21st June 2025 – (Zhejiang) A recent incident involving the Xiaomi SU7 Max has reignited debates about the vehicle’s driver monitoring system and safety reliability. On 17th June, a Zhejiang resident, Mr Li, reported repeated false alerts from the car’s fatigue detection system during his drives. According to Mr Li, the system mistook his naturally small eyes as an indication of drowsiness, triggering over 20 voice alerts of “Please focus on driving” during a single journey, with even more frequent interruptions on longer routes.
Responding to the issue, Xiaomi’s customer service defended the system, stating that it is designed to ensure driver safety. “Every Xiaomi SU7 Max is equipped with a driver monitoring system to enhance protection. While it may be overly sensitive in some cases, users have the option to disable the feature,” the company noted.
The SU7 Max’s monitoring technology is programmed to detect behaviours such as closed eyes or yawning, automatically issuing alerts if the system identifies signs of fatigue or distraction. However, sensitivity issues like Mr Li’s case have highlighted potential flaws in its application.
The incident adds to the growing scrutiny of Xiaomi’s flagship vehicle, which has been plagued by safety concerns in recent months. On 29th March, a fatal accident involving the SU7 drew widespread attention. Three university students driving the car from Hubei to Tongling, Anhui, collided with a highway barrier, resulting in a fire that claimed all three lives. Reports suggested that the vehicle’s doors failed to open after ignition of the blaze, intensifying public outrage.
Following widespread media coverage of the crash on 1st April, Xiaomi Group (1810.HK), listed in Hong Kong, saw its stock price drop sharply over two consecutive trading sessions. The company’s market capitalisation shrank by more than HK$120 billion within two days.
The SU7 Max’s reputation has been further damaged by additional reports of system malfunctions and accidents, prompting calls for greater scrutiny of its safety features, including its driver assistance systems. While Xiaomi maintains the system’s intent is to enhance road safety, escalating concerns about its reliability and broader safety record have placed the company under significant public and regulatory pressure.
