BYD, the dominant Chinese automotive manufacturer and a recognized global leader in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, has recently initiated one of its most extensive service campaigns to date. This mandatory recall impacts a staggering total of more than 115,000 units of its popular Tang and Yuan Pro models, all of which were sold exclusively within the highly competitive domestic Chinese market. This significant action was not voluntary but was mandated by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China following the identification of crucial vulnerabilities concerning both structural integrity and the high-voltage battery systems in these vehicles. The sheer scale of this recall highlights the intense scrutiny placed on major EV producers as they rapidly expand their market presence.
The comprehensive recall campaign is systematically divided into two distinct categories based on the model, production timeframe, and the specific technical defect identified. The first group encompasses 44,535 Tang crossovers which were manufactured between March 2015 and July 2017. The core technical issue identified here lies in design deficiencies within the electric motor control unit. Under specific operating conditions, particularly during periods requiring intensive battery discharge or heavy power draw, this flaw poses a serious risk of damaging the internal circuit board. Should this failure occur, the vehicle could lose its ability to operate solely on electric power, thereby presenting a potential safety hazard to occupants. To rectify this electronic vulnerability, BYD will deploy an immediate over-the-air software update designed to recalibrate and adjust the battery discharge methodology, effectively mitigating the excessive stress placed upon the control unit.
The second, and numerically larger, segment of the recall targets 71,248 Yuan Pro electric vehicles that were produced across a later timeframe, specifically from February 2021 through August 2022. For these units, the problem stems from a critical manufacturing oversight: the power battery sealing gasket was installed incorrectly or inadequately. Extended driving through standing water or deep puddles could potentially lead to moisture infiltration into the sensitive battery compartment. This ingress of water critically compromises the insulation properties of the high-voltage battery pack, which can subsequently result in a significant drop in power output and potential long-term damage. To restore the necessary hermetic seal and prevent future water damage, specialized sealing agents will be meticulously applied to the affected Yuan Pro units at authorized service centers.
This massive service action follows a series of quality control interventions recently undertaken by BYD, underscoring the challenges inherent in scaling production quickly. Notably, in September 2024, the company recalled approximately 97,000 Dolphin and Yuan Plus EVs due to documented malfunctions in the steering mechanism control unit. Furthermore, an announcement made in January 2025 detailed the recall of 6,843 Fangchengbao Bao 5 hybrid SUVs. That particular campaign addressed a serious risk of fire stemming from insufficiently tightened bolts found within the engine controller, demonstrating a pattern of component-level issues across various product lines.
In the immediate aftermath of the recall announcement, BYD’s shares experienced a noticeable decline during trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange. This adverse market reaction underscores the persistent challenge faced by high-growth EV manufacturers: the critical necessity of balancing aggressive expansion targets with impeccable quality assurance standards. Authorized dealerships are strongly urging owners of the affected Tang and Yuan Pro models to contact them immediately to schedule the necessary, complimentary repairs. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining consumer trust and demonstrating corporate responsibility in the rapidly evolving and highly competitive electric vehicle landscape.