Some owners of the Xiaomi SU7 have recently reported issues with the trim around the headlights becoming warped, raising concerns about the assembly quality of the first electric car produced by the Chinese tech giant.
Xiaomi has confirmed that this issue primarily affects vehicles from the first production batch and could be attributed to various technical reasons. Specifically, the front bumpers of some Xiaomi SU7 cars lacked the necessary stiffness, leading to deformation when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. In addition, uneven assembly and material expansion due to temperature changes also contributed to the problem.
In one instance, an owner of the SU7 Max version stated that the headlight trim became warped after the car was repaired following a collision, indicating potential limitations in the structural design. However, Xiaomi assured that the premium SU7 Ultra model is not affected, as it utilizes upgraded materials with better geometric stability.
In response to customer feedback, Xiaomi promptly offered a solution. The company launched a free repair program for affected vehicles. Most cases can be resolved within an hour at their service centers. For eligible customers, Xiaomi even dispatches mobile technicians to their locations for on-site inspections and repairs, demonstrating their strong commitment to after-sales service.
Alongside technical remedies, Xiaomi also released guidelines for safe use in extreme weather conditions. They advised owners not to park under trees during hail or storms and to always activate hazard lights and stop safely in dangerous situations. Customers seeking compensation for weather-related damage can file claims directly through the Xiaomi Auto app, which is linked to major insurance companies in China. The claim process is typically completed within minutes, enhancing the overall service experience and peace of mind for users.
Despite being a newcomer to the automotive industry, Xiaomi has quickly faced significant challenges. In just a few months, the company has encountered controversies ranging from performance limitations on the SU7 Ultra model to decorative rather than functional air ducts on the hood. CEO Lei Jun described this period as “the most difficult time in the company’s 15-year history,” as Xiaomi makes a strategic bet on electric vehicles for future growth.
However, industry experts believe that the challenges faced by Xiaomi are inevitable for tech companies entering the automotive industry, which demands rigorous technical standards and product quality.
In reality, Xiaomi has been taking swift steps to enhance product quality. Material and design improvements have reportedly been incorporated into the production line to minimize the recurrence of similar issues in subsequent batches.
Despite market skepticism, most current SU7 owners remain positive and patient. On Weibo, one owner shared, “My neighbor’s 2014 Tesla Model S has worse body panel gaps. For me, the SU7 is still a great choice for the price.”
As of now, the SU7 is Xiaomi’s first electric car, marking a significant turning point in their strategy to expand into smart automobiles. The vehicle is manufactured at Xiaomi’s high-tech factory in Yizhuang, Beijing, and received over 88,000 orders within just 24 days of its launch.