BEIJING: Tesla is recalling nearly three million vehicles in China over safety concerns surrounding hidden door handles, as Chinese authorities intensify scrutiny of a design widely adopted across the electric vehicle industry.
The Tesla China Recall covers around 2.98 million China-made and imported Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles, making Tesla the largest participant in a broader recall affecting about 4.3 million vehicles from several automakers.
The action centres on concerns that emergency mechanical door releases can be difficult to identify or operate, particularly after a serious collision causes the vehicle’s electrical system to fail. Regulators warn this could delay occupants attempting to escape or rescuers trying to enter a damaged vehicle.
Tesla China Recall Targets Hidden Door Handles
Tesla popularised flush and electronically operated door handles, which sit within a vehicle’s bodywork to create a sleek appearance.
However, the design has faced growing safety scrutiny following accidents in which electronic doors reportedly failed or occupants became trapped. Chinese authorities have responded with tougher regulations covering door-opening mechanisms.
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Tesla plans to add warning labels identifying emergency releases and deploy software updates. The company will also introduce a feature designed to automatically lower vehicle windows following certain collisions.
The wider recall also affects vehicles produced by Chinese manufacturers including Xiaomi, XPeng, Leapmotor and Geely brands. Xiaomi is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles, while Leapmotor is recalling more than 370,000.
China Tightens EV Safety Rules
The recalls come ahead of major new Chinese safety regulations taking effect in 2027.
China announced earlier this year that fully concealed exterior door handles would be prohibited under the new requirements. Vehicles will need more accessible mechanical systems to ensure doors can still be opened during electrical failures or emergencies.
Safety concerns surrounding electronic door systems are not limited to China. US regulators have also investigated Tesla’s door-latching systems following reports of doors becoming difficult to open, and authorities are considering broader safety requirements for vehicle door mechanisms.
The large-scale action represents another challenge for automakers as regulators increasingly examine whether futuristic EV designs provide adequate protection during emergencies.
For Tesla, the recall puts one of the design features it helped popularise at the centre of an international debate over whether aesthetics and technological innovation have moved ahead of basic vehicle safety.
