Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China due to safety concerns associated with its minimalist, pop-out door handles. The recall, which impacts approximately 2.98 million Chinese-made and imported Teslas, is part of a larger recall affecting over four million cars from various major Chinese automakers.
The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced in February that it will outlaw minimalist, pop-out door handles starting January 1, 2027. This regulatory change stems from safety concerns, particularly instances where these handles have failed after a crash, hindering emergency services' access to vehicle occupants. The MIIT stated that the new rules aim to "improve the level of automotive safety design."
Models affected by the Tesla recall include the Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S. Recalled vehicles will receive a warning label on the interior of the door and a software update designed to automatically lower the windows after a collision. Other automakers affected by the recall include Xiaomi, which is recalling over 390,900 cars, and Leapmotor, with more than 370,000 vehicles being recalled, along with Geely and XPeng.
Under the new regulations, carmakers will only be permitted to sell vehicles in China if they are equipped with a mechanical release for doors on both the inside and outside. Existing Chinese car models already approved for sale will be granted an additional two years to redesign their vehicles to comply with these new rules.
Minimalist, flush-fitting door handles, popularized by the Tesla Model S in 2012, have become increasingly common in vehicle design due to their aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic benefits. However, they have also faced criticism for issues such as freezing shut in winter and potential malfunctions during power failures or collisions. The MIIT cited two fatal crashes in China involving Xiaomi EVs where suspected power failures prevented doors from opening.
Experts suggest that China's decision to mandate mechanical door releases could influence global automotive design. Manufacturers may opt for uniform designs across different markets rather than developing separate specifications for China. This could impact vehicles sold in other regions, including the UK and potentially the US, as both regions are reportedly reviewing similar safety regulations. Brands such as Audi, Jaguar Land Rover, and Renault also use similar pop-out handle designs on some of their models.