BYD Offers Full Refunds After Build-Year Paperwork Error

Overview

• BYD Australia found that its customer relationship management system recorded the date vehicles left the factory instead of their manufacture date, creating a one-year build-year discrepancy on sales paperwork.
• The problem affects about 1,265 cars across models including the Atto 3, Sealion and Shark series and the company has contacted nearly 900 owners to explain remedies.
• BYD initially offered AU$1,100 to affected buyers and is now recontacting customers to offer a full refund of the original transaction price or the option to swap into a 2026-built vehicle at the same purchase terms.
• The company says the cars are mechanically unchanged, meet Australian regulatory and warranty requirements, and that the government registration records held the correct manufacture dates.
• The case could cost BYD millions if many buyers choose refunds, and the automaker says it has apologised, updated internal processes and will continue outreach while consumer agencies note buyers have legal rights if goods do not match their description.