Tesla, along with eight other car manufacturers, is recalling an estimated 4.3 million vehicles in China due to safety concerns regarding door-release handles that may be difficult to locate or operate during emergencies such as accidents or electrical failures. The majority of this recall involves Tesla’s imported and China-produced models, including around 2.98 million units of the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. This recall operation is set to commence on September 25.
The recall’s focus is on ensuring that emergency mechanical door-release handles are more accessible and identifiable, especially following severe collisions. In such situations, the inability to quickly find and use these handles could hinder passengers from escaping or delay rescuers in gaining entry to the vehicle. To address these issues, affected vehicles may be equipped with solutions ranging from enhanced labeling and improved markings to over-the-air software updates that enhance safety features.
In addition to Tesla, other significant recalls include approximately 390,000 vehicles from Xiaomi, 371,000 from Leapmotor, and 264,000 from Xpeng. The recalls highlight a broader industry concern about the accessibility and reliability of door-release mechanisms in vehicles, which are critical during emergency situations.
This move comes as China intensifies its vehicle safety regulations, reflecting heightened attention to passenger safety during emergencies. The Chinese authorities have announced plans to prohibit concealed door handles starting from 2027, a decision driven by the need to improve safety standards and ensure that vehicles are equipped with mechanisms that can be easily operated by occupants and rescuers in any emergency scenario.