Engine Halt Scare: Chery’s Recall Raises Eyebrows Amid Safety Assurance Claims

Chery Automobile has announced a recall of 1,108 vehicles in China due to a manufacturing defect that could cause engines to stop suddenly while driving. The recall includes the Exploration 06 SUVs (known in Russia as Jaecoo J7) and Tiggo 7 models with the 1.6T engine, manufactured between April 1 and December 8, 2025. Picture: Chery

The recall is due to an assembly line error: the fasteners for the engine control unit wiring harness may have been improperly secured. This error can lead to wire insulation abrasion and, in extreme cases, cause the engine to halt during travel, posing a serious safety threat. The manufacturer commits to inspecting the wiring harness clips for all recalled vehicles and, if necessary, repairing or replacing damaged harnesses at no cost.

Recent Measures and Industry Insights

Following this recall, Chery has publicly committed to enhancing its manufacturing practices, implementing stricter quality checks, and improving the training of assembly line workers to prevent future occurrences. These enhancements are part of a broader strategy by the company to reassure customers about their ongoing commitment to vehicle safety.

Industry competitors like Geely and Great Wall Motors have also recently faced scrutiny over similar issues, leading to widespread recalls. However, both companies have similarly undertaken rigorous measures to address potential defects, showcasing an industry-wide movement towards more robust quality control processes in the face of increasing consumer safety demands.

Since the recall announcement, Chery has reported a significant decline in complaint rates regarding vehicle performance and quality, signaling a positive reception of their remedial efforts by customers.