Xiaomi has announced a recall of more than 115,000 of its SU7 electric saloons in China after regulators identified concerns with the car’s assisted driving system. The recall, confirmed on 19 September by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), affects 116,887 standard versions of the SU7 produced between February 2024 and August 2025.
According to the regulator, the issue lies in the vehicle’s level 2 highway pilot-assisted driving function. When engaged, the system may provide insufficient early warnings or underperform in rare but extreme scenarios. To address the problem, Xiaomi will roll out an over-the-air (OTA) software update, beginning on Friday.
This marks the second time Xiaomi has issued a software fix that falls under recall rules since the SU7 launched last year. In China, software updates linked to autonomous or assisted driving features require official approval to ensure carmakers do not use them to conceal flaws or avoid responsibility.
Fatal accident heightens safety concerns
The recall follows growing scrutiny of assisted driving technologies in China, particularly after a fatal crash earlier this year involving a Xiaomi SU7. In March, one of the vehicles struck a cement pole at 97 kilometres per hour (60 mph) shortly after the driver had resumed control from the advanced driving assistance system. The impact caused the car to catch fire.
Xiaomi later said the system had issued a warning about obstacles ahead, but the incident raised concerns about how drivers interact with partially automated features. Under level 2 automation, steering, braking, and acceleration can be controlled by the system, but drivers are still required to remain attentive at all times.
The tragedy prompted regulators to accelerate work on new safety standards for assisted driving. On 18 September, China released draft rules for level 2 automation, which are set to take effect in 2027. The proposals are aimed at ensuring safer deployment of these technologies, particularly as more carmakers roll out advanced driver assistance systems in mass-market models.
Xiaomi’s response and industry impact
In a statement, Xiaomi confirmed its decision to issue the OTA update for affected vehicles. “We are taking immediate action to address the problem,” the company said, without providing further details on the changes being introduced.
The move underscores the challenges faced by technology companies entering the highly competitive electric vehicle market, where safety and regulatory compliance are increasingly under the spotlight. Since its launch, the SU7 has become one of Xiaomi’s most popular models, contributing to the brand’s ambition to expand beyond smartphones and consumer electronics into the automotive sector.
As Chinese authorities continue to tighten oversight of driver assistance technologies, analysts expect similar recalls and updates across the industry. Manufacturers are being urged to prioritise clear communication with drivers to prevent overreliance on systems that are not yet fully autonomous.
The recall highlights both the promise and the risks of assisted driving features as carmakers race to attract consumers with advanced technologies while meeting stringent safety requirements.
