BYD is a Chinese electric-vehicle manufacturer with an increasing footprint in Europe, offering models such as the Dolphin Surf, Atto 3 and Seal in various markets. With that ambition, the company now faces what is reportedly the largest recall in its history. BYD has announced that over 115,000 vehicles will be recalled in China due to design defects and battery-related safety risks. According to the Chinese regulator, some 44,535 units of the Tang series produced from March 2015 to July 2017 are affected, along with 71,248 Yuan Pro EVs built between February 2021 and August 2022.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly Is Being Recalled?
- Why This Matters — And Why It Should Worry
- Implications for Europe and Buyers
- FAQ
What Exactly Is Being Recalled?
The recall covers two broad issues. First, a design defect in the Tang series where a motor-controller component may malfunction, potentially disabling electric-only drive mode and generating heat due to corrosion. Second, a battery seal defect in the Yuan Pro EVs where water ingress may compromise insulation, leading to output loss or safety risks. BYD will repair or replace the affected parts free of charge for owners, under the supervision of China’s State Administration for Market Regulation.
Why This Matters — And Why It Should Worry
This recall raises important questions about how fast BYD has scaled and whether quality control has kept pace. In the first half of 2025, BYD’s new-energy-vehicle (NEV) sales soared—more than 2 million units globally, with BEVs making up nearly 47.7 % of sales.
Rapid growth is impressive, but it can come at a cost. When a manufacturer rushes expansion, oversight, part validation and long-term durability may be pushed back. The large recall suggests BYD is now having to retrofit earlier models to maintain safety and reputation.
Implications for Europe and Buyers
For European consumers and prospective BYD owners, this recall is a reminder that even the fastest-growing brands must deliver on durability and safety. While the vehicles being recalled are Chinese-market models, reputational damage may ripple outward. BYD’s aggressive pricing and rapid expansion in Europe (despite tariffs and regulatory hurdles) have been central to its strategy. If they are to maintain trust in markets where buyers expect high standards and long warranties, handling issues like this recall promptly is key.
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FAQ
What models are included in the recall?
The recall affects over 115,000 vehicles in China: around 44,535 units of the Tang series (built March 2015–July 2017) and about 71,248 units of the Yuan Pro EV (built February 2021–August 2022).
What are the defects being addressed?
In the Tang, a motor-controller design flaw may cause failure of electric-only drive mode and heat generation. In the Yuan Pro, a battery seal defect could allow water ingress, reducing insulation and increasing safety risks.
Does this recall affect BYD models sold in Europe?
The recall currently covers Chinese-market models only. There’s no announced recall for European-spec BYD models as of now. However, it may affect brand perception and future purchase decisions in Europe.
Why is this significant given BYD’s growth?
BYD has scaled very rapidly—in 2025 it delivered millions of new energy vehicles globally. When growth is that fast, ensuring consistent quality and safe operations across thousands of variants and factories becomes more challenging.
What should a buyer in Europe do?
If you already own a BYD model, check for any official service notifications and stay in touch with your local dealer. If considering purchase, ask about battery warranty, service network and whether the model has undergone robust testing for European conditions.
