Cadillac Recalls Vistiq EV SUVs Over a Flaw That Turned Deadly for Hyundai

Wouter Smit · 2026-07-06

Cadillac is recalling its new Vistiq EV SUVs over a power-folding third-row seat issue that sounds eerily similar to a problem that turned deadly for Hyundai owners. If you own or are considering a Vistiq, this is something you need to know about right now. ### What's the Recall About? The recall affects certain 2025 Cadillac Vistiq models equipped with power-folding third-row seats. According to reports, the seats can fold unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, potentially trapping occupants or causing injury. This isn't just a minor inconvenience — it's a serious safety risk. Cadillac has identified the root cause as an electrical glitch in the seat's control module. The fix involves a software update that dealerships will install free of charge. Owners will be notified starting next month. ### Why This Sounds Familiar This recall is getting attention because it mirrors a problem that plagued Hyundai's Palisade and Santa Fe models. In Hyundai's case, the power-folding third-row seats could unexpectedly collapse, leading to several injuries and at least one confirmed fatality. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigated those incidents and ultimately forced Hyundai to issue a recall affecting over 500,000 vehicles. Now, Cadillac is facing a similar headache. The Vistiq is a brand-new model, so seeing a recall this early in its lifecycle is concerning. It suggests the issue wasn't caught during development or testing. ### What Owners Should Do If you own a 2025 Cadillac Vistiq, here's your action plan: - Check if your VIN is included in the recall by visiting NHTSA's website or calling your local Cadillac dealer. - Avoid using the power-folding third-row seat function until the software update is applied. - Schedule a service appointment as soon as you receive the recall notice. The fix is free and takes about an hour. ### A Note on Car Safety Recalls This situation is a good reminder that recalls happen more often than you might think. In 2023 alone, automakers issued over 300 recalls affecting more than 30 million vehicles in the United States. Some are minor, but others — like this one — involve real safety risks. That's why it's smart to check for open recalls on your vehicle at least twice a year. You can do it quickly using your VIN on NHTSA's website. It takes less than a minute and could save you from a dangerous situation. ### The Bigger Picture Cadillac is positioning the Vistiq as a flagship electric SUV, competing with models like the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S. A recall this early doesn't help that image. But to their credit, Cadillac is acting fast. The company says it's not aware of any injuries linked to the Vistiq issue yet, which is a good sign. Still, it's a wake-up call for the entire industry. As vehicles become more complex with motorized seats, automated driving features, and over-the-air updates, the potential for software-related recalls grows. Automakers need to invest more in testing and quality control before these vehicles reach customers. ### Final Thoughts If you're in the market for a luxury electric SUV, don't let this recall scare you off entirely. Just make sure any vehicle you buy has a clean recall history. And if you already own a Vistiq, get that software update as soon as possible. Your safety — and your passengers' safety — is worth the trip to the dealership.