BYD Announces Largest Ever Recall Affecting Over 115000 Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
BYD has announced its largest recall to date, impacting over 115,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This significant move follows an investigation by the State Administration for Market Regulation in China.
Details of the Recall
On October 17, 2023, BYD officially filed a recall plan addressing design and battery component defects. The recall includes two distinct actions:
- Tang Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles: 44,535 units produced between March 28, 2015, and July 28, 2017. This recall is due to component design flaws that can lead to malfunctions in the drive motor controller, potentially damaging the circuit board.
- Yuan Pro Electric Vehicles: 71,248 units manufactured from February 6, 2021, to August 5, 2022. This issue arises from insufficient sealing that may allow water intrusion into the battery.
BYD will address the Yuan Pro recall by applying a specialized sealant to enhance the battery housing, free of charge, at authorized dealerships.
Implications for BYD
This recall reflects ongoing challenges for BYD, following a series of recalls in the past, including nearly 100,000 Dolphin and Yuan Plus models in September 2022. In January 2023, the company also recalled 6,843 plug-in hybrid SUVs under its Fang Cheng Bao brand.
Market Context
BYD’s rapid growth has allowed it to surpass Volkswagen, making it the best-selling automaker in China in 2022. However, recent price cuts to fuel growth have instigated a price war, pushing BYD to explore international markets such as Europe and Southeast Asia.
As of the first nine months of 2023, almost nine million battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold in China, confirming its status as the world’s largest EV market. In September, BYD’s monthly sales saw a decrease for the first time since February 2024, amid increasing competition from domestic firms like Geely, Xiaomi, and XPeng.
This record recall underscores the importance of addressing quality and safety issues in electric vehicle production, as BYD navigates intense market dynamics and competition.
