Key Takeaways
- NHTSA opened an engineering analysis in August 2026 into Lyriq brake assist failures. It covers 2023 to 2026 Lyriqs and is still open.
- About 41,000 2023 and 2024 Lyriqs were recalled in 2025 because the driver display can go blank while driving.
- About 21,000 all-wheel-drive Lyriqs were recalled in 2024 because the anti-lock brakes can release brake pressure unexpectedly.
- A recall alone does not make your Lyriq a lemon. Repeat repairs for the same problem, or 30+ days in the shop, can.
- Cadillac claims are brought against General Motors, which also makes Chevrolet, GMC and Buick.
If your Cadillac Lyriq keeps going back to the dealer for the same problem, California’s lemon law may require General Motors to buy it back or replace it. The Lyriq has been recalled for blank driver displays, unexpected anti-lock brake activation and high-voltage battery defects. Federal regulators are also investigating brake assist failures. A recall by itself is not a lemon law claim. But if repairs do not fix the problem, or your Lyriq spends weeks in the shop, you may qualify.
What are the most common Cadillac Lyriq problems?
The most common serious Lyriq problems are brake failures, blank screens and high-voltage battery or drive unit defects. Brakes, electrical and forward collision avoidance are the top categories in NHTSA owner complaints, and Consumer Reports predicts the 2026 Lyriq will be less reliable than the average new car.
Brake assist failures and an open federal investigation
In April 2024, NHTSA began investigating 2023 Lyriqs after owners reported losing brake assist, a hard brake pedal and a “Brake System Failure” message. In August 2026, NHTSA upgraded it to an engineering analysis (EA26006) covering 2023 to 2026 Lyriqs and other GM models with the same brake system, including the Optiq. Some reports describe brake assist cutting out right as the driver brakes. Separately, GM recalled 21,469 2023 and 2024 all-wheel-drive Lyriqs in 2024 because the anti-lock brakes could activate on their own and release brake pressure.
Blank screens
In 2025, GM recalled 41,376 2023 and 2024 Lyriqs because the driver display can go blank while driving. That hides the speedometer, warning lights and rearview camera image. The fix is a software update. Blank screens are not new for the Lyriq: GM held early 2023 models at the factory in 2022 for a display problem, and recalled some 2024 models in 2026 for a rearview camera screen that can turn gray.
Battery and drive unit defects
Smaller recalls have covered high-voltage battery pack welds that can cause loss of drive power, rear motor wiring that can cause loss of drive power, and missing or loose battery bolts that raise fire risk in a crash. These affected fewer vehicles, but each is a safety defect.
| Recall | Model years | Vehicles | Problem | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V082 (Feb 2026) | 2024 | 22 | Rearview camera screen turns gray | Software update |
| 25V483 (Jul 2025) | 2025 (and 2026 Vistiq) | 53 | Loose or missing battery bolts, crash fire risk | Inspect and tighten |
| 25V356 (May 2025) | 2023-2024 | 41,376 | Driver display goes blank | Software update |
| 25V232 (Apr 2025) | 2023-2025 | 17 | Loose bolts can damage HV cables | Inspect and tighten |
| 24V589 (Aug 2024) | 2023-2024 AWD | 21,469 | ABS can release brake pressure | Brake software (OTA or dealer) |
| 24V320 (May 2024) | 2024 | 10 | Rear motor wiring, loss of drive power | Replace rear drive unit |
| 23V785 (Nov 2023) | 2023-2024 | 43 | Rear seat belt anchor weld | Replace seat cushion frame |
| 23V682 (Oct 2023) | 2023 | 62 | Pedestrian warning sound may not work | Reprogram module |
| 23V367 (May 2023) | 2023 | 33 | Battery pack welds, loss of drive power | Inspect or replace pack |
| 22V710 (Sep 2022) | 2023 | 186 | Instrument display goes blank | Software update |
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls apply to your Lyriq.
Is my Lyriq a lemon if it has been recalled?
Not on its own. A recall means GM offers a free repair for a safety defect. Your Lyriq may be a lemon if that repair, or any warranty repair, does not fix the problem after a reasonable number of tries.
California presumes a reasonable number of tries if, within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery:
- A problem that could cause death or serious injury, such as a brake failure, was repaired 2 or more times, and you notified GM directly.
- The same problem was repaired 4 or more times, and you notified GM directly.
- The Lyriq was out of service for repairs for more than 30 days in total.
You can still qualify outside those limits. Brake complaints matter most here: a safety defect needs fewer repair attempts to qualify.
What can I recover if my Lyriq qualifies?
General Motors must buy back or replace a qualifying Lyriq. A buyback generally refunds what you paid, including the down payment, payments, taxes and fees, minus a mileage offset for use before the first repair. If GM willfully failed to meet its obligations, you may also recover a civil penalty of up to two times your damages. Leased Lyriqs are covered too. See what a buyback is worth.
What should I document?
- Every repair order: dates in and out, mileage, your complaint and what was done
- Photos of warning messages such as “Brake System Failure” or a blank display
- Notes on each brake event: date, speed, road conditions and what the pedal felt like
- Recall letters and any over-the-air update notices
- Calls and emails with Cadillac customer care
See our guide to documenting repair attempts.
Why work with a trial firm?
American Lemon Law Group is a trial firm. We prepare every case for trial and handle it from first call to verdict, without handing it to another firm. California law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees when you win, so there is no cost to you.
Cadillac Lyriq lemon law FAQ
Is the Cadillac Lyriq under investigation? Yes. NHTSA opened an engineering analysis (EA26006) in August 2026 into brake assist failures on 2023 to 2026 Lyriqs and other GM models with the same brake system. It is still open.
How many recalls does the Lyriq have? At least 12 US recalls since 2022, covering brakes, displays, battery packs, drive units and seat belts. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my Lyriq screen go black? GM recalled 41,376 2023 and 2024 Lyriqs because the driver display can go blank while driving. The fix is a software update. If it keeps happening after the update, each repair visit counts toward a lemon law claim.
Can I get a buyback for my Cadillac Lyriq? Yes, if it qualifies under California’s lemon law. GM must buy back or replace a vehicle it cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts.
Do I need to keep driving a Lyriq with brake problems? If your brakes do not feel right, stop driving and have the car towed to the dealer. Your safety comes first, and the tow and repair order become part of your record.
Do I pay for a lawyer? No. The manufacturer pays your attorney fees if you win.
Lyriq back at the dealer for brakes or screens? Talk to a California lemon law trial firm. Free case review: (877) 215-5125.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Sources (recall data as of October 27, 2026)