BYD Shark: Towing Troubles and Delivery Delays – What You Need to Know

The BYD Shark has certainly made a splash in the ute market, but as with any new entrant, there have been a few teething problems. In a recent discussion on the CarExpert YouTube channel, automotive experts delved into several issues regarding the Shark’s towing capabilities and delivery process. In addition, a recent Carsales article has also highlighted these concerns, providing further insights into the challenges faced by early Shark owners. Today, we take a closer look at these issues, exploring what they mean for current and prospective Shark owners.

Key Takeaways

•Towing Issue: Owners have discovered that when towing, the BYD Shark’s cruise control automatically deactivates as it enters a dedicated trailer mode. This unexpected oversight contrasts with competitors offering adaptive towing setups.

•Software Fix on the Horizon: Both the CarExpert discussion and the Carsales article suggest that this is likely a straightforward software issue that could be resolved with an over-the-air update.

•Delivery Delays: Early Shark buyers have encountered delivery complications. Dock worker strikes and logistical challenges have led to delays, with some buyers receiving emails requiring them to return to the dealership and sign new contracts due to changes in their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

•Teething Problems: As a first-generation vehicle in a new market segment for BYD, these issues are not entirely unexpected. Prompt action to address them is crucial to maintain consumer confidence.

The Towing Conundrum

In the discussion featured on CarExpert’s YouTube channel, experts Sean and James highlighted a peculiar shortcoming in the BYD Shark. When a trailer is attached, the vehicle’s system automatically switches to a trailering mode, which inadvertently deactivates the cruise control. For many drivers, especially those planning long-haul or highway towing, this presents a significant inconvenience.

A recent Carsales article reinforces this observation, noting that while many modern vehicles offer adaptive systems that allow cruise control to remain active—even if adjusted for safety—the Shark falls short in this area. The article speculates that this oversight might have slipped through pre-production testing and is likely a software bug that can be rectified via an over-the-air update.

Delivery Delays and VIN Woes

Another pressing concern for Shark owners relates to the delivery process. Both the CarExpert video and the Carsales article point to delays caused by dock worker strikes and associated logistical challenges. Early buyers have reported receiving emails instructing them to return to the dealership to sign new contracts due to changes in their VIN numbers.

This mix-up appears to be the result of reallocated shipments arriving earlier than expected—units not affected by the dock strike delays. While this is primarily a bureaucratic issue rather than a fault with the vehicle itself, it adds an element of uncertainty and frustration for those eagerly awaiting their new Shark.

What Does This Mean for Shark Owners?

Despite these setbacks, many experts remain optimistic about the overall quality and performance of the BYD Shark. One expert from CarExpert even noted that, aside from these issues, the Shark is “a really nice car to drive” and that teething problems are common for a first-generation product in a competitive market. Nevertheless, both the towing and delivery issues serve as reminders of the challenges faced by new market entrants when competing against established brands.

For prospective buyers, it’s worth keeping a close eye on updates from BYD. With a likely over-the-air software update in the offing to fix the towing issue, and improvements expected in the delivery process as logistical challenges ease, the Shark’s teething problems should eventually be resolved.

Final Thoughts

The BYD Shark’s entry into the market has been both exciting and, at times, a little bumpy. The towing issues—where the cruise control disengages when a trailer is attached—along with the unexpected delivery delays, highlight the growing pains of launching a new vehicle in a demanding market.

At MRT, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated with the latest news and fixes from BYD. In the meantime, our R&D team is working on having a Ute Canopy ready for our BYD Shark customers.

For a deeper dive into these issues, check out the full discussion on the CarExpert YouTube channel and read the Carsales article.

Happy motoring!