Tesla recalls nearly 3 million vehicles in China due to safety concerns related to door handles.

HONG KONG — In a significant move to address safety concerns, Tesla and a number of leading Chinese automobile manufacturers have announced an extensive recall of over 4 million vehicles, primarily due to issues associated with door handles. This development was confirmed by Chinese regulatory authorities on Friday.

Tesla, the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is recalling approximately 2.98 million vehicles, including its Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S models, both made in China and imported. This recall has been recognized as the largest of its kind this year, according to reports from various Chinese media outlets. The recall follows a statement made by Chinese regulatory officials in February, indicating that starting in 2024, there would be a prohibition on hidden car door handles, a feature commonly found in Tesla’s vehicles as well as many other Chinese electric car models.

The increased scrutiny in China around flush or hidden door handles stems from incidents involving EVs where the electronic door mechanisms failed, resulting in occupants being trapped inside the vehicle. The State Administration for Market Regulation cited these potential safety risks within its official notice. In extreme scenarios, such as a serious collision that leads to an electrical system failure, these door handles may impede vehicle users from quickly escaping, and hinder emergency responders from accessing those trapped within.

In response to the identified risks, Tesla has committed to implementing software updates for the affected vehicles. A representative from Tesla was not immediately available to comment on the unfolding situation.

In addition to Tesla, several other Chinese manufacturers are also participating in the recall. Xiaomi, the prominent Beijing-based tech firm, is recalling over 390,000 vehicles, while Hangzhou-based Leapmotor is addressing over 370,000 cars. Other companies, including Geely and XPENG, have also announced recalls, with similar issues related to door handle functionality.

The People’s Daily, the official newspaper of China’s ruling Communist Party, noted that this widespread recall serves as a preventative safety upgrade across various existing vehicle models. It emphasized that as the new energy vehicle sector continues to develop, it must prioritize not only technological advancement but also uphold stringent safety standards to foster consumer confidence and market integrity.

This flurry of recalls underscores the urgent and ongoing discussions within the automotive industry about safety in electric vehicles, particularly as competition heats up and consumer expectations continue to evolve.