The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq has accumulated 107 NHTSA complaints including 17 crashes and 2 fires. The 2025, nearly identical in appearance, has 13. Same platform, same basic architecture, two different early ownership records. The later model benefits from ongoing software refinement, but both years use a CCS1 charge port and require an approved adapter at compatible Tesla Superchargers.
Used 2024 Lyriqs start below $28,000. Used 2025 models start around $39,000. That $11,000 gap is the question you need to answer before handing over a deposit.
The First-Generation Lyriq Platform
The Cadillac Lyriq launched for the 2023 model year on GM's BEV3 platform, a skateboard EV architecture shared with the Chevy Blazer EV, Chevy Equinox EV, and GMC Hummer EV. It debuted as Cadillac's first purpose-built battery-electric vehicle, targeting the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX, and Volvo XC90 Recharge.
The generation is ongoing. No second-generation Lyriq has been announced. Three model years are meaningfully available in the used market.
Key dividing lines within the generation:
- 2023: Launch year. Six recalls, instrument panel blank software bug from the factory, rare used supply.
- 2024: Most common used Lyriq. Also the most problematic: 107 NHTSA complaints, hardware recalls on AWD builds specific to this year, two documented fires.
- 2025: Lower complaint count in the mid-2026 snapshot, revised output, and additional standard equipment depending on trim. It retains a CCS1 charge port.
| Powertrain | Years Available | HP / TQ | 0-60 | Range | MPGe Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Motor RWD | 2023-present | 340 HP (2023-24), 365 HP (2025) / 325 lb-ft | 5.7 sec | 314 mi (2023-24), 326 mi (2025) | 88-92 |
| Dual Motor AWD | 2023-present | 500 HP (2023-24), 515 HP (2025) / 450 lb-ft | 4.8 sec | 307 mi (2023-24), 319 mi (2025) | 86-89 |
| Lyriq-V AWD | 2025 only | 615 HP / 650 lb-ft | 3.3 sec | ~300 mi | ~80 |
Battery on all variants: 102 kWh Ultium pack. Home charging: 11.5 kW standard, 19.2 kW optional. DC fast charging: up to approximately 190 kW at public stations. Annual fuel cost (EPA): $800-$900 depending on drivetrain and year.
Year-specific pricing and inventory: /market/cadillac/lyriq/2023, /market/cadillac/lyriq/2024, /market/cadillac/lyriq/2025.
Motors, Charging, and Known Problems
Single Motor RWD
The RWD Lyriq makes 340 horsepower for 2023-2024 and 365 horsepower for 2025 from a single motor on the rear axle. Zero to 60 takes about 5.7 seconds in the earlier configuration. EPA range is 314 miles on 2023 and 2024 models and 326 miles on 2025. Combined efficiency varies by wheels and model year.
The RWD variant avoids both major 2024-specific hardware recalls. The rear drive unit motor wire insulation failure (campaign 24V320000) affects AWD models only. The ABS brake pressure release recall (24V589000) is also AWD only. If you are evaluating a 2024 Lyriq and want to reduce recall exposure, RWD is the structurally lower-risk choice.
Forum consensus on cadillacforums.com consistently describes the RWD powertrain as smooth and predictable. Owners note that the single-motor setup feels lighter on its feet than the heavier AWD configuration.
The tradeoffs are real. Rear-wheel drive in a 4,800-pound SUV with 20-22 inch low-profile tires on snow or ice demands respect. The torque delivery is linear and good on dry pavement but assertive in winter without proper rubber.
RWD owners report the same software and electronics issues as AWD owners. The 33-inch display freezes, OTA updates occasionally fail, Super Cruise drops unexpectedly, and 12V auxiliary battery faults appear without warning. These problems are platform-wide and not drivetrain-dependent.
One consistent owner note: the Lyriq's range estimates on the dashboard can run optimistic by 20-30 miles in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This applies to RWD and AWD equally. Factor it into any road-trip planning.
Dual Motor AWD
The AWD Lyriq pairs a second motor on the front axle for 500 total horsepower in 2023-2024 and 515 horsepower for 2025. The 0-60 time is about 4.8 seconds. EPA range reaches 307 miles for earlier models and up to 319 miles for 2025 with the standard 11.5 kW onboard charger and wheel configuration.
For 2024 AWD models, two recalls require specific verification before purchase:
Rear Drive Unit Wire Insulation (24V320000): The electric motors in the rear drive units may have insufficiently insulated wires that can contact each other, causing loss of drive power. This is not a software problem. It is a hardware defect that can strand you mid-highway. GM's remedy is rear drive unit replacement. Verify this recall is closed on any 2024 AWD Lyriq before buying.
ABS Releasing Brake Pressure (24V589000): The anti-lock brake system may activate unexpectedly and release brake pressure. This recall affects 2023-2024 AWD models. GM addresses it with a software update. Confirm completion via the VIN.
A third recall, stabilizer bar bracket bolts loosening (25V232000), affects all years and both drivetrains. Loose bolts can damage high-voltage cables or battery coolant lines. The remedy is dealer inspection and tightening.
Owners who chose AWD primarily for winter capability report mixed satisfaction with the 2024 model year. The traction improvement is real. The added electrical complexity creates one more system generating fault codes, particularly in early-build 2024 units.
A member of cadillacforums.com documented their 2024 AWD Lyriq spending 47 days in the dealer service bay in the first 12 months of ownership, most of it related to battery and charging system faults. Separate forum threads titled "Do not purchase the Lyriq" and "Our Lyriq nightmare" ran dozens of replies each. This is not every 2024 AWD Lyriq. It is a real pattern, not an outlier, in owner reporting for that model year.
The 2025 AWD is a different situation. Complaint counts dropped by 87 percent year over year. Owners in 2025 AWD threads on cadillacforums.com still mention software quirks, but multi-week dealer visits are far less common in the reporting.
The Lyriq-V Is a 2026 Model
Cadillac introduced the 615-horsepower Lyriq-V as a 2026 model, with production beginning in 2025. It is not a 2025 trim and was not discontinued midway through that model year. Used shoppers comparing 2023-2025 standard Lyriqs should exclude V listings from price and reliability comparisons because the V has different suspension, calibration, output, and market positioning.
Long-term V-specific reliability data is limited because it arrived after the model years covered here. A seller advertising a 2025 Lyriq-V has either entered the year incorrectly or is misrepresenting the vehicle. Verify the VIN and build sheet rather than relying on marketplace trim labels.
The Charging Port Change
Every 2023-2025 Lyriq uses a CCS1 port. A 2025 does not have native NACS. GM-approved CCS-to-NACS DC adapters give compatible Lyriqs access to supported Tesla Superchargers, with charging initiated through the myCadillac app. Adapter availability and price can change, so confirm that the adapter is included with a used vehicle or budget to obtain the current GM-approved part.
The distinction matters because an adapter is another item to carry, authenticate, and replace if lost. It does not make a 2023 or 2024 uniquely disadvantaged against a 2025, however, because all three covered model years use the same connector standard. Buyers who road-trip should test public DC charging before purchase, confirm the myCadillac account can be transferred, and check that any included adapter is the approved part rather than an unsupported third-party unit.
All covered years can accept up to roughly 190 kW under favorable conditions, but a peak figure is not an average. Battery temperature, starting state of charge, charger output, and the vehicle's charging curve determine session time. A pre-purchase test should begin below 30 percent state of charge at a known-working high-output charger; starting near 70 percent tells you little about peak performance.
Home-charging equipment needs its own verification. Most Lyriqs have an 11.5 kW onboard AC module, while certain configurations offered 19.2 kW capability. The higher rate requires compatible vehicle equipment, a capable wall unit, and a much larger electrical circuit; plugging a 19.2 kW-capable car into a smaller station does not make the station faster. Ask for the original build sheet, confirm the portable cord is present, and photograph any wall-unit label before assuming the seller's advertised rate is available at your home.
Battery health cannot be judged from the dashboard range estimate alone. Recent speed, weather, climate use, wheel size, and driving style all change that number. Compare energy consumption over a repeatable route, check for stored high-voltage and charging codes, inspect the underbody battery shield, and have a Cadillac EV technician review the diagnostic history when the car has repeated charging warnings.
Trim Levels
The Lyriq's lineup evolved between 2023 and 2025. Here is the practical breakdown for used buyers.
Tech trim (2024 only, discontinued for 2025): The entry-level model added for 2024 and removed for 2025. Synthetic leather, fixed glass roof, the 33-inch display, heated front seats, RWD only. Used examples sell in the $27,000-$44,000 range. This is the cheapest entry into a Lyriq. The Tech trim removes luxury features but retains all of Cadillac's electronics and platform issues intact. A cheaper trim does not buy you a more reliable car.
Luxury vs. Sport styling: These are not separate performance configurations. Sport means blacked-out exterior trim, black chrome, unique grille. Luxury means chrome exterior trim. The drivetrain, battery, and electronics are identical within each number tier. Choose based on appearance preference.
Tier 1, 2, and 3 within each styling theme:
- Tier 1: Heated front seats, 33-inch display, ambient lighting, wireless charging.
- Tier 2: Adds AKG 19-speaker audio, ventilated and massaging front seats, Super Cruise. On 2023-2024 models, this is the lowest trim with Super Cruise. On 2025, Super Cruise is standard everywhere, making this tier distinction less relevant.
- Tier 3: Adds 22-inch wheels, tri-zone climate, heated rear outboard seats, power-folding second-row seats.
Sweet spot for used buyers: A 2025 Sport 2 or Luxury 2 in AWD. It gets Super Cruise, the 19-speaker AKG system, ventilated seats, and AWD traction without the premium pricing of Signature or top-tier trims. Factory MSRP was $68,000-$72,000; used examples trade around $45,000-$55,000.
Super Cruise caveat: On 2023-2024 models, Super Cruise has documented reliability issues beyond the recall and complaint data. A windshield replacement requires sensor recalibration; without it, Super Cruise goes gray and unavailable. Several owners report it remaining unavailable for months after a windshield replacement, requiring dealer visits. Some 2024 owners describe Super Cruise dropping out after OTA updates and not returning without a hard reset. If Super Cruise is a primary reason you are buying a Lyriq, verify it is functional before signing.
Which Year Should You Buy?
| Year | Recalls | NHTSA Complaints | Used Listings | Key Notes | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 24 | ~42 | Launch year, low supply, battery weld recall (5 vehicles) | Skip |
| 2024 | 6 | 107 (17 crashes, 2 fires) | 1,080+ | AWD hardware recalls; most documented complaints | Caution: RWD only |
| 2025 | 3 | 13 (2 crashes, 1 fire) | 328+ | Higher output and range; Super Cruise standard | Target |
Skip the 2023: Fewer than 50 known used examples in circulation. Six recalls at launch. First-year build quality reflects a production line learning to build a new EV. The limited used supply also reduces your negotiating position.
Exercise caution with the 2024: This is the most common used Lyriq, which makes it attractive on price and availability. The 107 NHTSA complaint count with 17 crashes and 2 fires is a signal worth respecting. If you decide to buy a 2024, RWD is the substantially lower-risk configuration: it avoids both AWD-specific hardware recalls. Verify all open recalls are closed on any 2024 before proceeding. A clean-CarFax, recently serviced 2024 RWD with closed recalls is a reasonable buy. A 2024 AWD with open recalls is not.
Target the 2025: Thirteen NHTSA complaints in the snapshot used for this guide and three listed campaigns. It retains CCS1 but adds higher output, longer EPA range in key configurations, and standard Super Cruise. Used 2025 Lyriqs start around $39,000 in the market snapshot, representing substantial depreciation from original MSRP. Verify current complaint and recall status by VIN because those counts continue to change.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Before the Test Drive
- Run the VIN through a recall lookup. For any 2024 AWD Lyriq, confirm both 24V320000 (rear drive unit) and 24V589000 (ABS pressure release) are closed. For any year, confirm 25V232000 (stabilizer bar bolts) is complete. For 2023-2024, confirm 25V356000 (driver display) is resolved.
- Ask for all dealer service records. Flag any car with a service gap of 15,000 or more miles on an EV with known electrical issues.
- Ask whether the 12V auxiliary battery has been replaced. A recent 12V replacement is not disqualifying, but it suggests the car experienced the 12V fault alert that multiple owners report as leaving the car immovable at startup.
- On any 2024 model: ask directly whether the car has had any display replacements, charging port work, or battery module repairs under warranty.
During the Test Drive
- Start cold and wait 60 seconds before moving. The 12V battery fault appears at startup before any driving. Any fault message at cold start is a red flag.
- Within the first two minutes of driving, tap through several screens on the 33-inch display. A freeze or lag requiring a spontaneous reboot during a test drive is a signal to walk away.
- At highway speeds: listen for wind noise around the A-pillar and door seals. Owners on cadillacforums.com consistently describe a wind tunnel effect louder than acceptable radio volume. Dealers have acknowledged the issue but have not resolved it across the fleet. Decide how much you care before you buy.
- Test Super Cruise on a mapped highway if available. It should engage smoothly and hold lanes without phantom collision warnings. A grayed-out Super Cruise button means either a sensor calibration issue or a more significant software fault.
- If at a dealership with Level 2 charging: plug in and confirm the session starts within 90 seconds and the charge port indicator goes solid. A rejected session at a working charger indicates charging system faults.
- At low speed in a parking lot: confirm the car does not apply emergency braking without input. Phantom auto-braking has been reported by owners on cadillacforums.com and is documented in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 model year.
After the Drive
- Request a battery state-of-health (SOH) reading from the dealer. Any certified pre-owned Lyriq should provide this. Target SOH above 95 percent for a car under 30,000 miles.
- On a 2024 model: ask whether the car came with GM's official NACS DC adapter. It retails for $225 and some sellers include it. Know what you are and are not getting.
- For AWD models: check for even tire wear front to rear. Heavy EVs and high-torque launches wear tires faster than gas SUVs. Uneven wear from missed rotations is expensive on 20-22 inch premium rubber.
Running Costs
The Lyriq has no oil changes, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Routine maintenance costs are significantly lower than a comparable gas luxury SUV.
| Item | Interval | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tire rotation | Every 7,500 miles | $35-60 |
| Cabin air filter | Every 22,500 miles or 2 years | $40-80 |
| Brake fluid flush | Every 5 years | $100-150 |
| Battery coolant | Every 150,000 miles per GM spec | $200-300 |
| Full tire replacement (20-22 in.) | Typically 40,000-60,000 miles | $800-1,600 installed |
Annual electricity cost per EPA estimates:
- 2023-2024 (RWD or AWD): $850/year at national average electricity rates
- 2025 RWD: $800/year (92 MPGe combined, improved efficiency)
- 2025 AWD with 19.2 kW charging: $900/year
These figures assume 15,000 miles annually at $0.16/kWh. Public DC fast charging typically costs two to four times more per mile than home Level 2. If you plan to use public DCFC as your primary charging method, annual electricity costs will be significantly higher.
Battery warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles against covered defects. Remaining coverage depends on the original in-service date and mileage, so verify it by VIN rather than estimating it from model year alone.
Out-of-warranty repair context: If a 2024 AWD rear drive unit fails outside the 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and the 24V320000 recall was already completed, out-of-pocket repair starts at $3,500 to $6,000 at an EV-specialist independent shop. Factor remaining warranty years into any price negotiation.
FAQ
Is the Cadillac Lyriq reliable? Reliability varies significantly by year. The 2024 has accumulated 107 NHTSA complaints including hardware recalls on AWD models. The 2025 has 13 complaints and a substantially cleaner recall history. On balance, the Lyriq rates below average compared to a Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5. The 2025 is acceptable; the 2024 AWD is genuinely risky.
Which year Cadillac Lyriq is best to buy used? The 2025 is the best target when the price premium fits your budget. It has the fewest NHTSA complaints in this mid-2026 snapshot and benefits from another year of software refinement. It still uses CCS1 and needs a compatible GM-approved adapter at supported Tesla Superchargers. Used 2025 models start around $39,000, so compare the premium with a recall-complete 2024 rather than assuming the newer badge settles the decision.
What are the biggest problems with the Cadillac Lyriq? Software is the most common issue across all years: frozen 33-inch displays, failed over-the-air updates, and Super Cruise losing function after windshield replacements or software pushes. On 2024 AWD models specifically, the rear motor wire insulation recall (24V320000) and ABS recall (24V589000) are hardware concerns requiring dealer completion before use. Some 2024 owners document repeated dealer visits totaling weeks out of service in the first year.
How long does the Cadillac Lyriq battery last? GM covers the Ultium battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles against defects and significant capacity loss. Early data through mid-2026 shows most Lyriqs retaining over 95 percent battery capacity through 30,000 miles. Long-term degradation data past 5 years does not yet exist for this model. Avoiding regular DC fast charging and keeping the battery between 20 and 80 percent state of charge are the most effective ways to slow degradation.
Does the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq work with Tesla Superchargers? Yes, at supported stations with a compatible GM-approved NACS DC adapter. The adapter connects the Lyriq's CCS1 inlet to Tesla's NACS plug, and the session is managed through GM's supported charging workflow. Adapter pricing and eligibility can change, so confirm the current requirements in the myCadillac app before relying on Supercharger access.
The Bottom Line
The Lyriq is a compelling luxury EV with a first-generation reliability story. The 2024 is cheap for documented reasons. The 2025 has the cleaner early complaint record, but it still requires the same careful software, charging, and recall checks.
Target a 2025 Luxury 2 or Sport 2 AWD. Verify all recalls are closed before the test drive. Bring it to an EV-experienced shop for a battery state-of-health reading. Set a daily charge limit at 80 percent. Negotiate against the aggressive depreciation curve.
Run every VIN through a recall check before sitting down to negotiate. CarScout members can track price drops on specific Lyriq trims and model years, with membership starting at $5/week.
Sources: Cadillac 2023-2025 Lyriq specifications and charging documentation; GM's 2026 Lyriq-V announcement; NHTSA recalls and complaint database; EPA fuel economy records; cadillacforums.com owner reports.