Tesla Recalls Nearly 3 Million Vehicles in China Over Door Handle Safety Risks

Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million cars in China because of a safety problem with their door handles. The recall covers electric vehicles made in China and imported ones, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S. Chinese safety officials announced the recall on Friday, calling it the largest vehicle recall in China so far this year.

The problem is with hidden door handles, which are built flat into the car's body instead of sticking out like traditional handles. These handles are common on Tesla electric vehicles and many Chinese electric car models. Chinese authorities decided to ban this type of handle starting in 2027 after a series of accidents showed they could fail during emergencies.

Officials explained why the handles are dangerous. In a serious crash, the car's electrical system can stop working. If that happens, the hidden electronic handles may not work either, making it impossible for people inside to get out quickly or for rescuers outside to open the doors. The Chinese government's market regulation agency published a safety notice describing these risks.

To fix the problem, Tesla plans to update the software on the recalled vehicles. A software update changes how the car's computer system works without replacing any physical parts. Tesla did not respond to questions from reporters on Friday about the recall.

Tesla is not the only company recalling cars. Xiaomi, a large Chinese technology company based in Beijing, is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles. Leapmotor, a carmaker from the city of Hangzhou, is recalling over 370,000 cars. Other Chinese brands, including Geely and XPENG, are also recalling some of their vehicles for similar door handle issues.

In total, more than 4 million vehicles from several different carmakers are being recalled in China. Industry experts say this large recall shows that automakers need to put safety ahead of design. Cui Dongshu, the head of the China Passenger Car Association, called the recall 'an inevitable step' in the growth of the electric vehicle industry.

China's official newspaper, the People's Daily, described the mass recall as 'a unified safety upgrade' for vehicles before the 2027 ban takes effect. The newspaper also said that competition in the electric vehicle industry should be about more than just new technology. It argued that high safety standards are just as important as innovation.