- The Chinese carmaker has traced the issue back to a supplier of the rear axle assembly.
- 600 Chery Omoda 5 models are being recalled across Malaysia and 10% could experience a similar lower control arm failure.
- It’s unclear if the recall will affect Omoda 5s sold outside of Malaysia.
Imagine you’re driving down the road in a new crossover and suddenly, one of the rear trailing arm snaps. Unfortunately for the owner of a Chery Omoda 5 in Malaysia, this is exactly what happened in a worrying incident in late April.
Photos shared across social media, which quickly gained plenty of traction across Malaysia, reveal a rear trailing arm of a grey and red Omoda 5 snapped in the middle of the road, leaving the owner stranded and the car undrivable.
Read: The Omoda E5 Is Chery’s First Electric Car To Be Offered In Australia
The owner of the Omoda 5 got in contact with Chery and was informed the carmaker would investigate and resolve the issue for her. Even though it took several days for them to reach out and offer a solution, the Malaysian Road Transport Department swiftly issued a recall for 600 Omoda 5s in the country.
While investigating the cause of the issue, Chery discovered that a worn-out tip of an automated welding machine at the supplier of the rear axle assembly had been replaced with a new tip but the equipment had not been recalibrated. This means the rear trailing arm may not have been welded securely in place. While Chery is recalling all Omoda 5s produced between August 14 and August 17, 2023, in Malaysia, it only believes approximately 60 units may have the issue.
The carmaker has reached out to local owners informing them of the recall. Owners can also visit the Chery Product Update page and enter their VIN to see if there are any current safety recalls related to their cars. It’s unclear if any Omoda 5 models sold outside of Malaysia also have brittle rear trailing arms and if they will need to be recalled.
