GM issues Cadillac Lyriq recall for software issue affecting braking system

DETROIT — General Motors Co. is recalling more than 20,000 electric Cadillac Lyriq all-wheel drive SUVs for a software glitch that could cause the anti-lock braking system to falsely activate, increasing the risk of a crash, according to documents filed this month with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Both 2023 and 2024 model year Lyriqs are affected. In total, GM is recalling 21,469 Lyriqs in the United States produced between December 2022 and August 2024. In North America, GM recalled 24,200 Lyriqs.

The majority of the affected vehicles are 2024 models. Fewer than 500 vehicles from model year 2023 are affected. The recall affects 87% of all Lyriqs produced at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant. GM estimates that 1% of the vehicles actually have the defect.

The defect occurs "in rare circumstances" when a driver brakes on dry surfaces at speeds below 25 mph, according to GM's filing with NHTSA. In these instances, when the anti-lock braking system falsely activates and a "specific sequence of wheel movements occurs," the system continues to release braking pressure, which can cause the brakes "to have reduced stopping performance" or become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash.

GM says to correct this it will update the software in the affected vehicles’ Electronic Brake Control Module. Owners who have accepted terms and conditions can have the software changes done using wireless over-the-air technology without having to bring their vehicle to a dealership, or they can schedule to have the updates performed at a GM dealer. The automaker has started fixing Lyriqs on dealer lots. There has been no impact on Lyriq production.

"The recall will resolve a software defect in the electronic brake control module," GM spokesperson Bill Grotz said in a statement. "We have identified a fix for the issue, which will be delivered to the majority of impacted vehicles using wireless over-the-air technology later this month."

GM opened an investigation into the braking issue in May after two reports of "minor accidents resulting from an alleged loss of braking" potentially being the result of a software issue, according to the automaker's NHTSA filing. GM received the Lyriq reports in February and March. The automaker was also made aware of a separate complaint, involving a vehicle not involved in an accident, in October 2023.

GM is not aware of any injuries or fatalities as a result of the defect.

The recall comes after GM has had multiple issues with software glitches affecting the automaker's new EVs. Earlier this year, GM placed a stop sale on the electric Chevrolet Blazer because of a software problem. The Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV have had other software issues.

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