Recently, several automotive companies in China have announced extensive recall measures affecting a significant number of vehicles.
On November 4, the State Administration for Market Regulation of China published a recall announcement detailing eight separate recall plans that encompass a total of 815,937 vehicles, along with 695 motorcycles. The brand with the most substantial recall is Volkswagen, involving over 610,000 units due to potential safety hazards associated with the corrosion and breakage of steering gear fixing bolts. Other brands affected by these recalls include Toyota, Lexus, MINI, Jeep, and Lotus.
Volkswagen-related companies are recalling a total of 610,297 vehicles, which involve Volkswagen (China) Sales Co., Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co., and FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co., encompassing both imported and domestically produced models.
The affected models include the imported Golf and Tiguan series, as well as domestic models like the Teramont, Teramont X, Viloran, Audi Q6, Audi Q3, and the Q3 Sportback. Among these, the domestic Audi Q3 is the most significantly impacted, with 388,258 units being recalled, followed by 116,864 units of the domestic Teramont.
The recall announcement specified that the relevant vehicles, when subjected to prolonged exposure to moisture and roadway de-icing agents, may experience corrosion at the fixing bolts on the right side of the steering gear, leading to potential bolt breakage. Such deterioration could result in a failure of the connection on the right side of the steering gear, ultimately impairing steering functionality and posing safety risks.
Volkswagen plans to entrust authorized dealers to replace the improved fixing bolts for the steering gear at no cost to the vehicle owners. This recall is set to take effect from January 15, 2027. The company has also issued a cautionary note, advising drivers to pull over safely and contact an authorized dealer for inspection if they notice abnormal metallic sounds from the front axle area or any irregularities in the steering system.
Toyota’s brands are also included in the recall initiative, totaling 176,737 vehicles affected in several recalls.
FAW Toyota Motor (Chengdu) Co. has announced the recall of 47,347 domestic editions of the Prado hybrid cars, while Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co. is recalling 8,130 imported Lexus GX550h hybrid vehicles.
The recall is prompted by an issue where the quick-connect fittings of the fuel pipe may raise due to external forces, resulting in potential fuel pipe disconnection and subsequent fuel leakage if subjected to impacts in specific driving conditions. The manufacturer will conduct complimentary inspections of the fittings and install fixing cover plates on vehicles that pass inspection. If any abnormalities are detected, the entire fuel pipe assembly will be replaced, complete with the installation of fixing cover plates.
Guangqi Toyota Motor Co. is involved in three recalls affecting a total of 121,260 domestic models of the Smart series. The most significant of these is a recall of 100,175 units of the Smart 3X due to potential insufficient axial force leading to loosening or detachment of the front suspension stabilizer bar nuts, which could negatively impact driving stability. The manufacturer will replace the nuts with improved versions free of charge.
Additionally, 18,130 units of the Smart 7 are recalled due to software control program issues in the comfort parking function, which may restrict braking power output at low speeds, thereby increasing stopping distances. The manufacturer will provide free software upgrades to address this issue.
Moreover, 2,955 units of the Smart 7 face risks due to software problems with the front identification camera. Issues during remote software upgrades (OTA) may cause unexpected steering movements when activating the integrated cruise assist feature. A free upgrade of the relevant software will be provided to rectify these issues.
Beiqi Mini Automotive Co. is recalling 714 units of domestically produced MINI electric vehicles, which include 39 units of the MINI ACEMAN, 42 units of the MINI JCW, and 633 units of the MINI COOPER.
The recall is necessitated by an issue where the installation bracket of the interior rearview mirror may not adhere properly to the windshield, resulting in a loose mirror that could obstruct the driver’s view. In extreme cases, the rearview mirror may detach, heightening the risk of injury to occupants. The manufacturer will replace the windshield assembly of the affected vehicles. This recall also serves as an adjustment to a related recall measure announced on July 24 of this year, broadening its scope.
Chrysler (China) Automobile Sales Co. and Stellantis (Shanghai) Automobile Co. are recalling 28,156 imported Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles.
The announcement indicates that electrical pin connections in the electric hydraulic power steering pump connectors do not meet specifications, potentially leading to poor electrical contact between the connectors and the wiring harness. This could result in steering assistance failure, and in extreme cases, overheating of the connector and surrounding areas could present a fire risk. The manufacturer will perform complimentary inspections of the connectors and will replace the steering pump and harness if necessary.
Furthermore, Wuhan Lotus Automobile Sales Co. is recalling 33 imported Lotus Elise 220 vehicles due to manufacturing issues with the low-pressure fuel pump impeller. If the conditions during resin molding are subpar, the impeller may swell and deform when exposed to fuel, adversely affecting the operation of the fuel pump and potentially causing the engine to stall while driving. The manufacturer will provide a free replacement of the modified low-pressure fuel pump.
In addition to automobiles, the recall announcement also pertains to 695 imported motorcycles.
Among these, Pang Pei Business (Shanghai) Co. is recalling 605 units of the Can-Am Spyder F3 motorcycle. Due to software issues, using USB or Bluetooth to connect to the vehicle may cause communication errors or memory leaks, leading to reboots, freezes, or persistent black screens on the dashboard. The manufacturer plans to upgrade the software free of charge, prioritizing OTA updates.
Shanghai Yamaha Construction Motorcycle Sales Co. is recalling 90 imported TRACER 9GT+ motorcycles, as the durability of the shift shaft assembly may not meet user demands. Frequent shifting could lead to the breaking of limiters, and in serious cases, the shift function may fail. The manufacturer will replace the shift shaft assemblies with improved versions at no cost.