China Recalls 4.3 Million Cars over Door Safety

Tesla and eight other automakers have announced a record recall in China affecting approximately 4.3 million vehicles over concerns that emergency mechanical door-release handles may be difficult to locate or operate in a crash, potentially hindering occupants’ escape or rescuers’ access.

Tesla accounts for the largest share, with 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles affected. The recall also covers about 390,000 Xiaomi vehicles, 371,000 Leapmotor vehicles and 264,000 Xpeng vehicles. Remedies vary among manufacturers and include warning labels, improved markings and remote software updates. Tesla will install warning labels and provide a software update that automatically lowers the windows after a collision.

The recalls come amid increased scrutiny of electric-vehicle safety in China and tougher safety requirements introduced by authorities.

China has also announced that it will ban concealed door handles from 2027, making it the first country in the world to phase out the design. US regulators are also considering new safety standards to address the risk of occupants becoming trapped in vehicles during electrical power failures.

(Reuters, max)