Nearly three million Teslas recalled in China over hidden door handles

Nearly three million Teslas have been recalled in China due to safety concerns regarding their hidden door handles, which are difficult to locate and open in emergency situations. This recall, the largest in the country, affects more than four million Chinese-made Tesla vehicles. Other brands impacted by the recall include XPeng, Xiaomi, and Geely.

The recalled vehicles will be equipped with a warning label and receive a software update to automatically lower windows in a crash. The issue stems from two fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs in China, where power failures were suspected of preventing door openings. Tesla stated that the hidden handles, which resemble the interior trim, could hinder occupants from quickly escaping during severe collisions, posing a safety hazard.

The use of hidden door handles has gained popularity among Chinese carmakers after Tesla's sleek design gained widespread attention since 2014. However, a ban on hidden door handles by Chinese authorities is set to take effect in January 2027, requiring mechanical releases on both sides of the doors. Tesla's recall follows a US probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which suggested creating a new safety standard for all carmakers.