Nio recalls 686 Firefly EVs in China over steering sensor defect risk

• The recall covers select vehicles produced between March 20 and April 2, 2026, with a manufacturing issue potentially causing abnormal steering sensor signals.
• Nio will inspect affected vehicles free of charge and replace sensor wiring harnesses if necessary.

Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) is recalling 686 Firefly electric vehicles in China over a steering system defect that could cause a loss of power steering assistance in extreme cases.

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said in a notice on Friday that Nio had filed a recall plan, effective immediately.

The recall covers select Firefly vehicles produced between March 20 and April 2, 2026, under recall number S2026M0114V.

Abnormal variations in the manufacturing process may cause physical interference between the steering column torque sensor's wiring harness and rotor in some vehicles, according to the notice.

In extreme cases, this could cause abnormal sensor signals, illuminate the electronic steering system warning light and result in a loss of power steering assistance, posing a safety risk.

Nio will inspect the affected vehicles free of charge for interference between the wiring harness and sensor rotor, and replace the harness where interference is found to eliminate the risk.

Some vehicles have already undergone the inspections and repairs and will not require further work. The company will notify affected owners through its mobile app, text messages and phone calls to arrange the recall service.

Firefly is Nio's small electric vehicle brand. It began deliveries on April 29, 2025, and currently has 1 production model.

The brand delivered 5,852 vehicles in August, up 34.65% year-on-year and 1.40% from July, according to data compiled by CnEVPost. Deliveries totaled 40,795 in the first 8 months of this year.

Firefly also gained access to Nio's battery swap network on August 7, when the company's first fifth-generation swap stations began operating, expanding energy replenishment options for owners.