The Most Common Elevator Issues We See Early in the Year

As the year begins, many building owners and property managers notice an increase in elevator service calls. Cold weather, heavy year-end usage, and deferred maintenance can all cause issues to surface early in the year. 

At Metro Elevator, we see several common elevator problems during this time. The good news? Most can be addressed early with proactive maintenance—before they turn into costly repairs or extended downtime. 

Door Operator and Door Lock Issues 

Door problems are one of the most common elevator issues we encounter, especially in colder months. Temperature changes and increased use can impact door operators, rollers, and locks, often causing elevators to shut down as a safety precaution. 

Common signs include: 

• Doors opening or closing slowly 

• Doors not closing properly 

• Unexpected elevator shutdowns 

Controller and Electrical Issues 

Elevator controllers and electrical components are sensitive to temperature changes and humidity. Early in the year, small electrical issues often become more noticeable. 

You may notice: 

• Intermittent faults 

• System resets or inconsistent operation 

Addressing these issues early helps prevent longer outages and more complex repairs. 

Hydraulic Elevator Issues in Cold Weather 

Hydraulic elevators are especially affected by cold temperatures. Thicker hydraulic oil can lead to performance and leveling issues. 

Common complaints include: 

• Slow starts 

• Uneven leveling 

• Stops that don’t align with the floor 

Seasonal adjustments and routine maintenance can greatly improve reliability and ride quality. 

Traction Elevator Wear and Ride Quality 

After heavy holiday usage, traction elevators may show signs of wear early in the year. 

Warning signs include: 

• Unusual noises 

• Rough or shaky rides 

• Increased passenger complaints 

Early intervention helps extend equipment life and avoid more expensive repairs. 

Code Compliance and Safety Items 

January often brings new code requirements and annual inspections, which can uncover safety or compliance issues. 

This may include: 

• Required upgrades 

• Inspection-related corrections 

• Temporary shutdowns if items aren’t addressed 

Working with an experienced elevator provider early in the year allows time to plan, budget, and schedule corrective work—reducing the risk of last-minute disruptions. 

Preventive Maintenance Gaps 

Deferred maintenance from the previous year often becomes more visible early in the year. 

Signs include: 

• Repeat service calls 

• Increased downtime 

• Declining reliability 

Preventive maintenance is almost always more cost-effective than emergency repairs. A fresh review at the start of the year helps reset expectations and improve long-term performance. 

Get Ahead of Common Elevator Issues Early 

Many early-year elevator issues are predictable and preventable. A proactive maintenance review can identify concerns early, improve performance, and help keep elevators running safely and reliably throughout the year. 

If you’re noticing any of the early warning signs listed above or want to stay ahead of potential issues, now is a great time to contact Metro Elevator to schedule a preventive maintenance review. From New York to Green Bay, and all the way to San Francisco, get in touch with one of our Divisions today.  

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Cameron Kape brings over 21 years of hands-on experience in the elevator industry to his role as Vice President of Operations at Metro Elevator Green Bay. Click to learn more about Cameron and his team.