BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers, announced a large-scale recall on China involving 88,981 units of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, the Qin Plus DM-i. The measure was taken due to a serious fault identified in the lithium battery pack, which represents a potential risk to the safety of the vehicle’s occupants.
The call covers cars produced between January 2021 and September 2023, a period of intense production and sales for the model. The decision was formalized with Administração Estatal of Regulação of Mercado of China (SAMR), the body responsible for supervising the quality and safety of products sold in the country.
This call for correction adds to other preventive actions that the automaker has taken in recent months, reflecting the increased rigor of regulatory agencies on the safety of new energy vehicle components, especially the high-voltage batteries, which are the heart of these automobiles.
What caused the massive so-called
The main cause of the recall, as detailed in the official statement, lies in an inconsistency in the manufacturing process of the high voltage battery pack. Essa Non-compliance may, under certain conditions of use, result in a failure of the vehicle’s electrical system, leading to a sudden interruption of power. The loss of power while the car is moving drastically increases the risk of accidents, especially on high-speed roads or in heavy traffic situations. The battery management system (BMS) may not correctly interpret cell data, resulting in an abrupt shutdown without sufficient warning to the driver, compromising drivability and safe maneuverability. Este type of failure is particularly critical in hybrid models such as the DM-i, where the integration between the electric motor and the combustion engine needs to be perfectly synchronized to guarantee continuous and safe operation. The investigation found that variation in production could compromise the internal insulation and thermal stability of some battery units, making them more susceptible to failure under operational stress.
Technical details of the identified fault
The specific failure is related to the possibility of an internal short circuit in the battery pack. Segundo technical reports, manufacturing inconsistency can lead to improper contact between components, which, in extreme cases, could overheat the system.
When the defect manifests itself, the driver may experience a total loss of electrical propulsion. Embora in a hybrid vehicle the combustion engine can continue running, the abrupt transition and loss of power represent a considerable danger.
The vehicle management system (VMS) is designed to detect anomalies, but the nature of this failure may prevent alerts from being displayed on the dashboard in a timely manner. BYD says it is working on an update to make the system more sensitive to this type of problem.
The solutions proposed by the automaker
To solve the problem, BYD outlined a two-pronged action plan. The first step is to implement an over-the-air software update, known as Over-the-Air (OTA).
This update improves the battery management system, adjusting its parameters to more accurately monitor cell health and detect signs preceding failure in advance. The new software also improves the driver alert strategy.
In cases where the software update is not sufficient or if a physical anomaly is detected in the component, owners will be advised to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. A full inspection will be carried out on site and, if necessary, a free replacement of the battery pack or its defective modules.
The company guaranteed that all costs associated with inspection and repair will be covered in full, seeking to minimize inconvenience for customers affected by the recall.
Other recent calls from the brand
This Qin Plus DM-i recall is not an isolated event in BYD’s recent history. The company has faced challenges related to quality control as it expands its production at a rapid pace.
In October of the previous year, the automaker recalled more than 115 thousand units of the Tang DM-i and Yuan Pro models due to issues also linked to possible fire risks in the batteries. Essa preventive action aimed to correct a failure in the thermal management of the components.
Previously, a recall for nearly 97,000 units of the Dolphin and Yuan Plus models was issued due to a problem with the electric steering control module, which could fail and make it difficult to control the vehicle.
The role of regulatory bodies in China
Administração Estatal of Regulação of Mercado (SAMR) of China has intensified its supervision over the electric and hybrid vehicle industry. The exponential growth of the sector has brought with it the need for more rigorous control to guarantee consumer safety.
The agency acts proactively, investigating consumer complaints and analyzing incident reports to identify serial manufacturing defects. Quando a safety risk is confirmed, SAMR may require manufacturers to initiate recall campaigns to correct the problems found.
How owners should proceed
BYD said it will officially notify all owners of vehicles included in the recall. Communication will be done through correspondence, applications and other contact channels registered by customers.
Owners can also check whether their vehicle is among those affected through the manufacturer’s official website or by contacting the customer service center, informing the Número of Identificação of Veículo (VIN).
Procedures for affected owners
The recommendation for drivers whose vehicles are on the recall list is to schedule a visit to the nearest authorized dealership as soon as they receive notification. The company is organizing logistics to ensure that the service is carried out quickly.
Until the repair is completed, the manufacturer advises drivers to be alert to any unusual signs in the vehicle’s operation, such as dashboard alerts or changes in performance, and to immediately seek technical support if they notice anything unusual.