Tesla Recalls Millions of Cars in China Over Door Safety Risks

Regulatory Crackdown on Flush Door Handles

According to official notices from China’s product safety regulator, severe vehicle collisions can cause low-voltage electrical systems to fail, rendering hidden electronic door handles inoperable. This technical failure can trap occupants inside or prevent outside rescuers from opening doors, prompting urgent safety interventions. The regulatory scrutiny follows accidents in China and other regions where electronic door handles failed during emergencies. Chinese authorities announced in February that a formal ban on hidden car door handles will take effect next year, positioning these current recalls as an industry-wide safety upgrade ahead of a 2027 enforcement deadline cited by the official Communist Party newspaper, the People’s Daily.

Cui Dongshu, head of the China Passenger Car Association, described the mass recalls as an inevitable step and a responsible, safety-first approach amid the growing pains of the electric vehicle sector. Parallel regulatory shifts are emerging globally. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced in July that it is initiating a federal rulemaking process to mandate robust and obvious door egress systems across all motor vehicles.

Scale of Recalls Across Major EV Manufacturers

Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Domestic Chinese manufacturers face matching operational adjustments. Technology giant Xiaomi is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles, while Hangzhou-based Leapmotor is recalling over 370,000 cars. Additional recalls affect vehicles produced by Geely and XPENG, with all manufacturers citing comparable door handle safety vulnerabilities. These actions coincide with intense market competition in China, where domestic rivals like BYD and Xiaomi challenge Tesla’s market share with affordable and innovative models. Data from the China Passenger Car Association shows Tesla delivered 25,158 Model Y units in China during July, marking an 18% decline from 30,766 units delivered during the same period a year earlier.

“For the rapidly evolving NEV industry, competition should be defined not only by the pace of technological innovation but also by the high standards set for safety.” — People’s Daily

Tesla Driver Monitoring System Recall

This separate campaign affects China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured between March 4, 2019, and December 7, 2025. Tesla stated in recall notices that it will provide free over-the-air software updates to incorporate in-cabin camera monitoring alongside existing steering-wheel torque sensors. For vehicles unable to receive over-the-air updates, Tesla service centers will contact vehicle owners to schedule necessary repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Tesla door handles being recalled in China?

According to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, severe collisions can cause low-voltage electrical systems to fail, preventing hidden electronic door handles from opening and trapping occupants inside.

What models are affected by the Tesla recall?

How will Tesla fix the door handle issue?

Tesla will utilize software updates to ensure windows automatically lower after an accident is detected and affix warning labels to recalled vehicles, according to regulatory notices.

Are other automakers affected by door handle recalls?

Yes. Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Geely, and XPENG are among the Chinese carmakers recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to similar door handle safety concerns.