RoadVitals

2026 Cadillac Optiq

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
+3 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Feb 26, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Cadillac Optiq, most frequently naming the driver assistance, tires & wheels and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 137 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance240.0%
  • Tires & wheels240.0%
  • Brakes120.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Feb 26, 2026
5,861 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252540430View on NHTSA.gov

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

Oct 16, 2025
22,914 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Cadillac Optic and 2025-2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV vehicles equipped with 21-inch Continental all-season tires. One or more of these tires may experience partial or full tread detachment.
The risk: Tire tread detachment increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect all four tires and replace those manufactured during DOT week 4024, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252525030. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 16, 2025.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252525030View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA26006OpenEngineering Analysis

Electronic Brake Module Component Failure

Opened Aug 21, 2026

On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a “Brake System Failure” message at start up or while driving. GM shared records regarding several internal investigations for loss of brake assist due to alleged spindle fractures in the eBoost system. GM has stated that in the event of a spindle fracture, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, and traction control remain functional until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. At this point, ABS, brake assist, stability control, and traction control functions are lost. The loss of these functions causes the vehicle to set one of three Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) based on failed performance criteria for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). These DTCs, in turn, activate several driver alerts: an audible chime, a visual “Service Brake System” message in the display, and multiple illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lights (MILs) for the ABS, Traction Control, and Brakes informing the driver of loss of functionality. The vehicle speed will also be limited to 70 KPH (43 MPH). Since opening PE24011, ODI has continued to receive reports of loss of brake assist. Some of these reports describe symptoms inconsistent with GM’s description of a spindle failure. These reports allege an immediate loss of brake assist functionality as opposed to the loss occurring after the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The sudden loss of brake assist during a braking event could result in extended braking distance, which increases the risk of a crash or injury. ODI believes further analysis is necessary to assess the potential for failures in GM’s eBoost system to resulting in safety-related outcomes. At this time, ODI is aware of the following vehicles that are equipped with this eBoost system: 2023-2026 MY Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon; 2024-2026 MY Buick Enclave, Envision; Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Traverse; Cruise Origin; and GMC Acadia; 2025-2026 MY Cadillac Celestiq and Optiq. ODI is also aware of 2024-2026 MY Acura ZDX and 2024-2026 MY Honda Prologue vehicles that were built with this system. The Acura and Honda vehicles were manufactured by GM in a joint venture with Honda, and will be included in the Engineering Analysis as peer vehicles. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to further assess the safety-related consequences of a failed eBoost system. In addition, ODI is expanding the scope of the investigation to encompass all GM vehicles that share this eBoost system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

SERVICE BRAKES

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Sep 24, 2026

My 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ experienced two brake-system failures. The second occurred on September 14, 2026. The vehicle displayed brake-system warnings and braking performance was impaired. The vehicle previously received a brake-system-control-module reprogramming in August. The dealer has advised that the master cylinder and brake booster, which are one assembly on this vehicle, may be failing and is consulting Cadillac Engineering. The vehicle is currently at the dealership, and I have been provided a loaner. This incident may relate to NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26006 concerning sudden loss of brake assist in 2025–2026 Cadillac OPTIQ vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11766574
Incident
Sep 14, 2026
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 23, 2026

The tire size experiencing failure is 245/50 R 20 Load Range XL Continental CROSSCONTACT RX with Contiseal technology. Passenger side rear. I drive a Cadillac Optiq 2026 Luxury This is now the fourth tire I’ve had to replace in a short period of time. These tires have plenty of tread on them and were just recently replaced with new tires because the other ones had a nail in a non-repairable zone. This is the second one I’ve had to replace in a week due to a similar issue that isn’t seemingly a nail. I pulled my car out of my driveway today and I heard a noise similar to a pop although it could have been that the tire was already deflated and I was hearing the tire riding with no air. I filled the tire with air using my air pump in order for me to be able to properly inspect and I see a similar looking puncture/rupture hole as my last tire that required a replacement just two days ago. Sticky gooey residue surrounds the rupture hole from the self seal material that gets released from inside the tire and air escapes rapidly. I do notice that on these tires there always seems to be what look like small bulges or bubbles inside of tread grooves, I’ve noticed this on each tire every time, even on the replacements after riding on them. Maybe this car is too heavy for this type of tire? This issue should be investigated as this is different that just merely a nail in a non repairable zone. This is the same issue I’ve dealt with in my last replacement, both on the same side. Passenger side. My last replacement was two days ago on passenger side front. Others have experienced this same issue with regards to blow outs and losing air rapidly. There is one report with a car exactly like mine where the NHTSA misunderstood the tire size the person was referencing. Luckily mine wasn’t on the main road just yet. I’ve tried to upload video and pictures but none are being accepted as of yet.

NHTSA ID
11766557
Incident
Sep 23, 2026
Filed Sep 16, 2026

On September 16, 2026, at approximately 3:30 PM, I was driving my 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ on a dry road under clear, blue-sky conditions. Cruise control was set at approximately 28 mph. There were no vehicles in front of me or behind me, and there were no apparent roadside objects or other conditions that should have presented a collision hazard. Without warning, the vehicle displayed a "Grab the Wheel" warning. My hands were already on the steering wheel at approximately the 10-and-2 positions. A red collision-alert box was also displayed on the windshield even though there was nothing in front of the vehicle. The vehicle then began slowing substantially. I attempted to regain normal control, including gripping the steering wheel at various positions, but the vehicle did not respond to anything I tried. It continued slowing until it had brought me to a near stop. During the event, I pressed down the SET switch located immediately to the left of the center of the steering wheel. The vehicle's warning/hazard flashers came on. Thankfully, there was no vehicle behind me. This is the SECOND time I have experienced a similar event in this vehicle. During the previous occurrence, I was traveling at approximately 45 mph. There was likewise no vehicle immediately in front of me or behind me. I am reporting this because an unexpected substantial deceleration or stop at roadway speed, particularly when a following vehicle is present, could result in a serious rear-end collision. I am concerned that this represents a safety-related defect and request that the vehicle's driver-assistance, collision-detection, braking, cruise-control, driver-monitoring, and related diagnostic/event data be investigated.

NHTSA ID
11764812
Incident
Sep 16, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 25, 2026

Vehicle: 2026 Cadillac Optiq AWD Purchased/Leased: Beverly Hills Cadillac, XXX (new lease) Current Mileage: 2,313 (XXX) The vehicle's Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system has repeatedly activated without any actual hazard present, bringing the vehicle to a complete, unexpected stop while driving. This has occurred a handful of times with 3 notable occasions: XXX – On the [XXX], the vehicle applied full automatic braking and came to a complete stop with no vehicle or obstacle ahead of it. XXX – On a winding road, the vehicle again automatically applied the brakes and came to a complete stop with no hazard present. XXX – While approaching a stoplight under normal driving conditions, the AEB system engaged and stopped the vehicle unexpectedly. Each incident occurred without warning and without any legitimate collision-avoidance scenario (no pedestrian, vehicle, or obstacle in the vehicle's path). Sudden, unwarranted full stops — particularly on a freeway — create a serious rear-end collision risk to my vehicle and to other drivers. Dealer Response: I reported this issue to my local dealer. They confirmed there is currently no fix or software update available for this defect, as the defect seems to be a hardware issue across the model line. Their only recommended workaround is to manually disable all ADAS features that include automatic braking through the infotainment settings menu. However, these settings reset to their default "on" state every time the vehicle is restarted, meaning the defect cannot be permanently mitigated and reoccurs on every drive cycle. Safety Concern: This is a repeated, unpredictable, and un-fixable false-positive AEB activation that: Poses a collision risk to following traffic, especially at freeway speeds Cannot be permanently disabled by the owner Has no manufacturer-provided remedy at this time despite the dealer being made aware INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11759534
Incident
Jun 15, 2026
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 15, 2026

On Friday August 7th, I was driving my 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ Luxury AWD at approximately 25 mph near Byron road in Tracy. While crossing a railroad track under normal driving conditions, both passenger-side tires—the right-front and right-rear—suddenly lost air and sustained sidewall ruptures. I did not strike a pothole, curb, debris, or any other visible object, and no foreign object or tread puncture was found. Both tires were Continental CrossContact RX, size 245/50 R20 105H XL, tubeless and were the original factory-installed tires. The vehicle had approximately 12,850 miles, and the tires had approximately 12,850 miles. Before the incident, there was no tire-pressure warning or indication of a problem, and the tires were maintained at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. The near-simultaneous failure of two tires on the same side required an immediate stop and created a serious risk of loss of vehicle control. Photographs show a substantial split in the tire sidewall. There were NO INJURIES and NO OTHER DAMAGE. Both failed tires have been retained and are available for inspection. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether these failures indicate a safety defect involving this tire model or its application on the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11757088
Incident
Aug 7, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 29, 2026

Multiple times over the last four months of leasing this 2026 Cadillac Optiq, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system has malfunctioned and abruptly slammed on the brakes without warning, bringing the car to a sudden stop in the middle of our travel lane. All incidents occurred under similar optimal conditions: clear daylight, sunny skies, a clean windshield, and zero hazards or pedestrians in the road. Neither cruise control nor Super Cruise was engaged during any incident. The vehicle is updated with the latest software version. During a recent event, we were traveling at approximately 25 mph in a residential zone when the vehicle violently engaged the brakes. No warning lamps, dashboard alerts, or audible chimes appeared prior to the activation. This unprovoked, severe braking creates an immediate hazard for occupants and a severe risk of being rear-ended by trailing traffic. To mitigate this ongoing hazard, we manually disable the AEB feature in the vehicle software. However, the system automatically defaults AEB features back to "On" every drive cycle, forcing us to re-disable it every single time we start the vehicle. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by police, insurance, or the manufacturer, and we are awaiting an upcoming service appointment with our local Cadillac dealer. The vehicle and its software remain available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID
11753580
Incident
Jul 28, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT6426C

If a vehicle has an issue with super cruise inoperative tech is directed to follow a diagnostic path before replacing the Image processing module.

PIC6645A

This Preliminary Information provides a repair direction for an inoperative amplifier module due to water intrusion.

PIC6629F

This PI is to instruct dealer on diagnostic procedures that need to be completed prior to replacing a radio or IPC display

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

662.30

• Additional protection for battery health and to help prevent battery drain • Improved charging messaging in the driver display • Improved vehicle diagnostics • Improves traction and stability control when accelerating or on uneven terrain • Improves braking and stopping performance on low-traction surfaces • Improves the performance of assisted braking • Improved vehicle performance when driving in Reverse on slippery surfaces • Better One-Pedal Driving performance • Additional protection for battery health and prevention for battery drain • Improved accuracy for driver display messages

PIT6541

This Preliminary information communicates to the technicians a diagnostic tip if a technician loses communication with the image processor #2 and how to restore communication

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Cadillac Optiq by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026Viewing621—
2025122157.7

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.