Tesla, along with eight other car manufacturers, is recalling a total of around 4.3 million vehicles in China due to potential issues with emergency door-release handles. These handles may be difficult to find or operate in the event of accidents or electrical failures. Tesla is the most impacted by this recall, with approximately 2.98 million of its vehicles, including imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X models, affected. The recall process is set to start on September 25.
Owners of the impacted vehicles may see solutions ranging from the application of warning labels and enhanced markings to receiving over-the-air software updates. Chinese regulators have expressed worries that the emergency mechanical door-release handles might be hard to locate after a significant collision, which could hinder occupants’ escape or delay rescuers’ access to the vehicle.
In addition to Tesla, other major automakers involved in the recall include Xiaomi, with approximately 390,000 vehicles affected; Leapmotor, with 371,000 vehicles; and Xpeng, with 264,000 vehicles. Each of these manufacturers is taking steps to address the concerns raised by the regulatory authorities.
This initiative comes as China intensifies its vehicle safety requirements, intending to ban concealed door handles by 2027. The enhanced regulations are part of efforts to improve passenger safety in emergency situations, reflecting a broader commitment to ensuring that all vehicles meet stringent safety standards.