Tesla Recalls Nearly 3 Million Vehicles in China Due to Difficulties Opening Doors During Emergencies

The administration announced that Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China, marking the largest automotive recall in the country's history. The recall affects imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles, which feature electronically operated, retractable door handles. These handles can become difficult to operate following a severe collision if the vehicle's low-voltage system fails, potentially hindering occupants from escaping quickly and impeding rescue efforts. To address these safety concerns, Tesla said it would affix warning labels to the affected vehicles and remotely upgrade window-control software so that windows automatically lower following an accident. The recall comes in response to new Chinese regulations requiring cars to have mechanical release mechanisms on both the inside and outside of their doors. While the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet received plans for similar recalls in the US, the Chinese measures are expected to influence global safety standards. Other automakers, including Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely, are also recalling vehicles to address similar door handle issues.

Sources

• Reuters
  China flexes its auto-safety chops with huge recall of Tesla, other cars
• BBC
  Why Tesla has been caught up in a massive car recall in China
• Ars Technica
  Chinese regulators tell Tesla to fix nearly 3 million cars
• The Register
  Tesla to recall almost three million vehicles over hidden door handles
• WIRED
  Tesla’s Door Handles Lead to Its Biggest Recall Yet