Tesla and several Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are recalling more than 4 million vehicles in China over safety concerns involving car door handles, Chinese authorities said on Friday.
The US-based automaker is recalling around 2.98 million China-made and imported vehicles, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model X and Model S, due to potential safety risks involving their door handles, according to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation.
The recall is reportedly the largest in China this year. It comes months after Chinese authorities announced plans to ban hidden or flush door handles commonly found on Tesla and various Chinese electric vehicle models from next year.
Authorities have increased scrutiny of the technology following several electric vehicle accidents in China and elsewhere, where electronic door mechanisms reportedly failed and left occupants trapped inside vehicles.
In its notice, the regulator warned that in extreme situations, including severe collisions that cause an electrical system failure, the handles could prevent occupants from quickly escaping or make it difficult for rescuers outside to gain access.
Industry experts said automakers should prioritise safety over vehicle design. China Passenger Car Association head Cui Dongshu described the recall as an “inevitable step” in the development of the electric vehicle industry, saying it reflected manufacturers’ move towards a more reliable, safety-first approach.
Tesla is expected to carry out software updates on affected vehicles to reduce the identified risks. The company had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, Chinese technology giant Xiaomi is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles, while Hangzhou-based Leapmotor is recalling over 370,000. Other manufacturers, including Geely and XPENG, are also recalling vehicles over similar door handle concerns.
The People’s Daily described the large-scale recalls as a unified safety upgrade ahead of China’s planned 2027 ban on hidden car door handles.
The newspaper also said that as the new energy vehicle industry continues to develop rapidly, competition should not be measured solely by technological innovation, but also by manufacturers’ ability to meet high safety standards.
