Chery chairman apologises over Malaysia quality issues after Omoda 5 axle recall

KUALA LUMPUR: Chery chairman Yin Tongyue has acknowledged product quality problems in Malaysia and revealed that he personally apologised to a Malaysian deputy minister, following the latest rear axle incident involving the Omoda 5.

Speaking at the World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference on 21 October 2026, Yin addressed the issue during a wider discussion about Chinese carmakers expanding overseas. According to Tencent Auto’s report, he said he had met the Malaysian deputy minister responsible for industry earlier that day and offered an apology.

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Yin’s message was that an overseas business needs more than cars to export. He urged Chinese manufacturers to stay humble, develop local talent and integrate into the markets they enter. He also said Chery planned to undertake research and development, manufacturing, procurement and exports in Malaysia.

For Omoda 5 owners here, the immediate concern is the recall. Chery Auto Malaysia’s notice dated 14 October confirms that 8,878 vehicles are included, covering both the C and H variants.

The latest campaign follows an incident in Johor Bahru in which an Omoda 5’s rear axle separated from the vehicle while it was being driven. On 11 October, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) announced a temporary suspension of the model’s Vehicle Type Approval (VTA), putting new registrations on hold pending the technical investigation.

JPJ also announced a technical audit covering the vehicle’s production and assembly processes, along with the relevant axle supplier. That includes quality control, welding inspection procedures and component safety. The department said the suspension would only be lifted after corrective and preventive measures were completed and technically verified.

Chery’s current customer FAQ identifies a potential problem involving a rear axle component manufactured in 2023. Vehicles included in the campaign will be inspected, with the affected component replaced where required, at no cost to the owner.

This is the second rear axle recall involving the Omoda 5 in Malaysia. In 2024, Chery called in 600 vehicles for inspection and identified 60 with affected parts. Its explanation then centred on welding equipment that had been incorrectly calibrated after a welding tip was replaced.

The latest customer FAQ does not establish whether this month’s incident shares that same cause.

The recalled Omoda 5 also needs to be distinguished from the newer Chery O5, launched locally in September 2025. The updated model switched from a torsion beam rear suspension to a multi-link arrangement. Chery’s initial recall announcement states that its current production models are not involved in this campaign.

Owners can check their vehicle’s status by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Chery Malaysia’s Product Update page. Chery says it has identified the affected cars and will contact their owners. In its 14 October update, the company said the first shipment of replacement components had been dispatched for distribution to service centres in stages.

Eligibility follows the vehicle, so buying an Omoda 5 second-hand does not exclude it from the campaign. Chery’s FAQ also allows owners whose cars are outside the identified group to arrange an inspection, subject to appointment availability.

There is no single published turnaround time for the work. Chery says the authorised dealer will advise on the inspection, any replacement required and parts availability. Owners seeking clarification can contact the Chery Careline on 03-9388 0888.

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