BYD Tang AWD Mk1

Many BYD Tang owners report recurring infotainment issues including screen freezes, spontaneous reboots, Bluetooth connectivity drops, and navigation malfunctions. The rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen occasionally becomes unresponsive and requires a full system restart (hold start/stop button with doors closed). BYD issues OTA updates to address these, typically 4-6 per year, but the DiLink 3.0 system on earlier Tang models may not receive updates indefinitely. Most issues are resolved via software updates at no cost, though persistent problems may require the dealer to reflash firmware or replace the head unit module (up to €500). This is a widespread issue across BYD's European lineup, not specific to the Tang.

The 12V auxiliary battery powers the vehicle's control systems and must be healthy for the car to wake its high-voltage system. BYD EVs have been reported to undercharge the 12V battery via the DC-DC converter, delivering only 13.8V instead of the required 14.4-14.8V absorption voltage. This leads to premature sulfation and failure, typically at 3-5 years. When the 12V battery dies, the car cannot close its high-voltage contactors, meaning it will neither start nor accept a charge. Replacement is straightforward (€150-350 depending on battery type and labor), but the failure often occurs without warning and can strand the vehicle. BYD has acknowledged this as a known issue across its EV range.

The BYD Tang AWD weighs 2,705 kg unladen, putting significant stress on suspension components. Owners report earlier-than-expected wear on control arm bushings, damper mounts, and wheel bearings compared to lighter vehicles. Clunking or knocking noises over bumps typically appear between 40,000-80,000 km. Individual damper replacement costs €400-600 per corner at a BYD dealer. A full front suspension bush refresh runs €600-1,000. Wheel bearing replacement is approximately €300-500 per side. The heavy weight also contributes to faster tire wear, with many owners reporting rear tires lasting only 25,000-35,000 km.

The Tang's onboard charger is limited to 7.4 kW AC, which means a full charge from a home wallbox takes approximately 14 hours. While onboard charger failures are uncommon, when they do occur, the car either refuses to accept AC charging or charges at significantly reduced speed. Diagnosis requires dealer-level equipment, and replacement of the onboard charger module costs €800-2,000 including labor. This is a rare failure, but worth noting because the Tang's slow AC charging speed already means overnight charging is the minimum, and any reduction makes home charging impractical.

The Tang uses direct TPMS sensors mounted on each valve stem inside the tire. These sensors communicate via radio frequency (315 or 433 MHz) and contain a small battery with a typical lifespan of 5-7 years. Owners report false low-pressure warnings or complete sensor communication failures. Individual sensor replacement costs €50-100 per wheel including programming. When multiple sensors fail simultaneously, the total cost reaches €200-400. TPMS failures are more common after tire changes if sensors are not handled carefully during the process.

Because the Tang's dual motors handle most deceleration via regenerative braking, the mechanical brake discs see relatively little use. This causes surface rust buildup and glazing rather than normal wear. Symptoms include brake vibration and judder, typically noticeable between 40,000-60,000 km. In severe cases, the discs need skimming (€200-300 per axle) or full replacement (€400-900 for a full set including pads). The issue is more pronounced in areas with high humidity or road salt. Regular manual braking helps prevent this, but it requires conscious effort from the driver.

BYD vehicles shipped to Europe have been reported with chipped paint, inconsistent panel gaps, and in some cases mold from extended storage in humid conditions during ocean transit. This primarily affected early 2021-2022 deliveries. While BYD's paint process uses electro-galvanizing for corrosion resistance, the preparation and application quality has been inconsistent on some units. Touch-up repair for minor chips costs €300-500, while more extensive respray work on a panel runs €500-1,500. Later production vehicles (2023-2024) show improved quality control, and BYD's 3-year paint defect warranty covers manufacturing defects.