Tesla to recall almost three million vehicles over hidden door handles

Tesla is recalling nearly three million vehicles in China due to concerns over hidden door handles that could hinder occupant safety. The minimalist door handles, a design characteristic of Elon Musk's electric cars, have drawn criticism from Chinese regulators. These handles are difficult to spot and operate, blending in with the interior trim, which could impede occupants' ability to escape in case of a crash or emergency.

Regulators require Tesla to affix warning labels and perform an Over-The-Air update to incorporate a post-accident window lowering strategy. The recall also extends to nearly 400,000 Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicles, all due to the same hidden door handle issue. China has banned hidden door handles and mandated their inclusion in new models starting 2027, citing safety concerns.

Advanced door handle technology has proliferated across the automotive industry, with some manufacturers hiding them behind electronic buttons, drawing regulatory scrutiny. In 2025, Tesla faced a lawsuit over allegations that a design flaw in its Model S hindered occupant escape following a crash. The company has also been investigated for potential occupant entrapment in its Cybertruck due to door handle design.