Tesla Recalls Nearly 3 Million Vehicles In China Over Door Handle Safety Risks

Tesla is recalling about 2.98 million electric vehicles in China over concerns that their electronic door handles could make it difficult for occupants to escape or rescuers to enter after a serious crash. The recall forms part of China’s largest ever automotive recall campaign, involving about 4.3 million vehicles from Tesla and several Chinese automakers.

According to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the Tesla recall covers China made and imported versions of the Model 3, Model Y, Model X and Model S. The regulator warned that in severe collisions, particularly those causing an electrical system failure, the handles could prevent occupants from quickly opening the doors or make it harder for rescuers to gain access.

Tesla plans to address the issue through over the air software updates designed to reduce the safety risk. Other manufacturers are also using software updates and, in some cases, warning labels or markings to help drivers and passengers locate emergency mechanical releases more easily.

The wider recall affects vehicles made by Xiaomi, Leapmotor, XPENG, Geely and other Chinese automakers. Xiaomi is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles, while Leapmotor is recalling more than 370,000. Reports indicate that the broader campaign involves 11 automakers and approximately 4.3 million vehicles.

The recalls come as China prepares to introduce tougher rules targeting concealed or retractable door handles. A new national safety standard will take effect January 1, 2027, requiring new vehicle designs to provide more accessible mechanical door-opening mechanisms. Existing models will have a longer transition period for design changes.

The policy follows growing concerns over incidents in which electronically operated doors became difficult to open after crashes or power failures, potentially trapping occupants inside vehicles. Regulators in the United States and Europe are also examining safety questions surrounding electronic door-release systems.

The recall highlights a broader shift in China’s rapidly expanding new energy vehicle industry, where regulators are increasingly placing emergency safety and ease of rescue alongside technology, performance and design. Industry analysts have described the campaign as a necessary safety upgrade as automakers adapt to stricter standards.