Tesla recalls 3 million cars in China over hidden door handles, 2.7 million over driver monitoring

Tesla has recalled over 3 million cars in China, with 2.7 million affected due to issues with hidden door handles and driver monitoring systems. The Chinese regulator identified the emergency mechanical door release latch as being difficult to locate, as it matched the color of the interior trim. This recall includes 973,156 Model 3s and Model Ys produced in China, along with 35,590 imported Model 3s, 8,328 imported Model Xs, and 2,123 imported Model S vehicles.

Other manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely, also issued recalls for similar problems in their cars. Tesla plans to address the issue with warning labels and an over-the-air update that will automatically lower the car's windows after a collision. Separately, Tesla recalled over 2 million cars in China for inadequate driver monitoring, requiring the system to track the driver's eyes as well as the wheel.

This recall covers 2,740,642 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles produced in China. The door handle issue was the subject of a probe in the U.S. following reports of door handles stopping working in several Model Ys, potentially trapping children inside. It remains unclear if Tesla will issue a global recall for the door handles.