Dolphin and Yuan PLUS steering column recall: adding insulation does not mean replacing the assembly

If a parts request describes recall work on a Dolphin or Yuan PLUS as “replace the steering column assembly”, check the original notice first. This mainland China action explicitly specifies adding controller insulation pads. Understanding its scope helps separate recall modification parts from assembly procurement.

The notice defines production ranges

The State Administration for Market Regulation published the notice on Sep 29, 2024, and the recall started on Sep 30. It covers only certain domestically manufactured vehicles in the mainland China notice, as follows:[Original notice][S15]

| Manufacturer | Models | Production dates | Quantity |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. | Certain domestically manufactured Dolphin and Yuan PLUS | 2023-02-04 to 2023-12-26 | 87,762 vehicles |
| BYD Auto Co., Ltd. | Certain domestically manufactured Yuan PLUS | 2022-11-02 to 2023-06-19 | 8,952 vehicles |

These are production dates, not model years. The original notice neither separately lists model years nor publishes individual VINs or a continuous number range; no public data was available for these items. [To be verified] Have BYD's authorised representative confirm applicability by VIN; dates alone are insufficient.

The problem involves manufacturing interference inside the controller

The notice states that, during manufacture of the CEPS electric power steering column assembly controller, a tooling cover plate may interfere with a circuit-board capacitor and cause microcracks. In use, the cracks may expand, leading to short circuits, overheating damage or even fire.[Defect cause][S15]

This is a specific manufacturing defect sequence. The presence or absence of obvious steering symptoms cannot replace a recall applicability check. The term “steering column assembly” also does not establish that the complete assembly must be replaced during repair.

Assess insulation measures and assembly damage separately

The official measure instructs authorised dealers to add controller insulation pads to affected vehicles.[Recall measure][S15] For procurement, first establish whether the requirement is for the campaign modification or for separately diagnosed component damage.

An additional insulation measure does not mean every abnormality can be resolved with a pad. Conversely, participation in the recall does not mean a complete steering system must be purchased. Have the authorised representative inspect and address the vehicle, then establish whether any independent repair requirement exists outside the campaign.

Verification and parts enquiries

This article covers only the mainland China action above. It does not presume that overseas ATTO 3 or DOLPHIN vehicles are affected, or that modification parts are universal. No public data was available for pad specifications, OE numbers or assembly supersession relationships. [To be verified] Verify compatibility or interchangeability using the VIN and local manufacturer parts catalogue. For the recall, contact BYD's authorised representative as directed by the notice.

For ordinary steering parts requirements, use the parts enquiry page.

[S15]: https://www.samr.gov.cn/zw/zh/art/2024/art_32cccf03b3624afcb508c7453f1170fc.html