Tesla’s electronic, retractable door handles—a sleek design element that has become an industry trend—have led to the company’s largest recall ever in China. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced on Friday that more than 2.9 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, manufactured in China between 2019 and 2026, are affected by safety concerns.
Safety Concerns and Mechanical Overrides
The recall follows allegations and lawsuits claiming the door handles make it difficult for passengers to exit vehicles quickly during emergencies or for rescuers to reach them. The issue is particularly acute when low-voltage batteries fail, cutting power to the electronic latches. To address this, Tesla will issue an over-the-air (OTA) software update to lower windows automatically after a collision. Additionally, many cars will require physical warning stickers to help occupants locate and operate mechanical emergency handles, which are currently difficult to identify because they match the interior color.
Industry-Wide Scrutiny
Tesla is not alone in this regulatory crackdown. The Chinese government simultaneously recalled over 1 million vehicles from eight domestic automakers, including Xiaomi, Geely, and Xpeng, for similar issues related to flush door handles. China has moved faster than other nations in regulating these features, with new rules set to ban fully retractable handles entirely in the near future.
Driver Monitoring and Hardware Fixes
Separately, nearly 50,000 imported Tesla Model 3, X, and S vehicles were recalled due to insufficient driver monitoring while using assisted steering technology. While some can be fixed via software, others will require the installation of new in-cabin cameras to ensure drivers remain attentive. US regulators are also reportedly examining whether new rules are needed for door handle designs following these developments.
