Tesla recalls nearly 3M vehicles in China over door handle safety risks

Tesla is among several Chinese automakers recalling over 4 million vehicles due to safety concerns primarily related to their door handles, according to China's State Administration for Market Regulation. The U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer has issued a recall for approximately 2.98 million China-made and imported EVs, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S, over door handle safety risks. This is the largest recall so far this year, as reported by Chinese media.

The recall follows Chinese authorities' announcement in February that they would ban hidden car door handles, commonly found on Tesla electric vehicles and many Chinese EV models, starting next year. The reason cited was the potential safety risk, particularly in extreme situations such as severe collisions that could cause electrical system failure, hindering vehicle users from quickly opening doors for escape or preventing rescuers from accessing the car.

In a notice published on the Chinese regulator's website, the safety risk associated with these hidden, or flush, car door handles was highlighted. Tesla plans to perform software updates on the affected vehicles to mitigate the risks, according to the notice. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday. Other Chinese carmakers such as Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Geely, and XPENG are also recalling some of their vehicles.