BYD Recalls 183,000 Cars in China Over Brake-Pedal Safety Risk

BYD Co. issued a recall for more than 183,200 vehicles in China over brake-pedal safety risks, the country’s market regulator said.

Most of the models affected were the Tang series of electric and hybrid sport utility vehicles, along with about 40,300 Qin sedans, the government agency said in a statement Friday. Materials used for the pads on foot pedals contained abnormalities and might break off after a long period of use and in extreme circumstances, the notice said.

The recall puts BYD under scrutiny as Chinese regulators sharpen their focus on vehicle safety. Authorities have raised concerns that the industry’s intense competition and rapid development cycles could lead automakers to sacrifice quality as they race to bring new models to market.

Owners will be contacted to bring their vehicles to authorized mechanics and dealers to replace the components for free.

Top photo: The interior of a BYD Tang EV. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg.