Tesla, other automakers recall record 4.3 million vehicles in China

Tesla and eight other major automakers have announced a massive recall of approximately 4.3 million vehicles in China due to safety concerns over emergency door accessibility. The recall, the largest in the country's history, targets a total of 2.98 million imported and domestically-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles from September 25.

The primary issue stems from mechanical emergency door-release handles that may be difficult to locate or operate in the event of a crash. Beijing has intensified its oversight of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, introducing stricter safety regulations as automakers roll out advanced technologies in the world's largest vehicle market.

In response to the recall, companies including Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, and Xpeng have pledged to provide free warning labels and employ software updates to address the issue. Tesla's remedy involves issuing remote software updates that automatically lower vehicle windows after a collision, while the other firms plan to install warning labels and deploy software patches.

The door handles in question, which open using a key fob, smartphone, or touch-sensitive panel, have also garnered attention from US regulators, who are considering new safety standards to prevent occupant entrapment during electrical power failures. Despite the widespread recall, industry analysts suggest that the cost of the actions may be limited due to the efficiency of modern over-the-air updates and reduced physical work required.