Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac ELR vs Toyota Camry
How the Cadillac ELR and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Cadillac ELR vs Toyota Camry: The ELR has 5.3 complaints per year versus the Camry's 214.3, but the ELR's issues include sudden power loss and airbag failures, while the Camry faces transmission and brake problems. Both have recalls, but the Camry has 31 to the ELR's 2. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac ELR or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac ELR
The Cadillac ELR is a niche, plug-in hybrid luxury coupe that, in ownership terms, means low production numbers and a dealer network that may not see many of them. The complaint pattern shows a car that can suffer from sudden, complete loss of power while driving, along with persistent airbag system faults and electrical gremlins. Owners report repeated dealer visits without resolution, which suggests that living with an ELR can be frustrating and potentially unsafe if the power loss occurs in traffic.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume, mainstream sedan with a long history, and its complaint numbers reflect that popularity. The data shows a wide range of issues, but the most frequent are in the powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report transmission failures, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures, which are serious safety concerns. However, the sheer number of Camrys on the road means that many are trouble-free, and the recall count is higher partly due to the model's long production run and frequent updates.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac ELR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 21 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Cadillac ELR
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 03AIR BAGS5
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
- 05POWER TRAIN2
Owners report sudden loss of power and control while driving, with the vehicle dying and all functions shutting off. This is a critical safety issue that can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
The airbag system frequently triggers warning lights, and dealers often cannot fix the issue on the first visit. The passenger presence system (PPS) module can fail, potentially disabling the airbag in a crash.
Some owners experience a 'Shift to Park' warning that prevents the car from turning off, even when the gear selector is in Park. This is a frustrating electronic glitch that can leave you unable to exit the vehicle.
“Component Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/ AIR BAGS: FRONT: PASSENGER SIDE Description of Safety Defect: The Passenger Presence System (PPS) Module / Occupant Sensor Module failed on my 2014 Cadillac ELR, triggering diagnostic code U0170 ("Lost Communication with…”
“Loss of power and control: Twice over the past two months, the vehicle has died and lost all power and control functions while in motion. The first episode was while my spouse was driving during the day at about 30 MPH. She reports the vehicle made a loud "po…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some models have recalls for the same issue, but not all VINs are covered.
Sudden acceleration incidents have been reported, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Also, engine maintenance lights can come on due to a coolant valve bypass issue that may not be covered by a recall for your specific VIN.
Brake failure has been reported, with the pedal going to the floor and no response, especially on hills. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Cadillac ELR — 2 recalls
The defect: 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…
The 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.
The 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.
The defect: 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 af…
The risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
The 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 1-800-521-73…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac ELR or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac ELR has far fewer complaints per year (5.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the ELR's issues are more severe in terms of sudden power loss and airbag failures. In practice, the Camry's higher numbers are partly due to its popularity, but the nature of its problems—transmission and brake failures—can be just as dangerous. The ELR may be less likely to have a problem, but when it does, it can be more difficult to fix.
Key differences
- The ELR has a much lower complaint rate (5.3 per year) than the Camry (214.3 per year), but the ELR's complaints include sudden loss of power and airbag system failures, which are critical safety issues.
- The Camry's most common issues are transmission failures, sudden acceleration, and brake failures, which are also serious but occur in a much larger owner population.
- The ELR's electrical system problems, such as the 'Shift to Park' warning, can prevent the car from turning off, while the Camry's issues are more mechanical in nature.
- The Camry has more recalls (31) than the ELR (2), but the ELR's recalls include electronic stability control and seats, which are important safety systems.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or 'Shift to Park' warnings, and have the electrical system thoroughly inspected.
- Verify that all airbag recalls and repairs have been completed, and test the airbag warning light to ensure it goes off and stays off.
- Look for signs of transmission trouble, such as grinding noises or delayed shifting, and check if the transmission has been replaced or if any recalls apply.
- Inspect the brake system for any signs of failure, and ask about any incidents of sudden acceleration or brake pedal going to the floor.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system and airbags for the ELR, and the transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Test drive the vehicle at various speeds, including highway speeds, to check for any loss of power or unusual noises.
- Ask the seller for all service records, especially any related to the complaints mentioned.
- Check online forums and NHTSA data for any additional known issues specific to the model year you are considering.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Cadillac ELR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 0 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Cadillac ELR or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac ELR vs Toyota Camry
- Cadillac ELR total complaints
- 21
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Cadillac ELR total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac ELR avg complaints/year
- 5.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac ELR
- Cadillac ELR top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN