Chinese EV Giants Nio and Zeekr Recall Thousands of Vehicles Over Safety Concerns

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has announced that two major electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are recalling vehicles due to defects that pose significant safety risks. Nio is recalling over 246,000 units, while the Zeekr brand has decided to recall 38,000 vehicles.

Nio: Software Glitch Leads to Screen Blackouts

Nio Inc. is recalling 246,229 units of its ES8, ES6, and EC6 models produced between March 16, 2018, and January 16, 2023. According to regulatory authorities, a software error may cause the instrument cluster and central control screen to briefly go black under certain conditions. During these blackouts, drivers lose access to critical information such as vehicle speed and fault alerts, as well as essential control functions, creating a serious safety hazard.

To resolve the issue, Nio will provide free software updates. The process will primarily be conducted remotely via OTA (Over-the-Air) technology.

Zeekr: Battery Manufacturing Defect and Fire Risk

Separately, the Zeekr brand is recalling 38,277 units of the Zeekr 001 WE model produced between July 8, 2021, and March 18, 2024. Experts have identified a manufacturing inconsistency in the high-voltage battery components that can lead to increased internal resistance over long-term use.

This defect can result in "thermal runaway," causing the battery to overheat uncontrollably. This poses a risk of smoke, spontaneous combustion, or even explosion. Zeekr’s repair campaign is scheduled to officially begin on March 6, 2026.