Xpeng Motors is facing mounting criticism and consumer backlash over its handling of potentially dangerous steering system failures in its P7+ electric vehicles. According to Economic Information Daily, a newspaper under China’s Xinhua news agency, the Chinese EV maker has been accused of quietly replacing defective parts while avoiding an official recall.
The issue centres around the power steering system in Xpeng P7+ vehicles, which owners report can suddenly fail or completely lock up while driving. Despite numerous complaints and evidence of a widespread problem, Xpeng has reportedly refused to acknowledge a systemic defect or initiate a recall.
An investigation by Economic Information Daily revealed that Xpeng appears to be employing a controversial dual strategy: secretly applying sealant to steering components during routine maintenance and selectively replacing steering systems for the most vocal complainants, all while denying that any widespread defect exists.
“Xpeng is gambling with our lives,” said Ms. Gan, a Shenzhen vehicle owner to Economic Information Daily. The issue manifested as unexpected steering wheel movements after changing lanes, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions.
The situation has grown more concerning as even vehicles with newly replaced steering systems have experienced failures. One owner reported that their replacement unit failed just two weeks after installation, raising questions about the effectiveness of Xpeng’s repair strategy.
When confronted by owners at its Guangzhou headquarters, Xpeng customer manager Lei Changliang deflected responsibility, stating that recall procedures are determined in consultation with regulatory authorities and claiming that service centres, not headquarters, handle maintenance issues.
Industry experts quoted by Economic Information Daily suggest Xpeng’s approach may represent a deliberate attempt to circumvent China’s recall regulations. By gradually replacing defective parts on a case-by-case basis rather than issuing a comprehensive recall, the company potentially avoids significant costs and regulatory scrutiny.
The controversy comes at a challenging time for regulators, as China’s authorities have recently announced plans to strengthen oversight of over-the-air updates in smart vehicles. Xpeng’s “Xinghe” system has reportedly received nine major OTA updates in less than nine months, raising questions about whether all these updates were properly registered with regulatory authorities.
This is not the first time Economic Information Daily has reported on this dispute. The newspaper previously covered the matter in July and early August, indicating the controversy appears to be escalating.
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