Cadillac Vistiq problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Vistiq's most serious recall is 26V-717, a brake control software defect on 2026–2027 models that can cause a loss of braking, fixed by a software update. A second recall covers the third-row power-folding seatback, which may not reverse when it meets a person. Smaller campaigns cover battery mounting bolts and the owner's manual.

CarWhere lists 4 documented Vistiq issues, including 4 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Vistiq generations at a glance

Cadillac Vistiq generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
First generation2026–presentBrake control software can cause a loss of braking (recall 26V-717) · Third-row power-folding seatback may not reverse (recall 26V-394) · High-voltage battery mounting bolts may be loose (recall 25V-483) · Electronic owner's manual may not download (recalls 25V-819 and 26V-114)

First generation Vistiq problems (2026–present)

Brake control software can cause a loss of braking (recall 26V-717) (2026–2027)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2026–present) – 2026–2027
Years:
2026–2027
Powertrain:
All

Recall 26V-717 covers 2026–2027 Vistiq models along with the Lyriq, Celestiq and Chevrolet Blazer EV, about 67,380 vehicles in total, because a software defect in the brake system control module may cause a loss of braking in certain driving conditions. GM updates the module software over the air or at a dealer.

Symptoms

  • Reduced or lost braking response in specific driving conditions

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Confirm the software update was installed (over the air or by a dealer)

NHTSA recall: 26V717 (2026-10) · 67,380 vehicles

Sources: [1][2]

Third-row power-folding seatback may not reverse (recall 26V-394) (2026–2027)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2026–present) – 2026–2027
Years:
2026–2027
Powertrain:
All

GM recalled about 14,540 2026–2027 Vistiq models because the third-row power-folding seatback may not reverse when it meets a person, which can trap an occupant, especially a child. Dealers reprogram the folding seat module software.

Symptoms

  • Third-row seatback keeps folding against an obstruction

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order
  • Keep the cargo area clear when using the power-fold buttons until the fix is done

NHTSA recall: 26V394 (2026-06) · 14,540 vehicles

Sources: [3][2]

High-voltage battery mounting bolts may be loose (recall 25V-483) (2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2026–present) – 2026
Years:
2026
Powertrain:
All

Recall 25V-483 covers 53 vehicles, 2026 Vistiq and 2025 Lyriq, whose bolts attaching the high-voltage battery to the floor may be missing or loose. An improperly secured battery can be damaged in a crash, raising the risk of fire. Dealers inspect and replace or re-tighten the bolts.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs in normal driving

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 25V483 (2025-07) · 53 vehicles

Sources: [4][2]

Electronic owner's manual may not download (recalls 25V-819 and 26V-114) (2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2026–present) – 2026
Years:
2026
Powertrain:
All

Recall 25V-819 covers 94 2026 Vistiq models whose radio was not set to download the electronic owner's manual, a compliance issue under FMVSS 225; the later 26V-114 campaign extends the same fix to more 2026 Vistiq and other GM models. Dealers reset the radio.

Symptoms

  • Owner's manual not available on the infotainment screen

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Cadillac dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 25V819 (2025-11) · 94 vehicles

Sources: [5][6][2]

Related Vistiq research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Vistiq was ordered before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Cadillac Vistiq VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.

Cadillac build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What recalls does the Cadillac Vistiq have?

As of November 2026: brake software (26V-717), third-row power seatback (26V-394), high-voltage battery bolts (25V-483) and two owner's-manual compliance recalls (25V-819, 26V-114).

Is the Vistiq brake recall fixed over the air?

GM's remedy for 26V-717 is a brake system control module software update delivered over the air or by a dealer, free of charge.

How many Vistiqs are in the third-row seat recall?

Recall 26V-394 lists about 14,540 2026–2027 Vistiq models. Dealers reprogram the folding seat module software.

How do I check a Vistiq for open recalls?

Enter the VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Cadillac dealer, and ask for the repair orders for any completed recalls.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 26V-717: Loss of Braking — NHTSA
  2. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: VISTIQ — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA
  3. NHTSA recall 26V-394: Third-Row Power Folding Seatback May Trap Occupant — NHTSA
  4. NHTSA recall 25V-483: High Voltage Battery Not Secured Properly — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recall 25V-819: Missing Owner's Manual/FMVSS 225 — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recall 26V-114: Missing Owner's Manual/FMVSS 208 — NHTSA

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