What EV Owners Need to Know
The world’s largest electric vehicle maker just issued one of its most significant recalls in years — and it affects cars built as far back as 2014.
On September 18, 2026, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation announced that BYD would immediately recall 183,211 vehicles in its home market to fix a manufacturing defect affecting a brake pedal component. The recall covers the Qin and Tang series, produced between 2014 and 2022 — meaning some of the oldest BYD EVs on the road are affected.
Here’s what actually happened, which cars are involved, and what owners need to do.
What’s the Defect?
The problem is a faulty batch of brake pedal stopper pads — small components that sit behind the brake pedal and determine its resting position. According to the regulatory filing, a manufacturing issue caused the material in these pads to be defective, making them prone to cracking or detaching over time.
In extreme cases, if the stopper pad detaches, the brake pedal can sit lower than it should. That triggers a specific and dangerous failure: the brake lights stay on even when the driver isn’t pressing the pedal.
At first glance, that might sound like a minor annoyance. It isn’t. A car with brake lights permanently illuminated sends a continuous “I’m braking” signal to every vehicle behind it. That can cause following drivers to react unpredictably — braking unnecessarily, hesitating, or misjudging your speed. It’s a subtle but genuine safety risk that’s present every time the vehicle is in motion.
Which Cars Are Affected?
The recall is split across two separate filings, both registered by BYD entities with the Chinese market regulator.
BYD Auto Industry Co. (Recall No. S2026M0116V):
Tang series — 58,026 vehicles produced March 28, 2015 to December 21, 2018
All-New Tang DM series — 77,846 vehicles produced May 19, 2018 to January 14, 2022
All-New Tang EV series — 7,023 vehicles produced December 27, 2018 to October 25, 2021
BYD Auto Co. (Recall No. S2026M0117V):
Qin series — 40,316 vehicles produced June 27, 2014 to June 9, 2019
That’s a total of 183,211 vehicles. The Tang is a mid-size SUV available in both plug-in hybrid (DM) and fully electric (EV) versions; the Qin is a compact sedan, primarily a plug-in hybrid. Notably, the recall covers both hybrid and electric models, since the defect is in the pedal assembly rather than the powertrain.
The oldest affected car was built nearly 12 years ago. That’s a long window, and it reflects how long it took for the defective batch of stopper pads to reveal itself through real-world wear.
What BYD Is Doing About It
BYD has said it will replace the affected stopper pads free of charge through its authorised dealer network. Owners will be notified via registered mail, phone calls, and text messages.
One important detail: if your vehicle has already had the improved stopper pad installed during a prior service visit, it does not need to be replaced again. BYD will be checking service records to avoid duplicating work.
Owners in China can call BYD’s Dynasty customer service hotline at 950858 for more information, or check the recall centre website.
What About Cars Outside China?
The recall as announced applies specifically to the Chinese domestic market. That said, the Qin and Tang have been exported to markets around the world, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, Australia, and parts of Europe, though typically under different model names or in different specifications.
There has been no official confirmation yet that exported vehicles are included in this recall. In previous BYD recall events — such as the 2025 battery safety recall affecting over 115,000 vehicles — the company clarified that overseas markets were not always affected.
If you own a BYD Qin or Tang outside China, the safest approach is to contact your local BYD dealer or official importer directly and provide your VIN. They can confirm whether your vehicle was built with the affected stopper pads and whether a service action is required.
Why This Recall Matters More Than It Looks
On the surface, this is a straightforward component replacement. But there are three reasons it’s worth paying attention to.
First, the age of the vehicles involved. A recall affecting cars built as far back as 2014 is unusual. It suggests the defect took years to manifest — possibly because the stopper pad material degrades only after prolonged exposure to heat, friction, or humidity. That’s a slow-burn failure mode, which is harder to detect and more dangerous because owners have no warning before it happens.
Second, the timing. BYD is aggressively expanding into global markets and building factories in Thailand, Brazil, Hungary, Turkey, and now Rwanda. A large domestic recall — even a well-handled one — creates a perception risk at exactly the moment when BYD is asking new customers in new countries to trust its quality. Chinese regulators have also been tightening oversight of vehicle quality and safety in 2026, launching a year-long national inspection campaign in August targeting manufacturing consistency.
Third, the pattern. This isn’t BYD’s first recall. In 2025, the company recalled over 115,000 vehicles over battery safety issues. In August 2026, BYD Australia reportedly offered full refunds or vehicle replacements to over 1,200 customers in what was described as a safety-related issue. The brake pedal stopper pad defect is a different problem entirely — it’s a mechanical component, not a battery — but the accumulation of recalls is worth noting for anyone considering a BYD purchase.
What Owners Should Do
If you own a Qin or Tang in China: Wait for the notification from BYD. The fix is straightforward and free. Do not delay scheduling the service once notified — a car with brake lights stuck on is a hazard to you and everyone around you.
If you own a BYD outside China: Don’t panic. The recall hasn’t been extended internationally. But if your model is a Qin or Tang built between 2014 and 2022, it costs nothing to contact your dealer and ask them to check your VIN against the recall database. Given that the parts are cheap and the labour is minimal, proactive replacement is a small price for peace of mind.
If you’re in the market for a used BYD: If you’re looking at a Qin or Tang from the affected production years, ask the seller for proof that the recall service has been completed. If it hasn’t, factor the dealer visit into your purchase — and make sure it gets done before you take the keys.
The brake pedal stopper pad is a small, cheap part. But it sits between your foot and the signal that tells every other driver on the road what you’re about to do. That’s not something you want left to a cracked piece of rubber.
