Modern vehicles come loaded with all kinds of safety features, but the braking system is still the most important of them all, especially during an emergency. Drivers expect the brake pedal to withstand considerable force when they need to stop quickly.
However, a luxury electric vehicle developed by Chinese technology giant Huawei and automaker JAC Motors is facing serious questions about the strength of its brake pedal assembly. Independent testing has revealed a potentially dangerous weakness in its design.
The vehicle in question is the Maextro V800, a premium electric MPV positioned as a rival to luxury people carriers such as the Lexus LM. With prices reaching approximately $150,000, it represents one of the most expensive offerings in Huawei’s automotive partnership lineup.
As reported by CarNewsChina, recent emergency braking tests conducted by Chinese automotive platform Dongchedi produced some alarming results. Three separate V800 test vehicles experienced brake pedal bracket failures, prompting the manufacturer to announce plans for improvements.
Three Vehicles, Three Broken Brake Pedals
懂车帝实测尊界v800 100到0刹车成绩，连断三根刹车踏板
— 1024 (@1024DevHub) October 8, 2026
Dongchedi tested three Maextro V800s by performing repeated emergency stops from 100 km/h (62 mph) on a closed course. The first vehicle’s brake pedal bracket fractured during its third attempt, while the second failed on its fourth.
Testers subsequently purchased a third vehicle to investigate whether the failures were isolated incidents. Its brake pedal assembly fractured during the second full-force braking attempt, raising serious concerns about the component’s durability.
Following the failures, testers reported that the conventional foot brakes could no longer be operated normally. They instead relied on the vehicle’s Park-button emergency braking function, which increased stopping distances from approximately 38 meters to around 140 meters.
What Caused The Brake Pedals To Break?
An initial examination highlighted several possible weaknesses in the brake pedal assembly. These included its relatively long lever geometry, limited reinforcement around the pivot, and potentially vulnerable welded sections.
Dongchedi also recorded pedal forces during testing, with one vehicle’s bracket reportedly fracturing at 1,612 newtons. That figure is below the 2,000-newton load referenced in China’s brake pedal strength requirements, although the test conditions differ from a formal compliance assessment.
The findings have prompted questions about whether the component provides an adequate safety margin under repeated emergency braking.
Maextro Promises A Redesigned Component
Following the video’s publication, Maextro issued a statement acknowledging the concerns and announcing plans to improve the brake pedal bracket’s design. The company also promised existing owners the option of receiving an upgraded component free of charge.
However, Maextro described the testing procedures as extreme and non-standard, maintaining that its braking system was developed to exceed applicable safety requirements. The manufacturer also stated that no comparable bracket failures had been reported during normal customer use.
A Serious Concern For A Luxury EV
The controversy arrives shortly after the V800’s August launch, when the luxury MPV entered the market with prices ranging from 766,000 to 1.016 million yuan. Its advanced technology and premium positioning make the reported failures particularly concerning.
Although the incidents occurred during repeated emergency braking tests rather than ordinary driving, a fractured brake pedal bracket presents an obvious safety risk. Maextro’s promised redesign will now face scrutiny as the company works to reassure existing and prospective customers.