Chinese new energy vehicle giant BYD has issued a major safety recall in Australia affecting 32,009 units of its popular Shark 6 plug-in hybrid bakkie.

The recall centers on a potential mechanical failure involving the spare wheel assembly mounted beneath the vehicle’s undercarriage. According to BYD Australia, incorrect positioning of the spare wheel tray or insufficient fastening torque can lead to abnormal wear on the support cable. Over time, friction from vehicle movement could cause the cable to snap, resulting in the spare wheel detaching while in motion, a serious road hazard for trailing traffic.

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The Australian recall affects both the Premium and Performance variants manufactured between August 2024 and June 2026. Affected owners in Australia have been advised to manually remove their spare wheels as a temporary precaution until local dealerships replace the lifter assembly with a redesigned unit.

The South African connection

The Australian recall carries direct implications for South Africa, as local BYD Shark 6 models share identical specifications and manufacturing sources with their Australian counterparts.

The BYD Shark 6 has quickly established itself as a major contender in South Africa’s competitive bakkie segment since its local arrival, driving a surge in plug-in hybrid adoption alongside stablemates like the Sealion 6.

• Model overlap: Both the Premium and high-output 350kW Performance variants sold in South Africa fall within the global production window highlighted in the Australian recall. The commercial Dynamic Cab Chassis variant—also affected in Australia—is not sold locally.
• Local response: BYD South Africa has issued a technical advisory encouraging Shark 6 owners to contact their nearest authorized dealership. Local technicians will inspect the undercarriage, evaluate the spare wheel tray positioning, and perform necessary remedial actions.
• Regulatory status: The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has yet to publish a formal mandatory recall notice for South Africa, but local actions remain proactive under BYD’s dealer network.

Owners of the BYD Shark 6 in South Africa are encouraged to reach out to their selling dealer to confirm whether their specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) requires inspection.