BYD's lineup has NHTSA recalls tracked across 11 models (2011–2026) and averages 4.5/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any BYD's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
BYD — VIN decoder & full model lineup
BYD, short for Build Your Dreams, is a globally recognized Chinese automotive manufacturer known for its pioneering work in electric vehicles and battery technology. They’re rapidly gaining popularity, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers and those seeking innovative, tech-forward transportation solutions. At ForCar.org, we can help you understand your BYD vehicle fully – simply enter the VIN to access complete specs, recall information, and a wealth of other valuable details.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All BYD models 11
Every BYD model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
BYD More models 11
BYD recalls
Across the BYD lineup, ForCar tracks NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "BYD recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Recall data for BYD models is being compiled — check back shortly.
Is BYD reliable?
Across rated models, BYD averages a 4.5/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 11 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
BYD competes globally as the world's largest EV manufacturer, primarily in China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. The Yangwang sub-brand (founded 2023) targets the ultra-luxury electric segment with the U8 SUV and U9 supercar at price points of $130,000-$180,000+. BYD does not sell passenger vehicles in the US due to political tariffs and trade restrictions, although BYD Motors Inc. sells commercial battery-electric buses to US transit agencies.
Most fuel-efficient BYD models
The most fuel-efficient BYD models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest BYD models
NHTSA safety rankings for BYD are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a BYD window sticker by VIN
Recreate any BYD's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
BYD window stickers →How to read a BYD VIN
Every BYD built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a BYD and the country it was built in (real BYD codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- ChinaLC0 · LGX · LPE
- Brazil99L
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About BYD
Wang Chuanfu founded BYD as a battery research firm in 1995 with 20 employees. By 2002 BYD was the world's largest manufacturer of nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal-hydride batteries. The 2003 acquisition of Tsinchuan Automobile launched BYD into automaking; the 2005 BYD F3 was the first BYD-branded passenger car. The 2008 Berkshire Hathaway investment and the 2008 launch of the F3DM (the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid) established BYD's global EV credibility. BYD overtook Tesla in global EV sales in Q4 2023.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Shenzhen, China |
| Slogan | "Build Your Dreams" |
| Models tracked | 11 (2011–2026) |
BYD — frequently asked
How do I decode a BYD VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many BYD models are there?
ForCar tracks 11 BYD models spanning 2011–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is BYD made?
BYD is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, founded in 1995. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check BYD recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any BYD model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which BYD is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the BYD warranty?
New BYD vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a BYD dealer.