GM Recalls Thousands of Electric Vehicles Over Tire Detachment Risk

General Motors, LLC is recalling a significant number of its 2025-2026 model year Cadillac Optiq and Chevrolet Equinox EV vehicles due to a potential defect in the tires that could lead to tread detachment. This action, detailed in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, affects approximately 22,914 vehicles. The defect stems from tires manufactured by Continental Tire the Americas, LLC, which may experience partial or full tread detachment.

The recalled vehicles are specifically those equipped with certain 21-inch all-season tires, identified by RPO code QLT, that were manufactured during the week of October 6, 2024. According to Continental, these tires were produced with a nonconforming tread base rubber compound that compromises adhesion. The safety risk associated with this defect is an increased likelihood of a crash. Owners of affected vehicles may notice warning signs such as localized tread wear, excessive vibration, unusual noise, or bulging in the tire’s tread area.

The affected vehicles include the 2026 Cadillac Optiq, with 214 potentially involved units produced between June 9, 2025, and September 18, 2025. Additionally, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV has 17,400 potentially involved units manufactured from October 18, 2024, to August 12, 2025. Further, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV has 1,832 potentially involved units produced between April 9, 2025, and September 18, 2025. Finally, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq has 3,468 potentially involved units manufactured from October 18, 2024, to August 20, 2025. Vehicles equipped with other tire options or manufactured outside these specific production windows are not included in this recall.

General Motors became aware of the issue when a GM brand quality manager reported a field incident of tread debonding on a 2025 Cadillac Optiq tire on August 25, 2025. This tire was sent to Continental for examination. A second tire with a similar tread base appearance from a Canadian vehicle was sent to Continental in September 2025. Continental’s subsequent analysis revealed that an inadequate sulfur level in the tread base compound prevented proper adhesion in tires produced during the week of October 6, 2024. On October 8, 2025, Continental informed GM of its tire safety recall, which encompasses tires provided as original equipment on certain GM vehicles. While GM has identified one related warranty claim from July 31, 2025, the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to this condition. Following these findings, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority determined that a safety recall was necessary.

The remedy for this recall involves dealers inspecting all four tires on affected vehicles and replacing any tires manufactured during the suspect DOT week 4024. Replacement tires will be from production runs outside of Continental’s identified suspect manufacturing window. General Motors has already implemented containment measures at its assembly plants, confirming no suspect tires were in stock as of September 18, 2025. Owners of affected vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles and to park them outside.

Owners will be notified by mail starting December 1, 2025, and will receive instructions on how to seek reimbursement from Continental if they have already replaced an affected tire. The VINs of affected vehicles will be searchable on October 16, 2025. This vehicle recall is being conducted in conjunction with Continental tire recall 25T017.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from General Motors, LLC.

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