Tesla leads China’s largest-ever vehicle recall over hidden door handles
Nearly 4.3 million vehicles are being recalled across China as regulators and manufacturers address safety risks posed by electronic door mechanisms.
Tesla and 10 other automakers have initiated the largest automotive recall in China’s history, affecting nearly 4.3 million vehicles due to safety concerns regarding concealed door handles. According to a report by Reuters, the primary risk is that these handles may be difficult to open or locate in an emergency if the vehicle’s electrical systems fail. The move signals a significant shift in how Chinese regulators view design features that have become standard in the electric vehicle sector.
Tesla accounts for the majority of the affected vehicles, with nearly 3 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X units included in the recall. The company has announced it will install free warning labels to help identify the handles. Eight other manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are implementing similar measures to address the issue.
Beyond physical labels, many of the involved manufacturers are deploying software fixes designed to automatically lower vehicle windows after a collision. This update aims to facilitate passenger escape and assist rescue workers in accessing trapped occupants. The immediate remedial actions are intended to mitigate risk while longer-term regulatory changes take effect.
The recall occurs against a backdrop of impending regulatory changes in China, which is set to ban concealed door handles outright in 2027. The upcoming standards will mandate mechanical releases on both the interior and exterior of all vehicle doors that can be operated without power. This design feature is widely used by not only Tesla but also many domestic Chinese electric vehicle makers.
The safety concerns have been highlighted by recent incidents in China, including a fatal crash involving a Xiaomi sedan where bystanders were unable to open the doors to rescue a trapped driver. These events have intensified scrutiny on the reliability of electronic mechanisms in critical safety scenarios.
International regulators are also taking notice. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into Tesla’s electronic door handles due to similar safety risks. In response, Tesla design head Franz von Holzhausen indicated the company is considering a new approach that combines electric and manual release mechanisms into a single button.
