In brief
China’s latest automotive safety review has led to the recall of almost 3 million Chinese‑made Teslas, along with other domestic brands like XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely, over their hidden door handles. The design, praised for its sleek look, may be difficult for occupants and first responders to locate when the vehicle’s low‑voltage system fails. Tesla has announced warning labels and a software update that will lower windows automatically after a collision, but the global impact remains uncertain.
Nearly 3 million Chinese‑made Teslas, including Model 3, Y, S and X, have been recalled as part of China’s most extensive vehicle safety program. The recalls stem from on‑demand complaints that the cars’ minimalistic retractable door handles are hard to identify and operate, especially when the vehicle’s low‑voltage system fails during a severe collision.
Dealer‑service managers have reported that the door handles blend in with the door panel’s interior trim, which can render them nearly invisible to both passengers and emergency responders. In response, Tesla will post warning labels on the affected units and roll out a software update that lowers the vehicle’s windows automatically after a collision.
Other domestic brands—XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely—are also on the recall list, highlighting the broader industry issue that the design trend of hidden handles poses safety risks. In February, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced a new ban coming into effect on 1 January 2027 that forbids cars from using hidden handles unless a mechanical release is supplied on both the inside and outside of each door.
Meanwhile, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been investigating similar issues after reports of doors in U.S.‑market vehicles abruptly locking, trapping occupants. Tesla has faced multiple safety probes worldwide for door‑handle design, and the impact of new regulations remains to be seen on the global market.
In a statement, Tesla said: “The door handles are difficult to identify and operate because their colour is similar to the interior trim.” The company added that the update will enhance emergency accessibility while they work on long‑term solutions for the recall.
Further information on the recall and ongoing safety reviews is being sourced from the state automotive safety regulators and Tesla’s own safety team.
