Cadillac Recalls Vistiq SUVs for Third-Row Seat Defect

Another major auto manufacturer is calling back large sport utility vehicles over a seat defect that poses serious safety risks for small children.

General Motors is recalling more than 14,000 Cadillac Vistiq electric SUVs, the company recently told federal regulators. The vehicles’ power-folding third-row seatbacks could fold down on and trap children or smaller passengers, according to the company.

The move comes months after the death of a two-year-old girl in Cleveland prompted Hyundai to recall some 70,000 new Palisade SUVs. A Palisade power seat reportedly collapsed and trapped the girl. 

The new Vistiq recall covers 2026 models, as well as a small number of early-production 2027 SUVs, GM said in a recall notice. The company tested the SUVs' seatbacks in response to the Hyundai recall. 

“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 adjacent to the seat,” the automaker said. “The seatback stops and does not automatically reverse if it encounters an obstruction in the seat.”

GM plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles via mail by August 3. The problem is that the automaker is not yet ready to fix those cars. GM said it is waiting on replacement parts in order to swap out the folding seat module with a version that automatically returns the seatback toward upright if it meets enough resistance to halt the fold 

In the meantime, the automaker said Vistiq drivers can bring their SUVs to authorized service providers to have the power-folding feature disabled. 

How the California Lemon Law Works

The sad truth is that these kinds of safety recalls happen all the time. In this case, it took a child’s tragic death to get Hyundai and General Motors to address the problem.

There is some good news for car owners and lessors in California. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get defective and malfunctioning vehicles fixed.

The California lemon law requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also forces auto manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some cases) covered vehicles that they are not able to repair or simply refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is important to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney, who will help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.