Imagine you drop off your new EV for a braking issue. Then you get a text: Your aftermarket dashcam is illegal and Cadillac needs you to take it off immediately. You think A dascham? This actually happened to at least one Lyriq owner, and it highlights a major knowledge gap on EV technology.

Reddit user Inevitable-Fuel-1026 explains, “my Lyriq was in for service due to parking break notification and ABS warnings. Dash cam was installed a year ago and just got my first service warning a week ago.” While the Redditor waited for their EV to be finished, they received the following text.

“Good morning ____. This is ____ from ____ GM. I will be your service advisor while your Lyriq is with us. The shop foreman has noticed there is a dash camera installed in your vehicle. He is asking when did you have this installed and who did it? In the owners manual, it says to not install dash cameras in an EV. It could rave havoc on the electrical system and void all warranties. Basically the camera could corrupt the electrical system making your vehicle act funny. Please let me know when you had the camera installed and who installed it. Thank you.”

The Lyriq’s dashcam might actually void GM’s warranty

Here’s the kicker. The service advisor is technically correct. But probably still has no clue what they’re talking about. Chevy’s 2025 warranty booklet warns the warranty may be voided for “alteration, modification, or tampering to the vehicle, including, but not limited to the body, chassis, driveline, software, or other components after final assembly.” It specifically wants about “third-party externally connected electrical products.”

GM Authority dug into the Lyriq’s unique owner’s manual. It warns, “A device connected to the Data Link Connector (DLC) – such as an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior tracking device – may interfere with vehicle systems.”

This all begs the question: is Inevitable-Fuel-1026’s dashcam wired into the car or just a standalone unit with its own storage car that’s suction-cupped to the windshield? If it’s the latter, and not connected to the DLC, it would be hard for GM to argue it voids the warranty.

The knowledge-gap getting EVs dealer serviced

There’s a common myth that EVs have finicky electronic systems. It’s leads to absurd ideas, such as a camera that “could rave havoc on the electrical system and void all warranties.” The truth is that drive-by-wire ICE vehicles are no more secure than EVs. But the knowledge-gap persists.

This story highlights how badly we need EV-specific training for dealership shop foremen and service advisors. MotorBiscuit has reached out to Inevitable-Fuel-1026 for comment. You can see the original Reddit post embedded below:

Dash Cams not allowed in Lyriq?
byu/Inevitable-Fuel-1026 inCadillacLyriq