BYD Problems: Common Issues by Model and What to Check
Most BYD problems reported so far are software-related — over-eager driver-assist warnings and infotainment glitches — rather than mechanical failures, and BYD has fixed many of them with over-the-air updates. The exceptions worth knowing about are a handful of recalls, the Shark 6's spare-wheel recall in Australia and the Sealion 5's 3-star ANCAP rating. Here is what to look for on each model, and how to check a used BYD.
| Model | Recalls | Most-reported issues | Check on a used car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atto 3 | Australia 2022: child-seat anchorage and airbag switch (703 cars). China-only 2024: steering controller | Pushy lane-keeping and speed warnings on early cars (fixed by updates); early phone-mirroring gaps | Recall done, software up to date, true build date |
| Dolphin | China-only 2024: steering controller | Loud speed-limit warnings and strong lane-keeping | Software version; build market on imports |
| Seal | None in Australia or the UK. India 2026: battery-cell inspections | No widespread faults confirmed | Battery health report and service record |
| Sealion 5 | None found | 3-star ANCAP rating (2026) | Software updates; locally supplied, not China-market |
| Sealion 7 | None found | No widespread faults confirmed; too new for long-term data | Warranty start date and software updates |
| Shark 6 | Australia and NZ 2026: spare-wheel lifter (32,009 utes) | Infotainment security flaw (fix by update); towing-mode limits on early utes | Recall done, spare wheel fitted, towing rating for the variant |
Recalls from official notices and BYD statements; issues confirmed by at least two reputable outlets or a safety-rating body. Not a statistical reliability rating. Checked 5 November 2026.
BYD Atto 3 problems
In Australia, 703 early Atto 3s were recalled in December 2022 (REC-005579): the rear-centre child-seat anchorage needed a modification and the passenger airbag switch could be turned off by mistake. The car's 5-star ANCAP rating only covers Australian cars built from 21 November 2022. The most common complaint is driver assistance: in 2024 Euro NCAP graded the 2022 car's assisted driving “Not Recommended”, and BYD's over-the-air update lifted it to “Moderate”, with 2025 cars rated “Good”. Early cars also launched without Android Auto, which arrived by update in May 2023. The 12-volt battery has a short warranty — 1 year / 12,000 km in Australia — so check its condition.
BYD Dolphin problems
No Dolphin recall has been issued in Australia, the UK or New Zealand. In China, Dolphins built between February and December 2023 were part of a September 2024 recall for a power-steering controller capacitor that could crack and overheat; it covered Chinese-market cars only. The issue owners and reviewers mention most is the speed-limit warning, which is loud and has no tolerance, and lane-keeping that tugs firmly at the wheel. The Dolphin has 5-star ANCAP and Euro NCAP ratings.
BYD Seal problems
The Seal has no recall in Australia, the UK or New Zealand. In India, BYD began checking every Seal in January 2026 and replacing the high-voltage battery pack free of charge where a cell fault was found; no similar action has been reported in the UK or Australia. The Seal has 5-star ANCAP and Euro NCAP ratings, and owner battery tests have been positive. On a used Seal, ask for a dealer battery health report and the full service record.
BYD Sealion 5 problems
No Sealion 5 recall has been issued. The headline issue is safety: in September 2026 ANCAP gave the Sealion 5 three stars under its stricter 2026 tests — the first BYD to score below five. Emergency lane-keeping did not intervene at the road edge, lane-change support only works below 70 km/h, and the car lacks child presence detection, a seatbelt misuse alert and automatic emergency calling. BYD says it meets all Australian Design Rules. In China the same car is sold as the Song Pro DM-i, so check that a used one was supplied locally.
BYD Sealion 7 problems
No Sealion 7 recall has been issued, and it has 5-star ANCAP and Euro NCAP ratings. It is too new for long-term reliability data. In Auto Express's six-month UK long-term test there were no mechanical faults, but DC charging peaked at about 100kW rather than the claimed 150kW, and the car could be locked while still switched on, draining the battery. Owner forums mention occasional software warnings, so make sure a used car has the latest updates.
BYD Shark 6 problems
In September 2026 BYD recalled 32,009 Shark 6 utes in Australia (REC-006728), with New Zealand following, because the spare-wheel support cable can wear and let the spare fall off; the lifter is replaced free. In October 2026 BYD confirmed an infotainment software defect that let the system be accessed remotely, with a fix coming by over-the-air update rather than a recall. On early utes, connecting any trailer switched on a towing mode that capped speed at 110 km/h and turned off emergency braking and lane-keeping. Payload (790 kg) and braked towing (2,500 kg) are also lower than some rivals', although the 2026 Performance tows 3,500 kg.
Are BYD cars reliable?
Early evidence is mixed. In OCU's 2026 European survey of 85,590 owners, BYD scored 89/100 for reliability and placed 6th of 39 brands. In Auto Express's 2026 Driver Power survey, BYD's reliability score of 85.14% placed it sixth-lowest of 30 brands. Most reported faults are software rather than battery or motor failures, and BYD Australia has admitted it has work to do on servicing and parts supply.
How to check a used BYD
Run the VIN first: it confirms the model, the market the car was built for and the build date, which tells you which recalls apply. Then check open recalls — in Australia on BYD's VIN recall page or by calling 1800 888 293, in the UK on the GOV.UK recall checker by registration. Ask for a dealer battery health report, confirm the software version and the warranty left (BYD UK says the warranty normally transfers to the next owner), and check accident and mileage history. Privately imported Chinese-market cars may not be covered by the local warranty or recalls.
FAQ
What are the most common BYD problems?
Software rather than mechanical faults: over-eager driver-assist and speed warnings, and infotainment glitches. BYD has fixed many of these with over-the-air updates. The main recalls are the Shark 6 spare-wheel recall and the 2022 Atto 3 child-seat recall in Australia.
Is the BYD Sealion 7 reliable?
So far, yes: it has no recalls and 5-star ANCAP and Euro NCAP ratings, and a six-month UK long-term test found no mechanical faults. It is too new for long-term data.
Is the BYD Sealion 5 safe?
ANCAP rated it three stars in September 2026, mainly for weak lane-keeping and missing occupant-monitoring features. BYD says it meets all Australian Design Rules.
Does BYD have good resale value?
Not especially. In Australia, new-car price cuts in 2024–25 pushed used prices down, and a 2024 Atto 3 had lost about 36–39% by early 2026 according to RedBook-based figures. BYD has acknowledged that price cuts hurt used values.
How do I check if a used BYD has open recalls?
In Australia, enter the VIN on BYD's vehicle recall page or call 1800 888 293. In the UK, use the GOV.UK recall checker with the registration. For an import, match the build date against Chinese recall notices.
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