Key Takeaways
- BYD recalls 115,000 EVs in China over critical component defects
- Two separate recalls affect Tang hybrid and Yuan Pro electric models
- Issues include faulty motor controllers and battery waterproofing flaws
- Recalls come amid BYD’s first sales decline in 18 months
BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, is recalling over 115,000 vehicles in China due to technical defects in both hybrid and pure-electric models. The recalls announced by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation follow official investigations into vehicle components.
Recall Details: Affected Models and Issues
The first recall impacts approximately 44,000 units of the earlier Tang hybrid series manufactured between March 2015 and July 2017. These vehicles contain a faulty drive motor controller that could cause circuit board overheating and, in severe cases, complete power failure.
The second and larger recall involves around 70,000 Yuan Pro electric crossovers produced between February 2021 and August 2022. These models have a battery waterproofing flaw that may reduce power output. BYD plans to address this issue by applying sealant to the battery housing.
Timing and Market Context
The recalls arrive at a critical juncture for Shenzhen-based BYD, which is aggressively expanding internationally while facing intense price competition domestically. Industry analysts suggest that pressure to reduce costs in China’s escalating EV price war might be contributing to quality control shortcomings, drawing regulatory attention.
Although vehicle recalls are routine in the automotive industry, these particular defects involve essential components—drive systems and batteries—potentially raising consumer concerns about electric vehicle safety standards.
Broader Industry Implications
Chinese regulators are currently developing stricter safety regulations, including requirements for door handle mechanisms, following fatal incidents associated with hidden designs popularized by Tesla.
The recall announcement follows BYD’s recent domestic sales slump. In September, the automaker experienced its first monthly sales decline in 18 months and lost its position as China’s top-selling brand. Facing challenging market conditions, BYD has revised its 2025 sales target downward from 5.5 million units to 4.6 million.
