Chongqing Changan Automobile’s Deepal brand has issued a nationwide safety recall affecting 218 units of its 2025 E07 ‘Multitruck’ model in Australia. The issue centers on a critical safety flaw : some vehicles were manufactured without a mandatory center rear child seat anchor point, violating Australian Design Rule (ADR) 34/03.
What the Recall Means
This defect means that child car seats cannot be securely installed in the rear middle seating position of affected vehicles. In the event of a crash or sudden braking, an unrestrained child seat poses a severe risk of injury or death to occupants. The recall follows a temporary halt in sales and deliveries last week, as Deepal worked to address the compliance issue.
The Issue Explained
ADR 34/03 requires all rear seating positions with seatbelts to have a top-tether anchorage point for child restraints. The E07’s unique “multitruck” design, allowing transformation into a ute-like configuration, does not exempt it from this standard. The company confirmed the defect stems from a manufacturing error where the anchor point was omitted in some units.
What Owners Need to Do
Deepal will contact owners of affected vehicles, urging them to schedule a free repair at an authorized dealer. However, the company has yet to confirm when the necessary components for the fix will be available.
Owners can check if their vehicle is impacted using the VIN list (attached in the original notice). They can also contact Deepal Australia directly at 02 9930 7800 or via email at Deepal-Feedback@inchcape.com.au for further assistance.
This recall highlights the importance of strict quality control in vehicle manufacturing, particularly regarding child safety features. The delay in component procurement raises questions about the brand’s preparedness for such issues, which could delay repairs and leave customers at risk.
