Xiaomi Fixes $5,800 Fake Hood Ducts After Massive SU7 Ultra law

Xiaomi is finally moving to resolve a major “crisis of trust” surrounding its flagship electric sedan. On March 10, 2026, the company officially opened service appointments for a free hardware modification. This update applies to the optional carbon fiber hood on the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra.

This move follows a series of lawsuits and intense social media backlash. Specifically, owners discovered that the $5,800 dual-duct hood was almost entirely cosmetic. While Xiaomi marketed the part for cooling and aerodynamics, the ducts actually led nowhere.

Table of Contents

1. The Upgrade: Turning Plastic Into Performance
2. The Lawsuit Timeline: Mixed Verdicts in China
3. Financial Fallout: Compensation and Refunds
4. Hardware Specs: How the New System Works
5. Impact on Sales: The SU7 Ultra’s Hard Road

The Upgrade: Turning Plastic Into Performance

Beginning this week, owners can visit authorized Xiaomi service centers for a free installation. Technicians will modify the internal channels of the carbon fiber hood.

• The Mod: Workers install two newly engineered aerodynamic vanes inside the vents.
• Duration: The service takes roughly two to three hours to complete.
• The Goal: This modification creates a functional path for airflow. Consequently, it transforms the “decorative” scoops into active aerodynamic components.

The Lawsuit Timeline: Mixed Verdicts in China

The controversy reached a boiling point in late 2025. During that time, independent teardowns revealed that the ducts did not connect to any cooling systems. This discovery led over 400 owners to file formal complaints.

• October 2025 (Suzhou): A court ruled that Xiaomi’s marketing constituted false advertising. Therefore, the company had to pay triple damages to the plaintiff.
• February 2026 (Changsha): However, a separate court sided with Xiaomi. The judge determined that the phrase “high-efficiency airflow” was not technically fraudulent.
• March 2026: Ultimately, Xiaomi introduced this hardware fix as a “technical olive branch” to settle remaining lawsuits.

Financial Fallout: Compensation and Refunds

Before the hardware fix arrived, Xiaomi attempted to pacify owners with smaller gestures. Most owners rejected these offers as inadequate.

• Loyalty Points: Xiaomi initially offered 20,000 reward points (approx. $280).
• Refund Option: Customers with undelivered orders could switch back to the standard aluminum hood. Nevertheless, this resulted in delivery delays of up to 40 weeks.
• Legal Payouts: For those who won in court, Xiaomi paid significant compensation packages.

Hardware Specs: How the New System Works

Xiaomi’s engineering team claims the new vanes work with the car’s Active Intake Grille.

• Activation: The system only engages when the driver selects “Track Mode.” It also activates if the car exceeds speeds of 150 km/h (93 mph).
• Downforce: The redirected air now helps keep the front axle planted.
• Trade-off: Xiaomi notes a slight reduction in driving range. Since the air resistance increases, the triple-motor system requires more energy.

Impact on Sales: The SU7 Ultra’s Hard Road

Despite the car’s 1,526 horsepower, the “Hood Saga” has damaged the model’s reputation.

• Sales Slump: In January 2026, Xiaomi reportedly sold only 45 units of the SU7 Ultra. This represents a staggering 98% drop from launch.
• Price Adjustment: Originally, analysts expected a $110,000 price tag. Instead, the final retail price fell to $73,400 to remain competitive.