In China, Tesla and eight other car manufacturers are initiating a large-scale recall that impacts approximately 4.3 million vehicles. The recall is driven by concerns regarding the potential difficulty in locating or operating concealed or emergency door-release handles during accidents or electrical malfunctions. Notably, Tesla is responsible for the bulk of this recall, with around 2.98 million vehicles affected, including various models such as the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, both imported and domestically made in China. The recall is set to commence on September 25.
Vehicles involved in this recall may undergo a range of corrective actions. These could include the addition of warning labels, enhanced markings for better visibility, or updates made through over-the-air software solutions. Regulatory bodies have expressed concerns that in the aftermath of a significant collision, the emergency mechanical door-release handles might be hard to locate, posing a risk to occupants attempting to exit the vehicle or to rescuers trying to gain entry.
In addition to Tesla, several other automakers are part of this recall effort. Major contributions to the recall numbers include approximately 390,000 vehicles from Xiaomi, 371,000 from Leapmotor, and 264,000 from Xpeng. The collective effort underscores the widespread nature of the issue across different manufacturers.
This recall action is part of a broader push by Chinese authorities to enhance automotive safety standards. The country has been tightening its vehicle safety regulations and has announced plans to prohibit the use of concealed door handles by 2027. This move comes amid escalating concerns about ensuring passenger safety, particularly during emergency situations where quick and easy access to vehicle exits is crucial.