BYD recalls nearly 97,000 Dolphin and Yuan Plus EVs in China over fire risk concerns

BYD, one of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, is recalling nearly 97,000 of its electric vehicles (EVs) due to a manufacturing defect that poses potential fire hazards.

The recall, announced by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on Sunday, affects BYD’s popular Dolphin and Yuan Plus models.

These cars were manufactured between November 2022 and December 2023.

Popular models Dolphin and Yuan Plus impacted

The recall covers two of BYD’s best-selling models, the Dolphin and Yuan Plus, which together made up 26% of BYD’s 3 million vehicle sales in 2023, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

The issue stems from a fault in the steering control unit, which could lead to fire risks if left unresolved.

BYD has informed its dealers to implement a physical fix to address the problem in all affected vehicles.

Although BYD has not yet commented on the recall, SAMR’s announcement outlined the details of the issue.

It remains unclear whether any of the impacted vehicles were exported, as the statement focused primarily on cars produced in China.

Rare recall for rapidly growing BYD

Recalls have been a rare occurrence for BYD, a company that has grown swiftly to become the world’s largest seller of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The company previously recalled a small batch of Tang plug-in hybrids in 2022 due to a battery defect that also posed a fire risk.

However, large-scale recalls have been uncommon for the automaker.

Both the Dolphin and Yuan Plus models have been crucial to BYD’s rise in the global EV market, and any interruptions to their sales could affect the company’s growth trajectory.

As competition in the EV sector heats up, manufacturers like BYD are under increasing pressure to improve vehicle safety features and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Potential impact on BYD's sales and reputation

Though the recall may affect BYD’s sales figures in the short term, the company’s swift action and transparency in handling the issue could help maintain its reputation in the long run.

With safety being a top concern for both consumers and regulators, how BYD addresses this recall will be closely watched by the industry.

As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, BYD must balance its rapid expansion with the need to ensure vehicle safety and reliability.

The recall of nearly 97,000 Dolphin and Yuan Plus models underscores the complexities that even top EV manufacturers face in maintaining quality control.