Xiaomi is set to remotely fix a flaw in the assisted driving system of over 110,000 of its SU7 electric cars, following a deadly crash involving the model earlier this year. The decision comes after regulators raised concerns about the safety of the system, which is designed to aid drivers on highways.
China’s tech companies and automakers have invested heavily in smart-driving technology, a key area of competition in the country’s domestic car market. However, Beijing has tightened safety rules in response to the fatal crash, which killed three college students. The incident occurred in March when a Xiaomi SU7 in assisted driving mode crashed into a concrete barrier on an expressway in eastern Anhui province.
According to the State Administration for Market Regulation, Xiaomi’s highway-assisted driving system has insufficient recognition, warning, and handling ability in extreme driving conditions. This can lead to collisions if drivers fail to intervene promptly. Xiaomi has announced that it will remotely upgrade standard SU7 models manufactured before August 30, 2025, to address the issue. The recall affects 116,887 cars, the regulator said.
The company has emphasized that user safety is its top priority and will manage the fix according to recall procedures. While no physical parts need replacing, the remote upgrade will ensure that the assisted driving system functions correctly. The recall is a standard practice among automakers, but it has reignited online discussion about the fatal SU7 crash and the safety of autonomous driving technology.
The SU7 was launched in March 2024, marking Xiaomi’s entry into China’s competitive electric vehicle market. By July, the company had delivered over 300,000 SU7s, according to the China Automotive Technology and Research Center. The recall highlights the need for ongoing investment in safety and testing to ensure that smart-driving technology meets the highest standards. As the use of autonomous driving technology becomes more widespread, regulators and manufacturers must work together to address concerns and prevent accidents.