Chery Automobile issued an apology on October 11 and announced a recall of 8,878 OMODA 5 vehicles in Malaysia after an incident in which a rear axle detached from a moving car, with a preventive inspection launched simultaneously in China.
On October 6 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, the rear axle trailing arm of a 2023 OMODA 5 tore during driving and the rear axle, together with the rear wheel, fell off the vehicle. No injuries were reported. Investigation showed that the welding strength at partial weld positions of the rear-axle trailing arm in the affected batch was insufficient, creating a risk of weld tearing under extreme conditions.
Chery said it will cooperate with the Malaysian Road Transport Department to conduct free inspections and replace parts where necessary. The older model involved in the incident has already been discontinued.
Analysts noted that the swift recall and inspection help contain quality risks, but the episode poses a test for Chery's brand trust and overseas reputation. The case has drawn market attention to the company's quality governance and after-sales costs, as well as to automotive safety, testing and certification, and the broader component supply chain.
The recall comes as Chinese automakers accelerate their overseas expansion, with quality control in foreign markets increasingly viewed as a key factor in sustaining export growth.
