Tesla’s Hidden Door Handles Defined Its Design. Now They’re Driving China’s Biggest Auto Recall
The recall highlights the growing regulatory restrictions China is placing on electric vehicles.
Tesla has initiated the largest recall in its history, affecting more than four million Chinese-made vehicles due to hidden door handles. The controversy stems from safety concerns, as the inconspicuous handles can be challenging to locate and open during emergencies. Other Chinese automakers such as XPeng, Xiaomi, and Geely are also included in the recall.
The affected vehicles will now bear a warning label and receive a software update that automatically lowers the windows in the event of a crash. The recall follows two fatal crashes in China involving Xiaomi EVs, which were suspected to be caused by power failures that prevented door openings. Tesla explained in a statement that the door handles are "difficult to identify and operate" due to their color resembling the interior trim.
The recall could face resistance from the affected firms, as it is currently unclear if they plan to extend the recall to other parts of the world. The usage of hidden handles has gained popularity among Chinese automakers since 2014, copying Tesla's sleek design, according to Tu Le, founder of consultancy Sino Auto Insights. A ban on hidden door handles was announced by Chinese authorities in February, with new rules set to take effect in January 2027, requiring vehicles to have a mechanical release on both sides of the doors.
Written by urgent.news from KahawaTungu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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