Tesla recalls nearly three million EVs in China over door-handle safety risk
Tesla is recalling almost three million electric vehicles in China due to a safety risk linked to hidden door handles, marking the country's largest recall this year.
China's State Administration for Market Regulation has announced that Tesla is recalling 2.98 million electric vehicles manufactured and imported in the country, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model X and Model S, over a safety risk tied to their hidden door handles. According to Chinese media, this is the largest such recall in the country this year.
The move comes about six months after Chinese authorities announced in February that hidden door handles — a feature common to Tesla vehicles as well as many Chinese EV models — will be banned starting next year. Authorities have recently tightened scrutiny of these handles following incidents both in China and elsewhere in which electronic door mechanisms failed, trapping people inside vehicles.
The regulator noted that in emergency situations, such as severe collisions that damage a vehicle's electrical system, hidden handles can delay doors from being opened quickly from the inside or prevent rescuers from accessing the car from the outside. Some industry experts believe automakers should prioritize safety over design considerations.
Tesla also plans to issue software updates for the affected vehicles to help reduce the identified risk.
Other manufacturers affected too
Similar issues are prompting recalls from other Chinese EV makers. Technology company Xiaomi is recalling more than 390,000 electric vehicles, while automaker Leapmotor is recalling more than 370,000. Smaller numbers of vehicles are also being recalled by other Chinese manufacturers, including Geely and XPENG.
