Last updated: 2026-07-26
Cadillac Lyriq vs Tesla Model Y: Reliability Compared
Cadillac Lyriq
Tesla Model Y
Choosing between the Cadillac Lyriq and the Tesla Model Y? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Cadillac Lyriq currently leads with an average score of 68/100 compared to 55/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Cadillac Lyriq and Tesla Model Y Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Cadillac Lyriq is more reliable than the Tesla Model Y, scoring 68/100 vs 55/100.
The Cadillac Lyriq outperforms the Tesla Model Y in reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 68/100 compared to Tesla's 55/100. The Lyriq also has fewer recalls, with only 16 over three years versus the Model Y's 83 across six years. While both models have similar owner complaint rates per 10,000 sold, the Lyriq's fewer recalls and higher reliability score make it the more dependable choice. Key differentiators include the Lyriq's better handling of electrical system issues and fewer problems with forward collision avoidance.
Key Differences
- 1Cadillac Lyriq has 67 fewer total recalls
- 2Cadillac Lyriq scores 13 points higher in reliability
- 3Cadillac Lyriq has 1.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Cadillac Lyriq vs Tesla Model Y: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Cadillac Lyriq | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 68/100 | 55/100 |
| Years Tracked | 3 | 6 |
| Total Recalls | 16 | 83 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 22.9 | 24.3 |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2025 NHTSA | 2025 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 3 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Cadillac Lyriq and Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y exhibits a higher number of complaints overall, with significant issues in forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, both of which have a notable number of crash-linked incidents at 41 and 49 respectively. Additionally, the Model Y has substantial electrical system and steering complaints, each with over 50 crash-linked reports. In contrast, the Cadillac Lyriq, while having fewer total complaints, shows a concerning proportion of service brake issues with 10 of its 19 complaints being crash-linked. Both models show vulnerabilities in safety-critical systems, but the Model Y's issues are more widespread and severe in terms of crash linkage, particularly in its forward collision avoidance and steering systems.
| Component | Cadillac Lyriq | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6.1Average | 2.4Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1.9Low | 6.3Average |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3Low | 1.9Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4.2Average | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.6Low | 2.3Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.5Very Low | 3.1Average |
| STEERING | 0.5Very Low | 2.4Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1.8Low | 0.2Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.1Low | 0.4Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.9Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 0.6Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.3Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Cadillac Lyriq vs Tesla Model Y Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Cadillac Lyriq | Tesla Model Y | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/1003R / 13C | 70/1002R / 69C | Cadillac Lyriq |
| 2024 | 64/1006R / 106C | 63/1005R / 254C | Cadillac Lyriq |
| 2023 | 67/1007R / 24C | 53/10015R / 997C | Cadillac Lyriq |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq scored 73/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Cadillac Lyriq vs the Tesla Model Y?
Cadillac Lyriq vs Tesla Model Y: Common Questions
- Is the Cadillac Lyriq more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?
- Based on our data, the Cadillac Lyriq is more reliable with an average score of 68/100 compared to 55/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Cadillac Lyriq or the Tesla Model Y?
- The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) compared to the Cadillac Lyriq (16). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Cadillac Lyriq or the Tesla Model Y?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Cadillac Lyriq has a lower complaint rate at 22.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 24.3 for the Tesla Model Y. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Cadillac Lyriq or Tesla Model Y safer?
- Both the Cadillac Lyriq and Tesla Model Y received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Cadillac Lyriq comparisons
Decided between Cadillac Lyriq and Tesla Model Y? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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