BYD recalls Qin PLUS DM-i hybrids over battery issue with OTA fix and replacements

© A. Krivonosov

BYD has announced a broad recall of Qin PLUS DM-i hybrids, covering nearly 89,000 vehicles built from early 2021 through fall 2023. A review determined that some cars may have been fitted with battery modules assembled incorrectly. This can cap output power and, in extreme conditions, prompt the car to shut off pure-electric driving altogether, which raises safety concerns.

The move follows the launch of an official investigation by China’s regulator. BYD confirmed that every affected vehicle will receive a free OTA software update. After the update, the system will more precisely identify battery anomalies: if a deviation is detected, a warning light will appear on the dashboard and owners will be advised to visit a service center for a free battery-pack replacement.

The recall spans batches of Qin PLUS DM-i produced by different BYD divisions, which explains the scale of the campaign. The company aims to reduce risk while preserving trust in a popular model, as the Qin hybrid family remains central to the brand’s strategy.

Acting ahead of the curve and pairing an OTA fix with the option of a battery replacement looks like the right call. With interest in 2025 cars building, swift and transparent action matters.