Chinese technology group Xiaomi is facing mounting scrutiny over the safety design of its first-generation SU7 electric sedan after a financial media outlet urged the company to recall around 370,000 vehicles.
Yicai, a prominent Chinese financial publication, called on Xiaomi to initiate a recall to address the risk that the vehicle’s electronically controlled exterior door handles could fail in the event of a power outage. The article cited a recent forensic report related to a fatal crash in October involving a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra.
See also: Xiaomi EV Delivers 600,000th Vehicle Less Than Two Years After First Shipment
According to the report, the vehicle’s low-voltage system shut down after a high-speed collision, disabling the hidden electronic door handles. With no mechanical exterior emergency release mechanism, bystanders were reportedly unable to open the doors from outside before the vehicle caught fire. The forensic findings indicated that although the driver was suspected of drunk driving and travelling at 167 km/h, the direct cause of death was the subsequent fire rather than impact injuries.
Yicai wrote that if the vehicle had been equipped with mechanical exterior door handles, rescuers might have had a higher chance of opening the doors before ignition. The case has triggered broader public discussion about emergency access mechanisms in electric vehicles.
See also: Xiaomi Says It Has No Plans to Enter U.S. EV Market After YU7 Sighting
Production of the first-generation SU7 ended earlier this month, with cumulative deliveries reaching approximately 370,000 units. The higher-performance SU7 Ultra remains on sale, while an updated SU7 model is scheduled for launch in April.
Xiaomi has since revised its door handle design in newer models, including the YU7 SUV introduced in 2025 and the next-generation SU7, which no longer use the original hidden handle system. The changes align with updated national safety standards set to take effect in 2027.
However, concerns remain regarding vehicles already on the road. Yicai said a voluntary recall would demonstrate a shift from marketing-led growth to greater corporate responsibility in China’s competitive EV sector.
See also: Xiaomi Files Ultra-High-Performance YU7 GT Electric SUV With 738 kW Output
The publication referenced a previous recall by Li Auto, which withdrew more than 10,000 Mega MPVs due to safety concerns, as an example of proactive brand management.
Xiaomi has not publicly announced any recall plans.