BYD apologizes after mounting backwards wheel rims on flagship Great Tang electric SUVs

BYD has issued an apology to customers after discovering that some units of its flagship Great Tang electric SUV were assembled with the wrong wheels. Following complaints from owners, the automaker determined that wider rear wheel rims had been installed on the front of the vehicle, while narrower front rims were mistakenly fitted to the back. [1][2]

The company attributed the mix-up to a coding error by its Hubei-based wheel mesh assembly supplier. Although BYD stated that the mistake poses no safety risk and does not impact vehicle handling, it is offering free inspections and wheel rim replacements at service centers. Affected owners will also receive a replacement vehicle or transit compensation during repairs, as well as a fully restarted warranty period. [1][2]

BYD announced that the assembly supplier has instituted a visual inspection mechanism to prevent future errors on the production line. The Great Tang, which started at 239,900 yuan ($35,500) in China and secured over 150,000 orders ahead of its release, is scheduled to expand into European and other Asian markets by late 2026 or early 2027. [1][2]