Tech giant Xiaomi is facing new challenges in its ambitious leap into the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Recent reports from several owners of the Xiaomi SU7 electric car have brought to light an issue involving warping or deformation of the front bumper, raising serious questions about the vehicle’s build quality and Xiaomi’s readiness to compete with established automakers.
Photos Reveal the Flaws
Images shared across Chinese social media platforms show noticeable warping around the front bumper, particularly near the headlights. While some of these cases appeared after minor accidents or simple maintenance, the concern and debate they triggered were enough to push the issue into media headlines and forums among EV enthusiasts.
Some owners noted that the deformation occurred in extreme weather conditions, especially under prolonged exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight, pointing to a potential flaw in the plastic materials used for the bumper, or possibly in the installation and mounting methods.
Xiaomi Responds Swiftly
To contain the controversy, Xiaomi issued an official statement announcing a free maintenance program to resolve the issue. Affected customers can book inspection and repair appointments through the Xiaomi app or hotline. The company mentioned that most cases require less than one hour of service, and in some cities, mobile repair units are available to assist customers at their location.
Xiaomi clarified that the problem appears to be limited to certain units of the standard SU7 model, and no similar complaints have been reported with the SU7 Ultra, which is built with higher-quality materials that are more heat- and impact-resistant. This disparity between trim levels has raised further concerns about consistency in Xiaomi’s manufacturing standards.
Ambition Meets Reality
This issue surfaces at a critical time for Xiaomi, which entered the EV market with tremendous media attention and high consumer expectations. CEO Lei Jun had previously described the SU7 project as the “most challenging battle” in Xiaomi’s 15-year history.
While the SU7 received early praise for its sleek design and competitive performance, quality concerns like this could damage the brand's image—especially in the automotive world, where build reliability is a far more sensitive matter than in the smartphone or consumer electronics markets.
Industry Observers: The First Steps Are Always the Hardest
Auto industry analysts note that such hurdles are not unusual for new entrants. Even Tesla faced similar criticism in its early years, including panel gaps, software bugs, and inconsistent assembly. The key to overcoming these challenges, experts say, lies in transparent communication and prompt customer service—an approach Xiaomi appears to be embracing so far.
Moving Toward Improvement
In an effort to prevent similar problems in the future, Xiaomi has reportedly begun reviewing its supply chain and is considering the use of new materials and more secure mounting techniques for the bumper in upcoming production batches. There are also improvements being made on the production lines to enhance overall manufacturing quality.
Additionally, Xiaomi has issued guidelines to SU7 owners on how to protect their vehicles in harsh weather conditions, such as storing the car in shaded or indoor areas and avoiding prolonged heat exposure. The company has also streamlined the insurance claim process Can
Xiaomi Rebound?
Despite the backlash, many observers believe this experience could serve as a valuable wake-up call for Xiaomi. It's an opportunity to improve quality control and reinforce customer trust, especially in a highly competitive EV market. If handled professionally, this incident could even help Xiaomi position itself as a transparent and responsible newcomer in the automotive space.
Ultimately, Xiaomi is still taking its first steps in this industry. The SU7 may be just the beginning of a long journey to transform from a consumer electronics brand into a global automotive contender. However, that journey will demand keen attention to customer feedback, continuous improvement, and unwavering credibility when challenges arise.
Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.
