Tesla, along with eight other car manufacturers, is initiating a recall of roughly 4.3 million vehicles in China. The recall arises from concerns that the emergency or concealed door-release handles in these cars could be difficult to locate or operate during accidents and power outages, potentially endangering passengers.
Within this recall, Tesla makes up the largest portion, with about 2.98 million vehicles affected. The recall encompasses imported and domestically produced Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles. This process is set to commence on September 25. The remedy for the identified issue may involve applying warning labels, enhancing handle markings, or deploying over-the-air software updates to address the problem.
Regulatory bodies have expressed worries about the ease of identifying mechanical door-release handles in emergencies, especially after severe collisions. Such difficulties could hinder occupants from escaping or delay rescuers in gaining access to the vehicle.
In addition to Tesla, significant recalls include approximately 390,000 vehicles from Xiaomi, 371,000 from Leapmotor, and 264,000 from Xpeng. These recalls reflect a growing focus on vehicle safety regulations in China, which has moved to tighten safety standards further.
Looking ahead, China plans to prohibit concealed door handles starting in 2027, driven by increasing concerns over passenger safety and the imperative to facilitate faster and more reliable escape options during emergencies.