BYD recalls over 115,000 vehicles amid safety concerns

Story Highlight

– BYD recalls 115,000 cars for safety concerns.
– Defects could cause circuit board issues and battery faults.
– Ongoing scrutiny as competition and regulations tighten.
– Affected models include Tang hybrids and Yuan Pro EVs.
– Recall emphasizes importance of safety and quality control.

Full Story

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has recently announced a significant recall affecting over 115,000 vehicles due to potential safety issues. This initiative is a notable event for the company, which is currently the largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in the world, amidst the highly competitive landscape of the domestic market.

The recall, as outlined by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), impacts both hybrid and fully electric models that were produced between 2015 and 2022. The regulator stated that the identified problems are linked to design and manufacturing flaws in critical components, which could potentially compromise the performance and safety of the vehicles under specific circumstances.

The specifics of the recall indicate that 44,535 units of the Tang hybrid SUVs, manufactured between 28 March 2015 and 28 July 2017, are being recalled due to design-related defects that could, in certain extreme situations, lead to circuit board burnout. In addition, the Yuan Pro electric vehicles, of which there are 71,248 concerning units made between 6 February 2021 and 5 August 2022, are also part of the recall. These vehicles reportedly contain manufacturing defects that may diminish battery output, with possible implications for power loss or overall performance deterioration over time.

BYD has stated that it will reach out to affected vehicle owners directly to arrange complimentary inspections and necessary repairs. Although the company has yet to issue a public statement about the recall, updates are expected to be released through its official communication channels in the near future.

This recall signifies a notable setback for BYD, a company that has generally managed to evade major safety-related concerns while scaling its production capabilities globally. In late 2023, BYD surpassed Tesla as the leading EV brand worldwide and has continued to expand aggressively into various international markets including Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Industry experts suggest that although this recall may be relatively minor when viewed against BYD’s overall sales numbers, it highlights the increasing scrutiny Chinese automakers are facing as competition becomes more intense, alongside a growing public emphasis on safety and quality. Just-Auto reported that while the recall predominantly affects vehicles sold domestically, a limited number of Tang hybrids have also been exported to regions such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Li Yifei, an automotive analyst based in Shanghai, remarked on the situation, stating, “This recall comes at a time when China’s EV industry is facing heightened regulatory oversight and a slowdown in sales growth. The government is keen to ensure safety and reliability, particularly following several incidents involving battery fires and software issues with competing brands.”

The EV market in China has entered a rigorous price war phase, especially throughout 2024 and 2025, largely catalysed by aggressive pricing strategies from Tesla. This trend has prompted responses from other brands such as Nio, XPeng, and even BYD. Regulators have stepped in to discourage damaging price cuts and misleading marketing around autonomous driving features, which have attracted criticism for potentially misleading consumers.

This recall could act as a wake-up call for the entire sector, according to Raymond Chiu, an automotive consultant. He stated, “It’s not just about who can produce the cheapest or most high-tech car. Long-term credibility will depend on safety, quality control, and after-sales support.” The timing of the recall poses an additional challenge for BYD, which is aiming to establish its reputation as a formidable player on the global stage. The company has recently inaugurated manufacturing facilities in Thailand and Hungary and is set to introduce its first European-made EVs in the following year.

From the perspective of consumers in China, this recall underscores the crucial nature of post-sale service and the demand for transparency in the evolving EV marketplace. Despite BYD’s standing as one of the most trusted brands in the country, owners have taken to social media platforms to express their concerns over recurring technical issues within certain models.

One Weibo user commented: “I still love BYD, but they need to fix these issues fast. Safety must come first.” Another user expressed support for the government’s regulatory measures, stating, “It’s good that the government is strict. It makes all brands improve their quality.”

The regulatory environment also appears to be shifting towards a more active stance. SAMR has indicated its intention to continue monitoring vehicle safety throughout the nation to ensure manufacturers uphold their responsibilities regarding the entire lifecycle of their products.

Looking ahead, analysts remain optimistic about BYD’s market fundamentals despite this incident. The company maintains a strong foothold in the Chinese EV landscape, bolstered by its vertically integrated supply chains for batteries and semiconductors. Li Yifei concluded, “This recall won’t derail BYD’s momentum. However, it serves as a reminder that as Chinese EVs expand globally, ensuring quality will be as critical as driving innovation.”

Key Takeaways

– BYD recalls over 115,000 vehicles (44,535 Tang hybrids, 71,248 Yuan Pro EVs) due to circuit and battery faults.
– Defects may cause circuit board burnout and reduced battery output, affecting vehicle safety and performance.
– Recall primarily impacts models manufactured between 2015-2022, mainly sold in China.
– BYD is under scrutiny for quality as it expands globally, having recently overtaken Tesla as the top EV seller.
– Increased regulatory oversight in China’s EV market highlights the need for improved safety and post-sale services amid fierce competition.