The dealership has confirmed that the Air Bag Front Passenger Sensor Kit (Part #23504893) failed following repair of the driver side air bag module. As a result of this failure, the passenger side air bag sensor does not function as designed. This condition creates a significant safety risk, as any passenger seated in the front passenger seat would be at increased risk of serious… - Jun 4, 2025Air bags
Vehicle is producing a "Service Airbag" warning message and red airbag light on the instrument cluster at each start. The problem code 'U0170' is found which correlates to 'Lost Communication With Passenger Presence Module'. The dealer advised that the part is discontinued and no longer available. The needed Part Number is: 23504892 which is a single year, single model only part. I checked with numerous aftermarket sources as well as salvage yards for an alternative to the GM part, but no luck. It appears the part does not exist in the marketplace. The dealership, and Cadillac Customer Service, were unable to provide a path forward. I am left no alternative but to operate the vehicle… - Dec 29, 2024Air bags
An 'amber' airbag malfunction light has illuminated on the instrument panel. The airbag light has since turned 'red'. It is 'red' to this date. The manufacturers guide advises to take the vehicle to the dealer. The authorized Cadillac dealer in our town troubleshot the problem to code 'U0170', 'Lost Communication With Passenger Presence Module'. The dealer advised that the part is no longer available. The needed Part Number is: 23504893. I checked with numerous aftermarket sources for an alternative to the GM part, but no luck. It appears the part does not exist in the marketplace. The dealership, and Cadillac Customer Service, were unable to provide a path forward. To assure my families'…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.