Tesla is recalling almost three million cars in China

Tesla has initiated a recall of nearly three million vehicles in China due to potential safety issues with door handles. The affected models include the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, both locally produced and imported. According to the Chinese market supervision authority, the recall is scheduled to begin on September 25. The issue centers around mechanical emergency door releases. In the event of a severe accident where power supply fails, electric door openers may stop working, requiring occupants to manually unlock doors. Authorities have noted that the designated door handles in some Tesla models may not be clearly visible, potentially complicating escape or delaying rescue efforts. The recall involves approximately 2.98 million electric vehicles. Tesla plans to equip the affected vehicles with additional warning messages highlighting the mechanical emergency door releases. A software update will also be deployed via wireless transmission, ensuring windows automatically lower after an accident. This approach aims to minimize the need for physical service visits, reducing costs and downtime. Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions estimates these measures could limit overall expenses. Remote software updates have significantly reduced labor and operational burdens in recent years. Tesla popularized integrated door handles in electric vehicles worldwide. Depending on the model, doors can be opened using a key, smartphone, or touch-sensitive surfaces. This design was later adopted by numerous Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. However, such systems have come under increasing scrutiny following several incidents in China. Reports indicate instances where electric vehicles caught fire after accidents, making it difficult for passengers to escape. Last year, a driver of a Xiaomi SU7 died in an accident and subsequent fire. According to state media, bystanders were unable to open the doors to rescue him. China has already announced a ban on hidden or recessed door handles starting in 2027. This makes the country the first globally to phase out this design. The Tesla recall is part of a broader initiative. Nine manufacturers in China are recalling a total of 4.3 million vehicles due to concerns over door access during emergencies. Tesla accounts for the largest share of this recall. Media reports suggest this is the largest single manufacturer recall in China’s automotive history. Several Chinese automakers are also involved. Xiaomi recalls around 390,000 units, Leapmotor approximately 371,000, and Xpeng roughly 264,000. Geely and other companies have also filed recalls. Similar to Tesla, many of these cases involve poorly visible or difficult-to-operate mechanical door mechanisms. For Leapmotor, Xpeng, and Geely, these represent their largest recalls to date according to official figures. Meanwhile, Beijing continues to tighten safety regulations for the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry. On the world's largest automobile market, manufacturers engage in fierce price and technology competition. The current recall is also viewed as a comprehensive retrofitting effort for previously sold vehicles ahead of new regulatory requirements coming into effect. In the United States, authorities are also addressing the issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recently indicated it may introduce new safety standards aimed at improving emergency door accessibility.