Problems · NHTSA complaints
2026 Cadillac Vistiq problems
Owners filed 23 complaints about the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq with NHTSA between Jul 2025 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is seats (5).
Complaints
23
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Seats5
- Electrical system5
- Forward collision avoidance5
- Visibility/wiper4
- Service brakes3
- Power train1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Equipment1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Other / unknown5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
6
17
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Seats
5 reports1 related recall
“I am writing to formally express my frustration and dissatisfaction with the ongoing safety recall affecting the third-row seating in my 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ. I purchased this vehicle in June 2025, expecting the quality, safety, and ownership experience associated with the Cadillac brand. However, in June 2026, my dealership disabled the third-row power-folding seat function as part of the safety recall (NHTSA Recall 26V394000 / GM Recall N262555780). It is now November 2026, and I have received no meaningful communication from Cadillac regarding when a permanent repair will be available or when I can expect to regain the use of my third-row seating. I understand that safety issues must be taken seriously and appreciate that an interim safety measure was implemented. However, disabling an entire seating feature for months without providing owners with a reasonable repair timeline or regular updates is unacceptable. I have several concerns: 1. When will the permanent repair or replacement seat module be available? 2. Why have owners not been provided with regular updates regarding the status of this recall? 3. What is Cadillac doing to address the inconvenience…”
Electrical system
5 reports1 related recall
“This complaint concerns the manufacturer's conduct of this recall, not the existence of the defect. A safety recall was issued for 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ vehicles for a third-row power seatback that may fail to reverse when it encounters an occupant. The manufacturer's original filing with this agency stated the remedy as replacement of the folding third-row seat module, and stated that disabling the feature was an option only for dealership inventory vehicles and for owners who chose it. That filing also stated that once replacement parts became available, the feature would be reinstated through a separate customer satisfaction campaign. The manufacturer then amended the filing twice: first deleting the owner-election language so that the feature "will be disabled," then changing the remedy type from "Replace" to "Software" and deleting the planned owner notification date entirely. What was actually performed on this vehicle was neither a module replacement nor a software reprogram. The third-row power-folding function was simply disabled during a routine maintenance visit, without the owner's knowledge or consent, and with no owner notification letter ever…”
Forward collision avoidance
5 reports
“need this case escalated immediately as a serious safety incident. [XXX] around While driving my 2026 Cadillac Vistiq on [XXX] around [XXX]pm doing approximately 45 MPH. The vehicle suddenly and violently activated automatic emergency braking with no vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or obstacle anywhere near me. The dash displayed a warning similar to:“Front Collision detected Brake now” The braking was severe enough to throw me violently forward and backward in my seat, causing neck and back pain that has continued after the incident. This was not normal operation. The vehicle created a dangerous situation and could have caused a rear-end collision if another vehicle had been following closely. I am requesting: Full diagnostic retrieval of all Forward Collision / AEB event data Inspection and calibration of all front collision sensors, cameras, radar systems, and Super Cruise related modules Documentation of any known technical service bulletins, software issues, or engineering investigations related to phantom braking or unwanted brake assist activation Written confirmation of findings Immediate escalation to GM Technical Assistance and Cadillac Engineering I…”
Visibility/wiper
4 reports
“The shiny plastic piece behind dash screen & the back of the dash screen itself create a reflection in the windshield through the entire drivers side of the car. It seems both distracting and dangerous as with any amount of sunlight you are essentially always looking through that glare to see the road.”
Service brakes
3 reports
“4 months at the dealer and they can't figure it out. Also the rear midddle seat bench it's a nightmare to retract or open.i won't recommend this car.”
Power train
1 report
“I leased a new 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ on XXX. The vehicle had approximately 960 miles when the incident occurred. After DC fast charging at a Tesla Supercharger in Las Vegas, NV, the charging session did not complete normally. Shortly afterward, the vehicle displayed a “Reduced Acceleration – Drive with Care” warning message and vehicle performance was significantly reduced. The air conditioning also stopped cooling properly while outside temperatures exceeded 100°F. Because vehicle acceleration was limited and the warning indicated reduced propulsion performance, I did not feel comfortable continuing to operate the vehicle. I canceled a planned trip from [XXX] to [XXX] because I no longer believed the vehicle was reliable for highway travel. The vehicle was taken to the selling Cadillac dealership for diagnosis and remains available for inspection. At the time of this complaint, I have not yet received the dealership’s diagnosis or repair findings. This incident occurred on a brand-new vehicle with fewer than 1,000 miles. I am submitting this report because a sudden reduction in propulsion immediately following DC fast charging could create a safety concern if…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.