BYD quality concerns grow: recall of 115,000 electric cars

BYD, the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, faces growing concerns about the quality of its vehicles after announcing the recall of more than 115,000 units in its home market due to technical defects.

The measure affects both hybrid and fully electric models and comes amid investigations by the State Administration for Market Regulation.

The first recall involves approximately 44,000 units of the Tang hybrid series, produced between March 2015 and July 2017.

A defect in the design of a component or drive motor controller could cause a circuit board to burn out and, in extreme cases, power loss.

The second recall affects approximately 70,000 Yuan Pro electric crossovers manufactured between February 2021 and August 2022.

Here, a flaw in the battery's waterproof design could reduce the vehicle's power. BYD plans to solve the problem by applying a sealant to the battery casing to ensure safe operation.

These problems add to concerns about the safety of electric vehicles in China, heightened by fatal accidents involving competing models.

The company, which is seeking to consolidate its position as a global brand beyond its competitive domestic prices, has seen its position in the local market erode. In September, it recorded its first monthly sales decline in 18 months and lost its title as the best-selling brand in China.

In addition, BYD lowered its 2025 sales target from 5.5 million to 4.6 million units due to challenging market conditions.

The series of recalls highlights the challenges of balancing rapid expansion, low costs, and quality control as BYD tries to maintain its reputation and trust among electric vehicle consumers.