IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2023 BYD Seal

The BYD Seal launched in the UK in late 2023 as the brand's flagship electric sedan, directly targeting the Tesla Model 3. Available in Design (RWD) and Excellence (AWD) trims, it featured an 82.5kWh Blade Battery with a 354-mile WLTP range. The Seal was the first BYD to use cell-to-body construction technology.

What changed for 2023

  • •UK launch in late 2023
  • •82.5kWh Blade Battery with 354-mile range (Design)
  • •Cell-to-body construction for improved rigidity
  • •Design and Excellence trims only at launch

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !No significant MOT risks on near-new vehicles
  • !Check infotainment software version; early cars had lag issues
6
Known Issues
0
Serious
0
Moderate
6
Minor

All Known Issues

Infotainment / App Connectivity Glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Early Seal owners have reported occasional issues with the BYD smartphone app and 4G connectivity within the car.

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

App not syncing, In-car navigation losing signal, Spotify/media app log-outs

What to Inspect:
  • Test app connectivity
  • Check signal strength in various areas
  • Verify latest OTA updates
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Slow Touchscreen Responsiveness

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The large rotating touchscreen can be sluggish to respond to inputs, particularly when switching radio stations or adjusting settings. The voice control system is also prone to mishearing commands.

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

Delayed response to touch inputs, Voice control mishearing commands, Radio station changes taking several seconds

What to Inspect:
  • Test screen responsiveness across all menus
  • Try voice commands during test drive
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Child Presence Sensor False Alarms

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The child presence detection sensor in the rear seats can trigger false alarms, causing the car alarm to go off while charging. This can be resolved by disabling the sensor via the infotainment.

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

Car alarm going off while charging, Repeated false alerts, Unable to charge without alarm triggering

What to Inspect:
  • Test charging with doors closed
  • Ask if the child presence sensor has been disabled
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Numb and Inconsistent Steering

MinorSteering

The steering feels disconnected and numb around centre, then suddenly becomes more responsive mid-corner, particularly in Comfort mode. This can make the car feel unpredictable.

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

Disconnected steering feel, Sudden nose-dart into corners, Inconsistent weight through steering

What to Inspect:
  • Test drive in Sport mode
  • Check steering responsiveness at various speeds
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Low Ground Clearance Underbody Scraping

MinorBodywork & Rust

With approximately 145mm of ground clearance and a long wheelbase, the Seal is prone to scraping its front lip and central aero deflector trays over steep driveways and aggressive UK speed humps.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£200 (undertray clip resecuring)
Warning Signs:

Scraping noise over traffic calming humps, Loose undertray clips, Scratches on front lower chin spoiler

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect underside for scrape marks or missing plastic fasteners
  • Check front chin spoiler integrity
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Pop-Out Flush Door Handle Sticking

MinorBodywork & Rust

The motorized pop-out flush exterior door handles can intermittently fail to present smoothly when unlocking or hesitate in freezing weather.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£250 (lubrication or actuator replacement)
Warning Signs:

Handle remains flush after unlocking, Motor whining noise without handle deployment, Delayed handle retraction

What to Inspect:
  • Test all four door handles during lock/unlock cycles
  • Ensure handles deploy flush with bodywork when closed
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2023 BYD Seal

  • 2023 cars were available in Design and Excellence trims only; a Comfort trim was expected later
  • Early models may benefit from software updates addressing touchscreen lag and child sensor false alarms
2024
Check a 2023 BYD Seal by Registration