Tesla’s Door Handles Lead to Its Biggest Recall Yet
A Chinese agency says the two recalls affecting some 3 million vehicles can mostly be fixed by over-the-air updates—but they will also require physical warning stickers and camera-related updates.
Tesla has recalled a record number of its vehicles due to issues with its door handles, impacting production in both the United States and China. The handles have been criticized for making it difficult for passengers to exit quickly and for hindering rescue efforts in emergency situations. Families of crash victims have even filed lawsuits, alleging that the door handle designs contributed to the fatalities.
As a result, the Chinese government is recalling over 2.9 million Model 3s and Model Ys made in China between 2019 and 2026, with the aim of improving safety. Some vehicles can be updated via software to lower windows after collisions, reducing the risk of passengers being trapped inside. However, many cars will require free warning stickers to help locate and operate emergency mechanical door handles.
Tesla has not commented on the matter. Additionally, the Chinese government has recalled more than 1 million cars made by eight domestic automakers due to safety concerns related to flush door handles. Other vehicles imported to China for insufficient monitoring of drivers using US assisted steering technology have also been recalled, numbering nearly 50,000.
China has been more stringent in regulating new automotive technology, implementing rules earlier this year that will soon ban fully retractable door handles. The US government is also considering new regulations for door handle design, following reports from Bloomberg.
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