What are the issues with the BYD Song MAX?
4 Answers
BYD Song MAX has the following issues: 1. Space: When purchasing an MPV model, the most important consideration is the performance of the third-row space. The Song MAX does not perform well in this aspect. Firstly, if you opt for the seven-seater model, accessing the third row is quite troublesome. Additionally, the legroom in the third row is somewhat cramped, making it feel a bit oppressive when seated there. 2. Torsion Beam Suspension: The torsion beam non-independent suspension falls far short of various independent suspensions in terms of shock absorption performance. Especially when the third-row space is relatively crowded, the comfort level is poor. The Song MAX exhibits weak shock absorption in the rear suspension when passing over speed bumps or on rough road sections, resulting in significant vertical movement of the rear seats. 3. 6-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission: The tuning of the dual-clutch transmission in the Song MAX is not yet optimal. The jerkiness is quite noticeable at medium and low speeds, and the actions of the transmission can be felt during both upshifts and downshifts.
I've been driving the Song MAX for almost two years, and to be honest, there are quite a few minor issues. The most annoying part is the infotainment system—it takes half a minute to respond after a cold start, and the voice recognition often misinterprets my Sichuan dialect as alien language. The transmission makes clunking noises at low speeds, and the 4S dealership says it's a common issue with dual-clutch systems—replacing the clutch costs over 4,000 yuan. City driving fuel consumption is at least 11L/100km, 20% higher than the official figures. In summer, the AC causes a buzzing resonance, which only stops after I added soundproofing foam myself. Sitting in the third row for more than an hour causes back pain, but it's sufficient for short trips with my parents.
After driving the Song MAX for three years, its pros and cons are glaringly obvious. The noise insulation falls short compared to its peers—tire roar, wind noise, and engine rumble on highways often wake my sleeping child in the back seat. The suspension is stiffly tuned; hitting a speed bump can send teacups airborne. The reverse camera occasionally shows static, nearly causing a scrape against a wall once. Its standout strength? A space magician—it once swallowed five suitcases plus a stroller. Resale value plummets harshly; selling it now fetches over 20,000 yuan less than a same-year Odyssey.
Song MAX veteran owners remind you to watch out for these pitfalls: The DCT transmission was fine for the first two years, but the jerking became increasingly severe later, making starts feel like being kicked in the back. The panoramic sunroof turns your head into a frying pan in summer, forcing you to buy sunshades as a remedy. The paint is so thin that even tree branches can scratch it. More annoyingly, the electronic devices are problematic—the tire pressure monitoring system frequently gives false alarms, and the infotainment screen freezes, requiring a reset by poking the reset hole. The newer models with independent suspension are much better, but the air conditioning still cools down sluggishly, requiring you to remotely start it via smartphone 10 minutes in advance under scorching sun.
