BYD has admitted that some units of its newly launched Great Tang electric SUV had their wheel rims installed in the wrong positions. The company confirmed the issue after owners raised complaints in China. According to Bloomberg, the wider rims meant for the rear wheels were fitted at the front, while the narrower front rims were placed at the rear.
BYD shared an apology on Weibo after investigating the complaints. The company traced the problem to a wheel mesh assembly supplier based in Hubei. BYD said the supplier has now added a visual inspection process on the production line to prevent similar mistakes in future vehicles.
The automaker did not reveal how many Great Tang SUVs were affected. It said the incorrect wheel placement does not create a safety risk. Even so, BYD will replace the wheel rims on affected vehicles for free. Owners will also receive a replacement vehicle or compensation for transport costs while their SUV is being repaired. The company will restart the warranty period for these vehicles.
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BYD launched the Great Tang, also known as the Datang in China, in March. The electric SUV starts at around USD 40,000 and quickly attracts strong demand, receiving 150,000 orders in its home market. The company plans to introduce the model in European and Asian markets outside China by the end of this year or in early 2027.
The issue is a setback for a flagship product that BYD has positioned as an important electric SUV. The company’s quick response may help limit damage to customer trust. Free wheel replacements, transport support, and warranty restarts could reassure buyers, though the episode highlights the importance of quality checks as automakers scale production.
BYD has not shared a timeline for completing the repairs. Owners of affected Great Tang SUVs are expected to receive updates through the company’s service channels. The automaker says future production will include additional inspection steps to catch wheel assembly errors before vehicles reach customers.