Owning an electric vehicle like the BYD Atto 3 promises a green and efficient ride, but like any other electric car, it isn’t immune to occasional hiccups. In this post, we’ll explore some of the common BYD Atto 3 problems and issues reported by Atto 3 owners and offer insights into potential solutions.
Radio and electrical system malfunction
The radio turns on spontaneously after the car is parked and switched off. This seemingly minor annoyance appears to be increasing in frequency for some drivers. The culprit? There might be a connection to the 12V battery. Owners have also noticed the 12V battery draining more quickly, particularly when the main traction battery has a low charge. While the exact cause remains under investigation, these two issues could be pointing towards a potential problem with the car’s electrical system.
Charging Scheduling issue
The Atto 3 offers two methods for initiating home EV charging. One method relies on the car itself requesting power from the wall charger, which works flawlessly. However, the second method, where the wall charger dictates the charging schedule based on factors like solar power availability, seems to have a hitch. The culprit? The Atto 3’s sleep mode. When the car enters sleep mode to conserve power while parked, it appears to stop listening for the signal from the wall charger indicating available power. This means the car won’t initiate charging based on a schedule or solar availability, impacting all smart chargers and wall chargers designed for solar integration.
This highlights the need for potential software updates to ensure the Atto 3 remains compatible with various charging setups.
Fogging issue
- Phantom Fog: Locking the car can trigger a wave of window fogging. A bizarre workaround involves a specific lock/unlock sequence repeated multiple times (who has that kind of time?). This points towards a potential issue with the HVAC configuration.
- Extreme Fog Events: In certain conditions, the windshield can become a scene from a horror movie due to extreme fogging. The inability to use both recirculation mode and maximum heat to combat moisture buildup further complicates matters.
Power failure issue
Some owners have experienced a terrifying situation – the car suddenly losing power with no warning. The culprit? A depleted starter battery with a critically low voltage reading. While a simple recharge solved the immediate issue, concerns remain about customer support’s handling of battery replacement options.
Sunshade issue
The sunshade refusing to close and getting stuck wide open adds a touch of unwanted sunshine to your drives. Attempts to fix it through menus and initialization haven’t yielded any results.
SIM card issue
The data connection simply refusing to activate after waiting for the specified period can be a real downer. Missing ICCID numbers in DiLink screenshots suggest a problem with the SIM card or reader itself. This, coupled with initial customer care struggles to pinpoint the issue, adds to the frustration.
Apple CarPlay issue
Apple CarPlay users might find themselves missing the turn-by-turn voice activation. Tweaking Bluetooth and iPhone volume hasn’t solved the issue, suggesting a possible software bug.
12V battery issue
Frequent complete discharges of the 12V battery, leaving the car stranded, are a recurring problem. While trickle charging offers a temporary fix, the battery quickly drains again. Owners are seeking information about the 12V battery’s charging cycle in EVs and when it receives a top-up from the main battery.
Rubber Tree mats issue
Unsatisfactory customer service from Rubber Tree regarding their Atto 3 mats has left some owners feeling frustrated. The perceived discrepancy between the advertised length and misleading photos has led to requests for full refunds. Consider Evgogo mats as a potential alternative.
Rust issue & explanation from the dealership
There have been some whispers about rust issues with the BYD Atto 3. However, dealerships have clarified that these concerns seem to stem from isolated cases involving heavily damaged vehicles sold at auctions after accidents.
Charging issue and lack of quick response from BYD
Some Atto 3 owners have encountered a roadblock – the “Check OBC System” error message preventing charging attempts. BYD has acknowledged the issue and taken vehicles in for investigation. However, the wait time for a response has been a source of frustration for some owners.
Newly Reported Problems
- Another annoying voice alert, “For your safety, please turn off your high beam” whenever turning in a roundabout. BYD expert suggests turning on the ‘Auto headlight’ to fix the issue, but doing so turns on the headlights every time the car is parked in the garage.
- The GPS seems to keep rerouting every time and providing the wrong direction. Using AirPlay or Google Maps seems to overcome this issue but has no step-by-step voice assistance and it consumes phone data.
- When receiving phone calls, the volume seems to be set by the phone. Had the phone volume set to full and suddenly got a call through and my voice thundered through the speakers.
- ACC colour on the driver’s display cannot be seen, making it very difficult to know if the ACC is engaged, the same applies to the speed set color. The contrast between the two colors is minimal, especially in high ambient light conditions.
- The washer/wiper on the rear window of my Atto 3 sprays water and wipes for no reason at all, often emptying the washer bottle. It will do this up to 8 times per day, particularly on hot and dry days.
- EV power limited is coming on the dashboard. Given to the dealer, probably need to change the battery. Only been one year.
Conclusion
While the BYD Atto 3 has emerged as a top-selling electric vehicle in Australia, it has not been without its share of common problems and issues reported by owners. To enhance the overall ownership experience, prospective buyers are advised to stay informed about these issues and take a proactive approach by seeking resolutions through BYD’s comprehensive support services. This diligence is essential for ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience. Consequently, the question arises: Is the BYD Atto 3 truly worth the investment?
