Beijing: Tesla is among several automakers recalling more than 4 million vehicles in China over safety concerns linked mainly to electronic and flush-mounted door handles, in one of the country’s largest automotive recall actions this year.
Around 2.98 million China-made and imported Tesla electric vehicles are affected, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said the issue could create safety risks in serious accidents if an electrical failure prevents the door handles from operating normally.
In severe collisions, damage to a vehicle’s electrical system could make it difficult for occupants to open the doors from inside or prevent emergency responders from accessing the vehicle from outside. Tesla will address the identified risks through software updates, according to the regulator.
The recall comes as Chinese authorities increase scrutiny of flush or concealed electronic door handles, which are widely used on Tesla and other electric vehicles. China has announced plans to ban certain hidden door-handle designs from 2027 amid concerns over emergency access following vehicle accidents.
Other Chinese automakers are also involved in the recall action. Xiaomi is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles, while Leapmotor is recalling over 370,000. Geely and XPENG are also recalling vehicles over similar door-handle safety concerns.
Industry experts said the recalls highlight the need for automakers to prioritise safety alongside rapid technological innovation in China’s new-energy vehicle market.
Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, described the recalls as an inevitable stage in the development of the electric vehicle industry and said the move reflected a stronger focus on vehicle safety.
The recalls as a unified safety upgrade ahead of the planned 2027 restrictions, stressing that competition in the new-energy vehicle sector should be driven not only by technological progress but also by high safety standards.
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