Beijing: Automotive manufacturers including Tesla and several prominent Chinese electric vehicle producers have initiated a massive recall covering more than four million vehicles over safety risks linked to flush and electronic door handle systems. According to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, the recall campaign stands as the largest of the year, driven by regulatory scrutiny over designs that could malfunction during severe accidents and trap passengers inside.
The bulk of the recall involves Tesla, which is recalling approximately 2.98 million imported and domestically manufactured vehicles, including Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X units. Regulators noted that during high-impact collisions causing electrical system failures, electronic and hidden exterior door handles may fail to deploy properly, preventing occupants from escaping quickly or obstructing external emergency rescue teams. Tesla will address the potential hazard across affected units via over-the-air software updates.
Major domestic manufacturers in China are also participating in the safety campaign. Beijing-based tech giant Xiaomi is recalling more than 390,000 electric vehicles, while Hangzhou-based Leapmotor is recalling over 370,000 units. Other notable domestic brands, including Geely and XPENG, have similarly issued recall notices for various models citing related handle functionality and egress concerns.
The industry-wide move precedes a planned regulatory ban on hidden car door handles scheduled to take effect across China by 2027. Industry analysts and official state publications have described the nationwide recall as an essential step toward standardizing emergency accessibility in new energy vehicles, reinforcing that long-term technological adoption must prioritize passenger safety and structural reliability over aesthetic design trends.
