A safety recall overseen in Russia involves the Chinese automobile maker Haval, which plans to address roughly 32,200 vehicles due to a potential electrical fault tied to short circuits in wiring. The order came through Rosstandart, the country’s federal body for technical regulation. The recall underscores the importance of maintaining electrical integrity in modern vehicles and highlights how moisture ingress can compromise safety-critical components within the wiring system.
The official notice explains that the root cause lies in the wiring harness connector located under the driver’s seat. Moisture can enter this connector, creating conditions that may trigger a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical network. In a worst-case scenario, the moisture-induced short could lead to the connector overheating and melting, which could disrupt essential functions and raise the risk of a fire. This assessment was communicated by Rosstandart in a formal statement, clarifying the potential safety implications for affected models.
Models affected by the campaign include the Haval F7 and F7x, with production dates between December 1, 2022, and December 27, 2023. The recall process involves a dealer-led inspection and repair program. Rosstandart published a VIN list on its website, enabling vehicle owners and dealers to verify whether a specific unit is included. Dealers are instructed to proactively contact owners of vehicles identified in the list to arrange repairs, while owners who prefer can reach out to their local dealer directly to confirm whether service is required. The corrective measure involves replacing the problematic connector to prevent water from entering and to ensure reliable operation of the wiring harness under all driving conditions. By addressing the moisture pathway at the connector, the campaign aims to eliminate the moisture-related short circuit risk and restore safe electrical performance across the affected fleet.
Public disclosures also note a broader challenge faced by dealers when servicing vehicles imported from China that fall into a grey market category. Such vehicles can present additional logistical and compliance hurdles for service centers, potentially affecting parts availability and turnaround times. The recall initiative, however, is designed to provide clear guidance, leveraging official VIN data to minimize confusion and ensure owners receive timely updates about the required repairs. In practical terms, affected owners should monitor communications from their authorized Haval dealer, confirm their vehicle’s inclusion in the recall, and schedule the repair at a convenient time. The replacement of the connector is a straightforward remedy that helps restore the durability of the wiring system and reduces the likelihood of moisture-related electrical faults in the future, contributing to overall vehicle reliability and owner confidence. Rosstandart’s role in issuing and publicizing the recall reinforces consumer protection and vehicle safety standards across the regional market.