General Motors has issued a recall for 29,347 Cadillac Optiq electric SUVs due to a defect in their front window anti-pinch mechanisms. The flaw occurs during the final 0.5 inches of upward travel when using the key fob’s express-up feature, allowing the glass to continue moving even if it encounters an obstruction. This violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 118, which has mandated anti-pinch technology in U.S. vehicles since the early 2000s.
The anti-pinch system is designed to detect increased motor resistance when a window meets resistance, automatically reversing direction to prevent injuries. However, in affected 2025–27 Optiq models, the software fails to engage during the last stage of upward movement, creating a risk of trapping fingers or objects. The recall applies exclusively to key fob operation, as manual controls remain unaffected.
GM has traced the issue to Kwangjin America, the supplier responsible for programming the upper travel limit in the anti-pinch software. The company states that no injuries have been reported, though the defect remains in violation of federal safety regulations. The correction, a software update to the vehicle’s Body Control Module, will be delivered wirelessly to owners enrolled in GM’s update program, eliminating the need for a dealer visit.
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This recall marks the latest in a series of safety refinements for the Optiq. Earlier this year, Cadillac enlarged touch targets on the infotainment display after drivers reported difficulty pressing buttons while operating the vehicle. Despite power windows becoming standard in automobiles as early as the 1940s, modern electric systems continue to reveal design vulnerabilities, particularly in premium vehicles like the Optiq.
Owners will receive a notification from GM with detailed instructions for applying the update.
