Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China over concerns that electronic door-opening systems could make it more difficult for occupants to escape or rescuers to gain access following a crash or electrical failure. The action covers approximately 2.98 million Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles and forms part of the largest automotive recall ever conducted in China. At the centre of the issue are electronic and concealed door handles, which sit flush with the bodywork and have become a distinctive feature of many modern electric vehicles. Under normal conditions they offer aerodynamic and styling advantages, but regulators are increasingly concerned about what happens after a serious collision when electrical power may be lost. Some vehicles have mechanical emergency releases, but these can be difficult to locate, particularly for passengers unfamiliar with the car. Tesla will address parts of the problem through over-the-air software updates and clearer markings designed to make emergency releases easier to identify. Tesla is not alone: nine automakers are recalling about 4.3 million vehicles in China, with Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng and Geely among the other manufacturers involved.
Chinese authorities are also introducing a much broader regulatory change. From the beginning of 2027, newly approved vehicle models will be required to provide mechanical methods of opening doors from both inside and outside, while interior emergency releases must be clearly visible and accessible. Existing approved models will receive a longer transition period. The move follows growing scrutiny of serious crashes in which questions have been raised about whether rescuers could open vehicle doors quickly enough. Particular attention followed a fatal Xiaomi SU7 crash in which Chinese media reported that bystanders were unable to open the vehicle after the collision. Similar concerns about electronic door systems are also being examined by regulators in the United States and Europe. The controversy highlights a wider challenge for the automotive industry: technology introduced for aerodynamics, convenience and futuristic design must remain safe when electronic systems fail completely. China is the first major automotive market to move towards restricting concealed door handles through national rules, and the enormous size of its vehicle market means the decision could influence the design of future cars far beyond China.
