Due to handles: Tesla and other manufacturers to recall millions of cars in China

Tesla, Xiaomi, Xpeng, Dongfeng, Geely, Leapmotor, and other car manufacturers will be required in the coming weeks to recall millions of cars due to safety concerns regarding vehicle door-opening mechanisms. This recall is expected to be the largest in the history of the Chinese automotive industry, involving approximately 7 million vehicles.

Many cars currently marketed in China utilize electric door-opening systems. While most are equipped with mechanical backup releases—such as hidden handles or cables—for use when the battery is depleted, Chinese regulators have determined that these mechanisms are often poorly positioned and lack prominent color coding. Consequently, in an accident or fire where electrical systems fail, passengers risk being trapped inside.

Tesla will be the most significantly affected manufacturer, with a recall of over 5.7 million vehicles, including approximately 2.9 million Model Y and Tesla 3 units produced in China. The company will install prominent stickers on internal release handles and deploy an over-the-air (OTA) software update to trigger windows to open slightly during a collision. Additionally, Tesla will conduct a separate recall for 2.7 million vehicles to update driver fatigue monitoring systems.

Other manufacturers involved include:

1. Xiaomi: recall of approximately 390,000 vehicles for handle stickers and window-opening OTA updates.

2. Leapmotor: recall of approximately 371,000 vehicles.

3. Xpeng: recall of approximately 264,000 vehicles.

4. Zeekr: recall of approximately 92,000 vehicles.

5. Chery: recall of approximately 58,000 vehicles.

6. Dongfeng: recall of approximately 53,000 vehicles.

While the Chinese regulator's announcement currently applies only to China, it remains possible that regulators in Europe may mandate similar safety recalls.