Chinese SUV’s Wheel Comes Off Mid-Drive! Is Your Car Safe?

Significantly improved Chinese automobile quality
Most automakers still have a long way to go.
An absurd glitch occurred recently

Even those not particularly interested in cars have probably heard at least once that Chinese automobile standards have developed to a level that cannot be ignored. Michiel van Ratingen of Euro NCAP, a European new car safety rating agency, said, “Chinese automobile manufacturers have been launching vehicles on the European market that are equal to, and sometimes better than, those of global competitors.”

However, this prompt and efficient service level applies only to a few companies that have secured top-quality standards. The majority of companies still require numerous improvements. Recently, an alarming defect occurred where the entire rear axle of a vehicle fell off while it was driving normally, drawing significant attention.

Chery Omoda 5’s axle fell off while driving

A Malaysian man driving a Chery Omoda 5 SUV experienced a severe defect on April 28, 2024. While driving as usual, he suddenly heard a thumping sound; the vehicle veered to the right and stopped. Exiting the car, he noticed the left rear wheel was pushed into an abnormal position.

While the right rear wheel was at an incorrect angle, the left rear wheel was pushed rearward, and even the inner cover of the wheelhouse was dislodged. The issue was traced to one of the vehicle’s rear suspension components. Specifically, the trailing arm part, which connects the rear axle and acts as a shock absorber, had broken.

The repair was quickly completed, but there was no explanation given

He said, “Until the defect occurred, there were no accidents or any irregularities, including potholes, on the road when the part broke.” He added, “I was driving normally when my car suddenly broke down in the middle of the road and almost caused an accident.”

The Chery Service Center responded to his inquiry, collected the vehicle on the day of the incident, and completed the repairs the next day.

Was it the fault of the parts supplier?
Recall initiated for 600 vehicles

According to Chery’s recall notice, the defect in the Omoda 5 was caused by a trailing arm that was not properly welded. The decisive cause was that the parts supplier did not re-calibrate after replacing the core parts of the welding machine. Chery is recalling Omoda 5 600 units produced in Malaysia between August 14 and 17, 2023. Among these, 10%, or about 60 vehicles, are known to have potential defects.