Tesla is recalling about 2.98 million China-made and imported electric vehicles, including Model 3, Model Y, Model X and Model S, over door-handle safety risks, according to China’s state administration for market regulation. The recall is part of a wider action involving more than 4 million vehicles from Tesla and other carmakers, mostly related to door-handle concerns, announced by Chinese authorities on Friday.
Largest recall this year
The recall, described by Chinese media as the largest this year, follows a February announcement by Chinese authorities that starting next year, hidden car door handles commonly seen on Tesla electric vehicles and many Chinese EV models would be banned. China has increased scrutiny of hidden, or flush, door handles after EV accidents in the country and elsewhere in which cars’ hidden electronic doors failed and trapped people inside.
In a notice on the Chinese regulator’s website, the safety risk was cited. In extreme situations, such as a severe collision causing an electrical system failure, the handles could hinder users from quickly opening the doors to escape, or prevent rescuers outside from gaining access, the notice said.
Industry response and software updates
Cui Dongshu, head of the China Passenger Car Association, called the recall “an inevitable step” in the development of the electric vehicle industry and said automakers were “being responsible” by moving toward a more reliable, “safety-first” approach. “This represents, in part, the growing pains of the industry. At the same time, however, this move signifies a policy-driven safety upgrade,” said Cui.
Tesla will perform software updates on the vehicles to mitigate risks, the notice added. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.
Other carmakers affected
Xiaomi, the Beijing-based technology giant, is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles. Hangzhou-based Leapmotor is recalling over 370,000 cars. Other Chinese carmakers, including Geely and XPENG, are also recalling some vehicles. The reasons given in each case were similar, mostly relating to issues with car door handles.
A report by the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of China’s ruling Communist party, said the large-scale recall “serves as a unified safety upgrade” for existing vehicle models ahead of the 2027 implementation of the ban on hidden car door handles. “For the rapidly evolving NEV (new energy vehicle) industry, competition should be defined not only by the pace of technological innovation but also by the high standards set for safety,” the newspaper said.
