Chinese EV Problems: Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Chinese electric vehicles have gained significant market share in Europe, offering competitive pricing and advanced technology. However, like any rapidly evolving industry, Chinese EVs face their share of Chinese EV problems and Chinese EV issues. This comprehensive guide examines the most common problems reported with Chinese electric vehicles, how manufacturers address them, and what buyers should know before making a purchase decision.

Common Problems with Chinese EVs

According to J.D. Power’s 2024 China New Energy Vehicle Initial Quality Study, Chinese EVs averaged 210 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2024, an increase of 37 from 2023. While this represents challenges, it’s important to note that international brands in China also averaged 218 PP100, suggesting the gap is narrowing. However, design-related problems increased by 35, indicating that rapid development cycles may be contributing to quality issues.

The most common Chinese EV problems fall into four main categories: software and technology issues, build quality and manufacturing problems, battery and electrical issues, and brand-specific concerns.

Software and Technology Issues

Software problems represent one of the most frequently reported categories of Chinese EV issues. The rapid pace of development and heavy reliance on digital systems creates unique challenges.

Software Glitches and Infotainment Failures

Infotainment system crashes and freezes are among the most common complaints. These systems control everything from navigation to climate control, making failures particularly disruptive. Connectivity problems and app dependency mean that when software fails, critical vehicle functions can be affected.

Xiaomi SU7 provides a recent example: In January 2025, the company recalled 30,931 vehicles due to a software defect affecting the intelligent parking assistance system. This was followed by another recall in September 2025 affecting over 115,000 SU7 vehicles for insufficient early warnings in the Level 2 highway pilot assisted driving system.

Assisted Driving System Problems

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have been a particular area of concern. Insufficient warnings, system failures, and over-reliance on technology have led to multiple recalls. The Chinese government recognized this issue by mandating regulatory approval for autonomous driving software upgrades in February 2025, specifically to prevent automakers from using over-the-air (OTA) updates to conceal defects.

XPeng faced regulatory scrutiny for releasing nine major OTA updates in less than nine months without proper regulatory registration. This rapid update cycle raised concerns about whether updates were addressing fundamental design flaws rather than improving functionality.

Connectivity and App Dependency Issues

Perhaps the most extreme example of software dependency problems occurred with WM Motor, which went bankrupt in October 2023. When the company shut down, owners lost app connectivity, infotainment functionality, and remote features entirely. This highlights a critical risk: vehicles that depend heavily on manufacturer-operated cloud services can become partially or completely disabled if the manufacturer fails.

An estimated 160,000 owners have been affected by Chinese EV manufacturer bankruptcies since 2020, losing critical vehicle functionality when companies ceased operations.

Build Quality and Manufacturing Problems

Build quality issues represent another significant category of Chinese EV problems. While Chinese manufacturers have improved dramatically, some persistent issues remain.

Component Design Flaws

Design-related problems increased by 35% in 2024, suggesting that compressed development timelines may be contributing to fundamental design issues. BYD recalled 44,535 vehicles from its Tang series (2015-2017 models) due to component design flaws, demonstrating that even established manufacturers face these challenges.

Manufacturing Defects

Battery installation problems have been particularly concerning. BYD recalled 71,248 Yuan Pro vehicles (2021-2022) due to battery installation manufacturing issues. These defects can lead to reduced performance, safety risks, and premature failure.

Steering system problems have also emerged. In September 2024, BYD recalled 97,000 Dolphin and Yuan Plus vehicles due to steering control unit manufacturing faults. XPeng faced similar issues with P7+ models experiencing power steering system failures that caused sudden lockups while driving.

Body and Interior Quality

While less critical than mechanical failures, body panel gaps, misalignment, and interior trim quality issues are frequently reported. These problems, while not safety-critical, affect the overall ownership experience and resale value.

Battery and Electrical Issues

Battery problems are among the most serious Chinese EV issues due to their impact on safety, range, and vehicle value.

Battery Pack Consistency Problems

BYD recalled nearly 90,000 Qin PLUS DM-i units in two batches during November 2025 for power battery pack consistency problems. These inconsistencies can lead to reduced range, uneven charging, and premature degradation.

Battery Installation and Manufacturing Defects

The same BYD Yuan Pro recall that addressed battery installation issues (71,248 vehicles) highlights how manufacturing processes can introduce defects that affect battery performance and safety.

Thermal Runaway and Fire Risks

Battery fires represent the most serious safety concern. High-profile incidents include a fatal Xiaomi EV fire in Chengdu and a Li Auto fire in Shanghai in late 2025. BYD recalled 6,843 Fangchengbao Bao 5 plug-in hybrids in January 2025 specifically for fire risks.

In response, China announced stricter EV battery technical standards in April 2025, implementing new crash impact and fast-charging tolerance tests effective July 2026. These regulations aim to prevent fires and explosions through more rigorous testing.

Electrical System Problems

Charging system problems, power delivery inconsistencies, and electrical component failures contribute to overall quality issues. While less dramatic than battery fires, these problems can significantly impact daily usability.

Brand-Specific Problems

Different Chinese EV brands face distinct challenges, making brand selection important for buyers concerned about Chinese EV problems.

BYD Specific Issues

As the world’s largest EV manufacturer, BYD has faced significant recall challenges. The company’s largest recall in history occurred in October 2025, affecting over 115,000 vehicles across Tang series and Yuan Pro models due to design flaws and battery installation issues.

BYD also faced customer service challenges, with over 4,700 complaints in February 2025 regarding pricing and feature availability. However, the company offers comprehensive warranty coverage: 6 years/150,000 km for the vehicle, and 8 years/150,000 km for the battery and drive unit.

Xiaomi SU7 Problems

Xiaomi entered the EV market in 2024 and quickly faced multiple software recalls. The SU7 sedan experienced two major recalls in its first year: 30,931 vehicles in January 2025 for parking assistance software defects, and over 115,000 vehicles in September 2025 for insufficient assisted driving warnings. These issues highlight the risks of buying from new brands with limited track records.

XPeng Specific Issues

XPeng has faced criticism for its approach to problem resolution. The company was accused of secretly replacing defective parts on a case-by-case basis rather than issuing comprehensive recalls for steering system failures in P7+ models. This approach, while potentially addressing individual problems, raises concerns about transparency and whether all affected vehicles receive proper repairs.

The company’s rapid OTA update cycle—nine major updates in less than nine months—also raised regulatory concerns about whether updates were addressing fundamental design flaws.

NIO and Quality Rankings

NIO stands out as having fewer reported issues. The Nio ET5 ranked among the highest quality vehicles in J.D. Power’s 2024 study, demonstrating that Chinese manufacturers can achieve high quality standards. NIO’s focus on premium positioning and established service networks appears to translate to better quality control.

WM Motor: The Bankruptcy Risk

WM Motor serves as a cautionary tale. When the company went bankrupt in October 2023, owners lost critical functionality including app connectivity, infotainment systems, and remote features. This extreme example highlights the importance of considering manufacturer financial stability when purchasing an EV heavily dependent on cloud services.

Major Recalls and Safety Concerns

Chinese EV manufacturers have issued significant recalls, with over 2 million vehicles recalled in 2024-2025. Understanding these recalls helps buyers make informed decisions.

Recalls by Brand and Model

BYD has issued multiple major recalls:

• October 2025: 115,000 vehicles (Tang series, Yuan Pro) for design flaws and battery installation issues
• September 2024: 97,000 vehicles (Dolphin, Yuan Plus) for steering control unit faults
• November 2025: 90,000 vehicles (Qin PLUS DM-i) for battery pack consistency problems
• January 2025: 6,843 vehicles (Fangchengbao Bao 5) for fire risks

Xiaomi recalls:

• January 2025: 30,931 SU7 vehicles for parking assistance software defects
• September 2025: 115,000 SU7 vehicles for insufficient assisted driving warnings

Safety Regulations and Standards

China has implemented stricter regulations to address these issues:

• February 2025: Mandatory regulatory approval for autonomous driving software upgrades
• April 2025: Stricter EV battery technical standards (effective July 2026)
• 2027: New safety standards for Level 2 automation vehicles

These regulatory changes demonstrate recognition of the problems and commitment to addressing them, but also indicate that current standards may be insufficient.

How Chinese EVs Compare to Other Brands

Understanding how Chinese EV problems compare to other manufacturers provides important context.

Quality Metrics Comparison

According to J.D. Power’s 2024 study:

• Chinese EVs: 210 problems per 100 vehicles
• Chinese startups: 201 PP100
• International brands in China: 218 PP100

Interestingly, Chinese-built Tesla Model 3 ranked second in quality behind Nio, and Chinese manufacturers like NIO and Zeekr achieved among the highest quality rankings in their segments. This suggests that the country of origin matters less than brand positioning and quality control processes.

Development Speed vs. Quality Trade-offs

Chinese manufacturers develop new models in an average of 18 months, compared to 5-10 years for traditional automakers. The average model age for Chinese EVs is 1.6 years versus 5.4 years for foreign brands. This rapid development cycle enables competitive pricing and feature innovation but may contribute to design-related problems.

The trade-off is clear: faster development cycles and competitive pricing (15-25% less than comparable Western models) come with increased risk of design flaws and compressed validation timelines.

How Manufacturers Address Problems

Understanding how Chinese EV manufacturers handle problems is crucial for buyers.

Recall Process

Chinese manufacturers address problems through official recalls coordinated with market regulators. Repairs are performed free of charge at authorized service centers. For software issues, OTA updates are used, though these now require regulatory approval as of February 2025.

Warranty Coverage and Customer Service

Standard warranty coverage in China includes:

• Vehicle warranty: 6 years or 150,000 km (whichever comes first)
• Battery warranty: 8 years or 150,000 km for power battery
• Drive unit warranty: 8 years or 150,000 km for drive unit

China’s “Three Guarantees” regulations provide additional protection:

• Free replacement/return: Within 7 days for faulty engines, transmissions, traction batteries, or drive motors
• Free repair/return: Within 60 days (up to 3,000 km) for steering/brake failures, body cracks, fuel leaks, or battery fires
• Mandatory replacement: If vehicle requires more than 2 repairs for same safety issue or repairs exceed 30 days total
• Response time: Sellers must respond within 10 business days

Service Support

XPeng offers comprehensive European support including 24/7 roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, and mobile app scheduling. BYD operates authorized service centers but requires genuine spare parts—warranty may be voided if non-genuine parts are used.

Challenges

Limited service networks in some regions, particularly for parallel-imported vehicles, can complicate problem resolution. Software dependency means manufacturer shutdowns can disable vehicles entirely. Some manufacturers have been accused of case-by-case repairs instead of comprehensive recalls, raising transparency concerns.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Check Before Purchasing

For buyers concerned about Chinese EV problems, thorough research and inspection can help avoid common issues.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Battery and Range:

• Demand WLTP-certified range figures (not NEDC, which is less realistic)
• Verify that climate control usage is included in range claims
• For used EVs: Check battery health reports from third-party inspectors (SGS, Bureau Veritas)
• Prefer models made after 2021 for updated safety features
• Verify battery type: LFP (safer, longer-lasting) vs. NMC (higher energy density)

Safety Certification:

• Confirm Euro NCAP or ASEAN NCAP crash test results
• Verify the specific variant’s rating (export models may differ from domestic versions)
• Avoid models without third-party crash test data

Charging Compatibility:

• Ensure CCS Combo compatibility with local charging infrastructure
• Verify local charger compatibility before purchase
• Check service network coverage in your area

Software and Updates:

• Verify over-the-air update support
• Check manufacturer’s track record for software support
• Avoid brands with unstable financial situations (risk of shutdown)

General Inspection:

• Third-party inspection for used vehicles
• Check for component design flaws
• Verify battery installation quality
• Test steering and electrical systems
• Review service history and recall status

Red Flags to Avoid

Certain warning signs indicate higher risk of Chinese EV problems:

1. Models without third-party crash test data - Safety cannot be verified
2. Limited charging compatibility - May restrict usability
3. Unverified sellers without government-approved export licenses - May lack warranty support
4. Ideal-condition-only range claims lacking real-world testing - Range may be overstated
5. No OTA update support - Software issues may not be fixable
6. Limited service networks - Repairs may be difficult
7. Brands with recent bankruptcy filings or financial instability - Risk of losing functionality
8. Models with multiple recent recalls - May indicate fundamental design problems
9. Excessive OTA updates without regulatory registration - May indicate ongoing problems
10. Secret part replacements avoiding official recalls - Transparency concerns

Recommended Brands and Models

Based on quality rankings and track records, buyers concerned about Chinese EV issues may want to consider:

• BYD: Largest global EV maker with proven battery technology and Blade Battery safety features, despite recent recalls
• NIO: High quality rankings, established service network, premium positioning
• XPeng: Comprehensive European support, though transparency concerns exist
• Zeekr: High quality rankings in J.D. Power study

Brands and Models to Approach with Caution

• New brands with limited track records: Xiaomi SU7 experienced multiple recalls in its first year
• Brands with financial instability: WM Motor bankruptcy left owners without critical functionality
• Models with no crash test data: Safety cannot be verified
• Parallel-imported vehicles without local service support: Warranty and service may be unavailable

Conclusion

Chinese EVs offer compelling value with competitive pricing, advanced features, and improving quality. However, Chinese EV problems including software issues, build quality concerns, battery problems, and recalls are real and should be considered by potential buyers.

The industry is responding: stricter regulations, mandatory recall processes, comprehensive warranties, and improving quality metrics demonstrate commitment to addressing these issues. Buyers who research thoroughly, verify certifications, check service networks, and avoid red flags can find reliable Chinese EVs that offer excellent value.

The key is understanding the trade-offs: faster development cycles and competitive pricing come with increased risk of design-related problems. However, brands like NIO and Zeekr demonstrate that Chinese manufacturers can achieve high quality standards. As the industry matures and regulations tighten, the gap between Chinese and international brands continues to narrow.

For buyers, the most important factors are brand track record, warranty coverage, service network availability, and thorough pre-purchase inspection. With proper research and due diligence, Chinese EVs can provide reliable, affordable electric mobility—but understanding the potential problems helps ensure a positive ownership experience.

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Last Updated: January 28, 2026

This guide provides an honest assessment of Chinese EV problems based on documented recalls, quality studies, and industry reports. Always verify current information with official dealers and check for recent recalls before making purchase decisions.