Chinese electric-vehicle giant BYD has announced a recall involving 88,981 units of its Qin Plus DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan, following a determination by China’s automotive regulator that certain vehicles may exhibit power-battery defects. These faults could lead to reduced battery output and, in more serious scenarios, may disable the vehicle’s pure-electric driving mode. The findings were first reported by Autohome. The recall affects two major production batches: 52,890 units produced between September 26, 2021 and September 23, 2023, and another 36,091 units built from January 7, 2021 to September 30, 2022.
A recall document submitted to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) explains that the underlying problem stems from inconsistencies in the manufacturing process of the battery packs used in these vehicles. Because of these inconsistencies, some battery packs may deliver less power than intended. If the output drops below required levels, the car may automatically exit electric-drive mode during certain operating conditions, limiting the vehicle’s ability to run solely on electric energy.
To correct this issue, BYD plans to roll out an over-the-air (OTA) software update for all affected Qin Plus DM-i units. The updated diagnostic software will more effectively identify abnormal battery behavior. Once the system detects a potential battery issue, it will trigger a warning indicator on the instrument panel. Owners who see this alert will be instructed to visit authorised BYD service centres, where technicians will conduct further inspections. If the battery pack is confirmed to be faulty, dealers will replace the battery free of charge as part of the official recall measure.
This action comes after SAMR launched a formal defect investigation, signaling the regulator’s increased oversight of battery quality and production consistency in China’s rapidly expanding electric-vehicle market. The scrutiny reflects growing concern about battery safety, especially among manufacturers with high production volumes. It also follows another significant BYD recall only weeks earlier, during which the company collected over 115,000 units of several models—including the BYD Tang and BYD Yuan Pro—due to design-related safety problems and risks involving battery systems.
Owners of affected Qin Plus DM-i sedans will be contacted through multiple channels, including registered mail, phone calls, and SMS messages. Consumers can also verify their vehicle’s recall status by reaching out to BYD’s customer service hotline or by searching the recall database on the official website maintained by SAMR.
In total, this recall encompasses a large portion of Qin Plus DM-i production over a span of more than two years. It highlights the critical importance of battery reliability, especially for plug-in hybrids where electric driving capability—and the safe performance of the battery pack—are central to the vehicle’s intended efficiency and function.