Tesla and several Chinese automakers are recalling more than 4 million vehicles in China over safety concerns primarily related to hidden door handles. Tesla is recalling approximately 2.98 million China-made and imported electric vehicles, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S. Other companies involved include Xiaomi, which is recalling over 390,000 vehicles, and Leapmotor, recalling more than 370,000 cars, as well as Geely and XPENG.
The recalls come as Chinese regulators crack down on retractable door handles after crashes resulted in occupants being trapped inside vehicles, leading to multiple fatalities. According to China's State Administration for Market Regulation, a severe collision causing electrical system failure can prevent users from quickly opening doors to escape or hinder rescuers from gaining access from the outside.
To address these flaws, Tesla will implement software updates and address deficient driver monitoring systems. Tesla and eight other automakers will also install warning labels to help occupants identify manual door releases. This wide-scale recall serves as a unified safety upgrade ahead of a 2027 ban on concealed door handles in China, making it the first country to phase out the design popularised by Tesla and adopted by domestic EV makers.