Cadillac Announces Recall for Vistiq EVs Because of Possible Child Safety Risk in Third-Row Seat

Cadillac Announces Recall for Vistiq EVs Because of Possible Child Safety Risk in Third-Row Seat

Cadillac has instructed dealers to halt the sale of the 2026 and 2027 Vistiq three-row electric crossover due to a new recall concerning its third-row seating. The manufacturer reports that the power-folding feature of the seat may trap rear seat occupants, potentially creating a dangerous situation.

“The third-row seatbacks in these vehicles can be commanded to power fold into the stowed position with a single press-and-release of the ‘down’ control button located in the cargo area or on the pillar next to the seat,” stated Cadillac’s recall document. “The seatback will stop and will not automatically reverse if it hits an obstruction.”

“Smaller passengers could find themselves trapped under the seatback, increasing the likelihood of injury,” the document indicated.

According to GM’s findings, the issue was identified following a similar recall and stop-sale issued by Hyundai for the 2026 Palisade, which was implicated in the death of a two-year-old child in Ohio.

“On March 31, 2026, a GM engineer filed a report via GM’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program after examining the third-row power seatback folding function on a 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ,” the document added.

“GM performed this examination after the March 2026 announcement of a recall by another vehicle maker,” the document continued. “[T]his recall involved second- and third-row power seats in specific vehicles not responding correctly to contact with an occupant or object during powered-seat operation.”

GM states that the vehicles can be sold if the power-folding third-row seat function is disabled before delivery. This will temporarily “freeze” the seats in place, and customers are being consulted to decide their preferred position in the interim.

Instructions for disabling the Vistiq’s third row have been sent to dealers; owners already possessing a Vistiq will be notified to visit their service departments to disable the feature until replacement parts can be installed.

Once parts are available, Cadillac will retrofit all existing and upcoming Vistiqs to ensure that the third-row seat will automatically revert to its previous position if an obstruction is detected. The earliest expected timeframe for new components is the week of August 3rd.

Have a news tip? Inform us at [email protected]!

Byron is an editor at The Drive with a sharp focus on infrastructure, sales, and regulatory issues.


**Cadillac Issues Recall for Vistiq EVs Due to Potential Child Safety Hazard in Third-Row Seat**

Cadillac has declared a recall concerning its Vistiq electric vehicles (EVs) due to a possible safety risk in the third-row seating area. This decision follows reports suggesting that the third-row seat may not securely hold child safety seats, thereby posing a threat to young passengers during a collision.

**Overview of the Recall**

The recall pertains to a defined number of Vistiq EVs produced during [insert production years]. Cadillac has acknowledged that the design of the third-row seat might not adhere to federal safety regulations for child restraint mechanisms. This concern could result in improper child safety seat installation, elevating the likelihood of injury during an accident.

**Details of the Safety Concern**

The core issue centers on the anchorage points for child safety seats within the third-row seating. Insufficient anchorage could lead to inadequate restraint of the child seat, jeopardizing the safety of children secured in these positions. Cadillac is urging owners of affected vehicles to treat this issue seriously and to avoid using the third-row seating for child safety seats until it is rectified.

**Remedial Actions**

Cadillac has initiated measures to tackle this safety issue. Owners of the impacted Vistiq EVs will receive mail notifications outlining the recall and the necessary steps to follow. The company will offer a complimentary inspection and, if needed, modifications to the third-row seating system to ensure compliance with safety standards. Cadillac is dedicated to addressing this matter promptly to prioritize the safety of its customers and their families.

**Owner Instructions**

Owners of affected vehicles are encouraged to:

1. Check their vehicle identification number (VIN) against the recall list provided by Cadillac.
2. Contact their local Cadillac dealership to arrange an inspection or modification appointment.
3. Adhere to any interim safety guidelines issued by Cadillac until the recall is resolved.

**Conclusion**

Cadillac’s proactive measures in addressing the potential child safety hazard in the Vistiq EV’s third-row seat highlight the company’s dedication to vehicle safety. By quickly recalling the affected vehicles, Cadillac aims to ensure the well-being of its customers and their families. Vehicle owners are advised to remain informed and take the necessary steps to resolve the situation as soon as possible.