China launches biggest ever auto recall campaign over door handle safety

On Friday, eleven automobile manufacturers, including Tesla and Xiaomi, announced a massive recall campaign in China, the largest ever in the industry. The recall measures were prompted by safety concerns surrounding emergency door-release systems in electric vehicles (EVs). Most of the actions, classified under Chinese regulations as product recalls, aim to address potential difficulties in locating or operating the emergency mechanical door-release handles during urgent situations.

Nine of the eleven automakers, including Tesla and Xiaomi, will distribute free warning labels to identify the emergency handles, while the majority will also roll out software updates via over-the-air (OTA) technology. The extensive recall campaign reflects Beijing's increasing oversight of the EV sector and the introduction of stricter safety standards as carmakers continue to innovate amid intense competition in the world's largest automotive market.

Tesla, for instance, intends to recall 2.98 million imported and domestically-produced Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles starting September 25. The company cited the risk of mechanical emergency door-release handles being difficult to discern following severe collisions and electrical system failures, which could impede occupants' ability to escape or hinder rescuers' access. Tesla's solution includes warning labels and an OTA update that automatically lowers vehicle windows post-collision.

At least six other car brands, including Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co, disclosed their largest recalls on record on Friday, according to their filings with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). China is poised to ban concealed or "hidden" door handles from 2027, making it the first nation to phase out a design popularized by Tesla and extensively adopted by domestic EV manufacturers.

This ban stems from growing regulatory concerns over the accessibility of such handles during emergency scenarios in China and the United States.