The world’s largest new energy vehicle manufacturer has initiated a comprehensive safety protocol in the Asian market, aiming to correct a technical flaw identified in its production line. Administração Estatal of Regulação of Mercado of The measure directly affects one of the company’s best-selling plug-in hybrid models, requiring physical intervention at authorized dealerships to mitigate thermal risks.
The official statement details that the operation involves approximately 97 thousand units of the Qin Plus DM-i sedan, manufactured between the beginning of 2021 and the end of 2023. The preventive action was triggered after the detection of an anomaly in the assembly process of the electric power steering controllers. Segundo technical reports submitted to regulatory authorities, the failure is not related to the vehicle’s software, but rather to a specific physical component that requires immediate repair to ensure the safe operation of the steering system.
This call comes at a strategic moment for the automaker, which leads global sales statistics for electrified vehicles. Transparency in the process and speed in communicating with owners are seen by industry experts as crucial moves to maintain consumer trust, especially considering the volume of sales that the brand records monthly. The repair operation will be carried out free of charge, following international consumer protection and automotive safety standards.
The incident highlights the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, where the integration between high-voltage electrical systems and mechanical components requires absolute precision in manufacturing. Although recalls are common events in the global automobile industry, involving all major brands, the nature of the defect — related to the risk of fire — places the case under priority surveillance by quality control bodies.
Technical details about the risk of combustion in the system
In-depth investigation revealed that the source of the problem lies on the Direção Assistida Elétrica controller circuit board (EPS). Durante the manufacturing process, interference with the production tool may have caused microcracks in the capacitors installed on these boards. Estas cracks, although microscopic initially, can expand with the natural vibration of vehicle use and temperature variations, compromising the electrical insulation of the component.
When moisture penetrates these microcracks, a short circuit in the capacitors can occur. The direct consequence of this event is the overheating of the controller module. In extreme scenarios, if the heat generated is not dissipated or contained, there is a real possibility that the component will combust. Como the steering controller is located in the engine compartment, a fire breaking out in this area represents a severe risk to the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.
To solve the problem, the automaker’s engineering team developed a physical fix that does not require the complete replacement of the steering column, but rather the installation of specific insulators. Utilities will install isolation pads on affected controllers. Esta physical barrier aims to eliminate the risk of short circuits, ensuring that, even in the presence of microcracks, the electrical integrity of the system is maintained and the risk of fire is neutralized.
Impact on the market and commercial performance of the brand
Despite the recall announcement, the company’s financial and commercial data demonstrate impressive resilience. The affected model, Qin Plus DM-i, is one of the brand’s sales pillars, being fundamental to the strategy of popularizing plug-in hybrids. The volume of vehicles involved in the recall, although significant in absolute numbers, represents a fraction of the company’s total production, which has broken successive registration records.
In October, the automaker recorded sales that surpassed the 300,000-unit mark, consolidating its dominant position in the Chinese market and its aggressive expansion in international markets. The “Dynasty” model family, of which the Qin Plus is part, continues to be the main responsible for this volume, demonstrating that demand for electrified vehicles remains strong despite specific quality control challenges.
Market analysts note that the company’s ability to manage this recall without disrupting sales flow or new vehicle deliveries will be an important test of its operational maturity. Responding quickly, offering free repairs and clearly communicating the defect tends to mitigate damage to the brand’s reputation in the long term.
Safety procedures and guidance for owners
Owners of affected vehicles are being notified through official channels, including registered mail, branded apps and the company’s official WeChat account. The guidance is that, until the repair is carried out, drivers should pay attention to any warning signs on the vehicle’s dashboard or abnormal driving behavior. However, the automaker ensures that the risk is mitigable and that the dealership network is prepared to carry out the service quickly.
It is important to highlight that this recall is specific to the Chinese market and the mentioned production batch. Unidades exported to other markets follow production calendars and specifications that may differ, and to date, there have been no announcements of global extensions of this specific call. Surveillance over the quality of electronic components, however, remains a priority for all electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers.
The automotive industry is moving towards an era where transparency regarding hardware and software failures becomes a competitive differentiator. By taking responsibility and acting proactively to correct potential faults before serious accidents occur, automakers reinforce their commitment to road safety, a non-negotiable pillar in the transition to electric mobility.