Key Points
- BYD is recalling nearly 97,000 Dolphin and Yuan Plus EVs due to a fire risk from a steering control unit defect.
- The affected vehicles were produced between November 2022 and December 2023.
- Dolphin and Yuan Plus were among BYD’s top-selling models, accounting for 26% of total sales in 2023.
- This recall is a rare event for BYD, with only one prior recall of Tang plug-in hybrids in 2022 due to a battery defect.
Chinese automaker BYD has announced a recall of nearly 97,000 electric vehicles (EVs) due to a manufacturing defect in the steering control unit that could potentially lead to fire hazards. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced on Sunday that the issue affects two of BYD’s most popular EV models, the Dolphin and Yuan Plus, manufactured between November 2022 and December 2023.
The recall, which involves addressing fire risk concerns related to the steering control unit, will require BYD to ask its dealers to install a physical fix in the affected vehicles. Details regarding the specific technical nature of the fix were not provided, and it remains unclear whether any of the impacted EVs were exported to international markets.
BYD has not yet responded to requests for further comment on the recall. However, the company has committed to working with dealerships to implement the necessary repairs to mitigate the fire risks associated with the defect.
The Dolphin and Yuan Plus are two of BYD’s best-selling models, accounting for 26% of the company’s total sales in 2023. During this period, BYD sold an impressive 3 million vehicles, making it the world’s largest electric and plug-in hybrid car seller. These models have been pivotal in BYD’s meteoric rise within the EV industry, solidifying its position as a key player in the global transition to electric mobility.
While BYD has achieved rapid growth and widespread success, recalls are rare for the automaker, particularly in its pure electric and plug-in hybrid categories. The company has maintained a solid reputation for reliability and safety, with only a small recall of Tang plug-in hybrids in 2022 due to a battery pack defect that posed fire risks.
This latest recall represents a critical challenge for BYD as it continues its ambitious growth trajectory. Ensuring the safety of its vehicles and maintaining consumer trust will be essential as the company navigates this situation. The recall is also a reminder of the increasing scrutiny on EV safety and the need for manufacturers to enhance their vehicles’ safety features continually.
