Car Complaints reports that a new class action lawsuit targeting the Cadillac Lyriq alleges that a serious electrical malfunction has left some owners with the vehicle unable to start, charge, or operate. Filed in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington, the complaint centers on claims that the Lyriq’s complex electronic architecture is prone to failure.
The lawsuit names General Motors as a defendant and argues that errors in the crossover’s software, battery management system and vehicle control network could have triggered a series of communications outages. Because the Lyriq is fully electric, plaintiffs argue that this failure was a critical error that rendered the vehicle unusable.
Plaintiff Wendy J. Cochran described her vehicle as having “severe electrical system failures,” while plaintiff Charlene Riddle alleged “persistent electrical system failures” that made her Cadillac Lyriq “completely unreliable for everyday use.” Riddle further stated that he was told that a software fix was necessary but not available at that time. Both plaintiffs cited damages including “loss of use of the vehicle, diminished value, out-of-pocket costs, and overpayments for defective vehicles.”
Notably, the complaint lacks certain details. It does not identify the model years involved or explain whether the vehicles were purchased or leased. Still, the allegations outline a pattern: vehicles needing towing, longer stays at the dealership, and repeated repair attempts.
The lawsuit also asserts that GM was aware of the electrical problems before launch, but continued sales anyway. The claims, if proven, would raise questions about pre-release validation and internal testing protocols. GM had not publicly responded to the filing at the time of writing.
Cadillac has positioned the Lyriq as a cornerstone of the transition to electrification, emphasizing refinement and advanced technology. The lawsuit challenges that narrative directly, arguing that the vehicles are “worth significantly less” due to unresolved defects.
As with any class action, the burden of proof will determine the direction of the lawsuit. For now, the case introduces another layer of scrutiny into a high-profile electric vehicle program that is still in its early cycles.
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