BYD says a supplier coding error led to front and rear wheel rims being fitted in the wrong positions on some of its Tang SUVs in China. The automaker apologized on Nov. 11 and said affected owners would receive inspections and free replacement work.

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What BYD says happened

The company traced the assembly problem to a data-entry mistake by a wheel-rim subassembly supplier. Reports citing BYD’s statement say the error caused some Tang SUVs to receive front and rear rims in reversed positions. BYD did not disclose how many vehicles were affected.

BYD said it tested the affected configuration and found no impact on handling or driving safety. That assessment is the company’s own account; the reports do not describe a separate independent safety test.

Free inspections and wheel-rim replacements

BYD says it will invite affected owners to service centers for free inspections and wheel-rim swaps. CnEVPost, which reviewed the company’s notice, also reported that owners would receive a restored full-vehicle warranty and could receive a loaner vehicle or transportation-cost reimbursement while repairs are completed.

The company said it corrected supplier codes and added production-line safeguards after its investigation. The public reports did not identify a specific production batch, leaving the total number of vehicles needing inspection unclear.

Why the correction matters

The issue highlights the importance of wheel fitment, which can vary between the front and rear axles on a vehicle. BYD says its testing found no driving risk, while its free replacement offer addresses the assembly mismatch for affected owners. The company has not published a total affected-vehicle count.

For more vehicle coverage, see The Globuzz Autos section.

Sources

Reuters: BYD statement on Tang wheel-rim fitment · South China Morning Post: free replacements and BYD safety checks · CnEVPost: BYD’s repair and warranty measures · BYD Auto: Nov. 11 statement