Tesla Recalls Nearly 3 Million Vehicles in China Over Door Handle Concerns

Tesla announced Friday it is recalling nearly three million vehicles in China due to concerns that the electronic door handles may be difficult to open in emergency situations. This recall, affecting approximately 2.98 million vehicles, marks the largest automotive recall ever issued in the country.

The recall encompasses both imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles, according to filings with China's State Administration for Market Regulation. The issue stems from Tesla's electronically operated, retractable door handles, which could become difficult to operate if the vehicle's low-voltage system fails after a severe collision.

Tesla stated that this problem "could hinder occupants from quickly opening the doors to escape and impede rescue efforts by those outside the vehicle, posing a safety hazard." To rectify the issue, Tesla will affix warning labels to affected vehicles and implement a remote software upgrade that will automatically lower the windows following an accident.

In addition to the door handle recall, Tesla is also addressing concerns with driver-monitoring systems in certain vehicles. These systems are designed to ensure drivers remain alert and ready to take control. Tesla will provide a software upgrade and in-cabin camera monitoring to enhance driver vigilance.

Owners of vehicles that cannot receive these fixes remotely will be contacted by Tesla to schedule service appointments.

Tesla's recall is part of a larger wave of recalls affecting approximately 4.3 million vehicles in China, with other automakers like Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, and Geely Holding also announcing recalls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that these automakers have not disclosed plans for similar recalls in the U.S.

This action follows two previous recalls by Tesla in May. The company recalled roughly 175 Cybertrucks due to concerns about potential wheel stud separation, and over 218,000 Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles were recalled because of delayed rearview camera images.