Popular Chinese car brand BYD recalls 32,000 cars over fears wheels could fall off
A Chinese brand behind a popular car that's affectionately dubbed the ‘Temu Range Rover’ is recalling tens of thousands of its vehicles.
The global manufacturers, BYD, are based in Shenzhen, China, and have issued this mass safety recall in Australia - following last year's recall due to melting battery fears.
The brand has been surging in popularity Down Under, having become the first brand in 23 years to nearly outsell Toyota and is enjoying mega success in the UK too.
But becoming one of the leading electric vehicles here, the very car that’s set to go on sale later this year is being recalled in Australia. And that’s essentially over fears that the spare wheel could fall off the car.
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Yeah, not exactly ideal for when you’re driving down the motorway or pulling up at the drive-thru in your electric car.
BYD has recalled a reported 32,009 Shark 6 models with the concerns of abnormal cable wear leading to this wheel inconvenience.
And well, a hazard on the roads really.
The spare wheels were originally held in place on the vehicle with a wire but this is apparently changing to being secured on with chains.
BYD said: “For involved vehicles, BYD has identified that in certain circumstances, incorrect installation of the spare wheel, incorrect positioning of the spare wheel tray or insufficient fastening torque may cause abnormal wear of the spare wheel support cable.
Continued movement and friction during vehicle operation may cause the cable to fail, resulting in spare wheel detachment.
“This may create a hazard to other road users and potentially cause serious injury or death.
On BYD owner groups online, people have reported this issue with one user even writing: “I thought someone just stole my spare.”
And others found it ‘swinging around’ while they were driving or just falling off altogether.
This issue impacts 32,009 BYD Shark 6 cars built between August 2024 and June 2026, including the original model and the newer Shark 6 Performance and Cab Chassis vehicles.
Affected cars will have the assembly replaced by BYD for free. And the company will reportedly be contacting owners to arrange the repairs for the spare wheel issue.
This issue seemingly only impacts the models in Australia with the Shark 6 launch set to go ahead in the UK later this year.
The LADbible Group has contacted BYD for comment.
Jess Battison