Research · Subcompact Cars
2016 Cadillac ElrRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2016 Cadillac Elr. Most complaints involve air bags (4) and seats (1). The EPA rates it 30–32 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
30–32mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
4
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Cadillac Elr as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2024 – Mar 2026
- Air bags4
- Seats1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
4 reports
“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.”
Seats
1 report
“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 injury or death in the event of a collision. The issue has been inspected and confirmed by the authorized Cadillac dealership. I have been advised that this part is no longer manufactured by Cadillac and is unavailable for replacement, rending the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am the original and sole owner of the vehicle; whish has fewer than 50,000 miles. Based on the vehicle's age, mileage, and maintenance history, I reasonably expected many additional years of safe…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- EV range
- 340 mi (EPA)
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELR Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 33 | 32 | $2,400 | 91 |
| ELR Sport Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 33 | 30 | $2,600 | 104 |
- 32mpg comb.
- 30mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Cadillac Elr as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 10366
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 Elr questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Cadillac Elr have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Cadillac Elr problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (4), seats (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Cadillac Elr get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Cadillac Elr at 30–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026