IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2023 BYD Dolphin

The Dolphin arrived in the UK in August 2023 as BYD's second model, positioned as an affordable electric hatchback. At launch it was available only in Comfort and Design trims with a 60.4kWh Blade Battery delivering a 265-mile WLTP range and a 201bhp motor. It immediately undercut rivals like the MG4 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric on price.

What changed for 2023

  • •UK launch in August 2023 with 60.4kWh battery
  • •Comfort and Design trims with 201bhp motor
  • •Starting price from £25,490

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !No significant MOT risks on near-new vehicles
  • !Check tyre condition as factory rubber may wear quickly
6
Known Issues
0
Serious
1
Moderate
5
Minor

All Known Issues

12V Auxiliary Battery Drain

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Similar to other early e-Platform 3.0 models, the 12V battery can lose charge if the vehicle is parked for several weeks without charging, causing the electronics to fail to wake up.

Est. Repair Cost: £120–£220 (replacement battery)
Warning Signs:

Car fails to start or unlock, Instrument cluster unlit, Low 12V voltage warning

What to Inspect:
  • Test auxiliary battery health with multimeter
  • Verify battery management firmware updates
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Intrusive ADAS (Safety Beeps)

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The driver assistance systems, particularly Lane Keep Assist and the Speed Limit Warning, can be overly sensitive and provide frequent audible alerts.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Software updates)
Warning Signs:

Frequent beeping, Sudden steering corrections, Warnings for minor speed fluctuations

What to Inspect:
  • Ensure latest firmware is installed
  • Test drive to experience system sensitivity
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Infotainment Ergonomics & Lag

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The lack of physical buttons means almost all functions (including climate) are in menus, which can occasionally lag or feel unintuitive while driving.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Software fix)
Warning Signs:

Slow screen response, Difficulty finding climate settings, Navigation freezing

What to Inspect:
  • Verify software version
  • Test screen responsiveness across all menus
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Suspension Body Roll

MinorSuspension & Chassis

The suspension is tuned for comfort, which can lead to significant body roll and an unsettled feeling on undulating B-roads.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Design trait)
Warning Signs:

Excessive leaning in corners, Bouncy feeling over bumps, Lack of confidence at higher speeds

What to Inspect:
  • Test drive on twisty or uneven roads
  • Inspect dampers for any early leaks
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Poor Motorway Range Efficiency

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The Dolphin loses range rapidly at motorway speeds due to its boxy aerodynamics and small battery. Real-world motorway range can be 30-40% less than the official figure, making long-distance trips challenging.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Design trait)
Warning Signs:

Range dropping faster than expected on motorways, Significantly less range than advertised at 70mph, Need to charge more frequently on long trips

What to Inspect:
  • Check real-world range reports
  • Plan charging stops for motorway journeys
  • Verify the battery health status
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Rapid Charging Speed Limitations

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The Dolphin's maximum DC charging speed is relatively modest (around 65kW), and the charging curve drops off quickly, meaning public rapid charging takes longer than many rivals.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Design trait)
Warning Signs:

Charging slower than advertised, Charge rate drops significantly above 50%, Longer stops at rapid chargers than expected

What to Inspect:
  • Check real-world charging times
  • Consider if rapid charging speed matters for your use case
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2023 BYD Dolphin

  • Only Comfort and Design trims were available at launch; the cheaper Active and Boost trims arrived later
  • Software maturity was still evolving; check for OTA updates