DecodedCars2014 Cadillac ELR
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Coupe
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 31 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,050 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 41% better than the average 2014 subcompact car (23.4 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Cadillac ELR is a subcompact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,050 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (31 city / 35 highway), 41% better than the 2014 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe | 185.8 in | 72.8 in | 55.9 in | 105.9 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 4,050 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELR Plug-in Hybrid | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 35 / 33 | +41% | $2,500 | 91 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Cadillac ELR.
Similar 2014 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Cadillac ELR (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Audi A6 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | 265 mi | Not rated | 9 |
| 2014 Lexus GS | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Seats · Jul 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V446000 · 124,007 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Mar 27, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V144000 · 656 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2014 Cadillac ELR is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Cadillac ELR buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 23,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Cadillac ELR. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ELR years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →