General Motors has been working on releasing fixes to address issues pertaining to braking on select Cadillac Optiq vehicles that occur in specific driving conditions.
The company has not announced a recall but issued a bulletin, identified as Service Update N252528241, for the 2026 Cadillac Optiq, which states that the braking performance of the vehicle could be affected at low speeds.
To solve the issue, GM has released a software update for the Optiq’s brake system control module, meaning a mechanical fix has been ruled out.
The service bulletin for the Optiq, which is slated to remain active through May 31, 2028, arrives after GM revealed a similar issue related to braking performance on the Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Optiq May Lose Braking Power in Low-Speed ABS Braking
According to a report by GM Authority that quotes the bulletin, braking performance on the Optiq may drop during low-speed braking when the ABS engages. This occurs particularly in cases where the Optiq transitions from a smooth surface to one that is rough or uneven.
Drivers may feel that the braking performance is inadequate and inconsistent. The source of the problem lies in the way the brake system control module software interprets and responds to the change in surface conditions.
As a remedy, GM has stated that it is instructing its dealers to reprogram the brake system control module with the updated software so they can assist Cadillac Optiq customers in fixing the issue.
The software update will be launched in a phased manner and will cover new vehicles that are still part of the dealer inventory, as well as existing customers of the 2026 Cadillac Optiq.
Affected Optiq customers can either visit the dealership for a manual software update or opt for an over-the-air (OTA) update if they don’t have time to visit a Cadillac dealership.
This would not take too long, considering that the software “programming and verification” should be done in under 30 minutes, especially since the procedure does not involve a mechanical fix or replacement.
Chevy Equinox EV Receives Similar Update for Issue With Braking
Guessing Headlights reported yesterday that Chevy Equinox EV models produced between 2025 and 2026 have been impacted by a similar issue that affects braking performance under specific conditions.
The service bulletin confirms that users with affected vehicles may experience reduced braking performance during low-speed ABS braking, especially when driving from smooth to rough roads.
GM states that it has ruled out any mechanical defect that causes this problem, linking it to the brake system control module software. Fortunately, Chevy Equinox owners affected by the issue will not have to visit the dealership to have it solved.
GM’s fix aims to recalibrate the brake control module to bring consistency in braking performance. Many owners could receive the updated software through an over-the-air (OTA) update.
Dealers have also been instructed to reprogram the brake system control module with updated software for customers who choose to get the issue fixed at a GM dealership.
GM has asked its dealers to thoroughly check a vehicle’s eligibility using the Global Warranty Management system before performing any work.
Customers could expect to spend less than half an hour to have the software updated on their Chevy Equinox EVs at the dealership, since the fix does not require physical components to be repaired or replaced.
For GM, this fix appears to be cost-effective since the company won’t have to bear additional costs to replace parts, or else it might have been termed a recall.