Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China as part of what has become the country’s largest automotive recall in history, according to International Business Times. The safety action targets approximately 2.98 million China-made and imported electric vehicles, marking Tesla’s largest recall ever in any single market.
Tesla Recalls 2.98 Million Vehicles in China Over Door Handle Safety Hazards
The sweeping measures involve Tesla along with 10 other automakers recalling roughly 4.3 million vehicles total across China, according to BBC News. Other affected brands include Chinese carmakers Xiaomi, XPeng, Leapmotor, and Geely brands such as Zeekr and Lynk & Co. The actions stem from growing regulatory scrutiny over minimalistic and flush electronic door handle designs that have become a signature feature of electric vehicles.
Emergency Safety Risks and Regulatory Scrutiny
The recall was ordered after safety regulators raised concerns that hidden door handles are difficult to locate and operate during emergencies. According to a statement issued by Tesla, the recalled Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Inc. Model X vehicles feature door handles that are difficult to identify and operate because their color is similar to the interior trim.
Regulators noted that in serious collisions where a vehicle’s low-voltage electrical system fails, power-operated handles can stop working. Tesla stated that in extreme situations such as a severe collision causing the vehicle’s low-voltage system to fail, this could hinder occupants from quickly opening the doors to escape and impede rescue efforts by those outside the vehicle, posing a safety hazard.
The heightened oversight follows a series of electric vehicle accidents in China—including two fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs—where suspected power failures prevented doors from being opened and trapped occupants inside.
Tesla’s Implemented Fixes and Software Updates
To address the regulatory requirements without a full hardware redesign, Tesla’s recall fix relies on software and physical warnings. The automaker will place warning labels on the interior doors of affected vehicles to help occupants locate emergency mechanical releases. Additionally, Tesla will issue an over-the-air software update designed to automatically lower a vehicle’s windows after a collision is detected.
The mechanical door handle recall officially begins on September 25, 2026. For Tesla’s Model Y specifically, rear passengers previously had to remove a door-pocket cover and pull a concealed cable to exit manually.
A Looming Total Ban on Flush Door Handles
The current recall precedes a broader regulatory shift by Chinese authorities, who announced a complete ban on hidden door handles. Under Standard GB 48001-2026, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, cars sold in China must feature a mechanical release on both the inside and outside of their doors, along with a grippable exterior space measuring at least 60x20x25mm. Previously approved models have been granted a compliance deadline until January 1, 2029.
The design scrutiny extends beyond China. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened preliminary investigations into roughly 179,000 Model 3 vehicles and about 174,000 Model Y units, while lawmakers have introduced the SAFE Exit Act targeting flush door handles specifically.
