Yes, you can still buy a Cadillac Optiq. This recall is a software fix, not a reason to walk away from Cadillac’s cheapest EV. The Cadillac Optiq recall covers 29,347 crossovers from the 2025, 2026, and 2027 model years. It’s all about a power window that won’t stop itself before it pinches something.
GM says every single recalled unit has the defect. That’s a rare 100% hit rate for a recall population. The fix, though, is quick and free. There’s no evidence anyone has actually been hurt by it yet.
What exactly is wrong with the Optiq’s windows?
The problem only shows up when you close the front windows using the express-up function on your key fob. In that scenario, the anti-pinch sensor may fail to detect an object during the final stretch of travel. The glass keeps rising instead of reversing.
GM’s own testing nailed down the window. The defect only affects the final 13 millimeters, or about half an inch, of upward travel. That’s a tiny margin of risk. But federal safety standard FMVSS 118 doesn’t allow any margin for error here. Power windows have to stop and reverse before exerting more than 100 newtons of force on anything in the way. That could be a stuffed animal, a hand, or a kid leaning out to say goodbye.
How did GM figure this out, and is anyone getting hurt?
GM only found the flaw because a dealership quality manager flagged odd window behavior. It got escalated through an internal safety program. No crashes, injuries, or even customer complaints have been tied to the issue. GM caught it before a real-world incident happened.
A GM supplier, Kwangjin America, had calibrated the anti-pinch sensor’s upper travel range too conservatively. That meant it stopped “watching” for obstructions before the window was fully closed. GM’s closure hardware team tested five vehicles using the federal test procedure. Four of them failed to consistently stop and reverse when the test rod’s angle was varied. That’s what triggered the recall.
Which model years and trims are affected?
This recall spans three model years of production. It covers vehicles built from July 2024 through September 2026, right up until GM corrected the calibration on the assembly line. Here’s how the numbers break down by model year:
| Model Year | Vehicles Recalled |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 12,558 |
| 2026 | 10,201 |
| 2027 | 6,588 |
| Total | 29,347 |
GM fixed the calibration on the production line as of September 22, 2026. Any Optiq built after that date should roll off the line defect-free. Recall VINs became searchable on NHTSA’s site on September 24. Dealers are expected to start direct owner notifications by November 9, 2026.
What’s the fix, and does it cost anything?
Nothing. This is as painless as recalls get. GM will push a software update to the vehicle’s body control module that recalibrates the window closure logic. Many owners will get it automatically over the air, without ever visiting a dealer.
If your vehicle doesn’t support wireless updates, a dealer will install it for free. It takes a matter of minutes. There’s no parts replacement, no multi-week wait for components, and no out-of-pocket cost to the owner.
Is this the Optiq’s first recall?
No, and that’s worth knowing before you sign on the dotted line. This is actually the Optiq’s third recall since it launched. An earlier campaign covered Continental tires prone to tread separation on 21-inch wheels. Another fixed a software glitch that kept some owners from downloading their electronic owner’s manual.
Three recalls in roughly a year isn’t a great look for a brand-new model. But it’s also not unusual for GM’s EV lineup lately. We’ve already covered how GM’s battery fire recall hit the Escalade IQ and Silverado EV. A separate rearview camera recall affected 306,000 GM SUVs. None of these have been catastrophic. But they do suggest GM’s quality control on new EV platforms still has some kinks to work out.
Should you still buy a Cadillac Optiq?
I’d still buy one. The Optiq is one of the more compelling values in the luxury EV space. It starts around $50,900, with up to 317 miles of EPA-estimated range. You also get standard Super Cruise hands-free driving and a genuinely upscale interior for the price.
A software-only recall with zero reported injuries is about as low-risk as it gets. GM caught it proactively, before it became a real-world problem. Compare that to something like the Jeep 4xe’s fire-related recall, which involves an actual combustion risk. The Optiq’s window glitch looks almost trivial by comparison.
If you’re cross-shopping, Cadillac also walked back EV plans for the gas-powered XT5. That tells you the brand is leaning harder into the Optiq as its volume EV play. For shoppers considering a used EV instead of new, our used EV buying guide walks through how to vet battery health and recall history before you buy.
FAQ
Do I need to stop using my Optiq’s key fob to close the windows?
No. GM hasn’t issued a drive-safe-only warning, and there have been zero reported injuries. You can keep using the express-up feature while you wait for the software update. It’s smart to watch the window as it closes in the meantime.
How do I check if my Optiq is part of the recall?
Enter your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov’s recall lookup tool. You can also check directly with your Cadillac dealer. VINs for this campaign became searchable in the system on September 24, 2026.
Will this recall affect Optiq resale value?
Probably not much. Software recalls with free, fast fixes and no injury history rarely move the needle on used-car pricing the way battery or fire recalls do.
Does the Chevy Equinox EV have the same window problem?
Based on current NHTSA filings, this particular recall is limited to the Cadillac Optiq. The Equinox EV shares the Optiq’s BEV3 platform. It was caught up in last year’s separate tire recall, but it isn’t listed in this window-related campaign.