Tesla and 10 other automakers have recalled nearly 4.3 million vehicles in China over safety concerns that hidden door handles could be difficult to open in emergencies, according to Reuters. It is the largest vehicle recall in the country to date.
Tesla is the company most affected by the recall, which impacts nearly 3 million Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles imported and manufactured in China. The company has said it will install warning labels, at no cost, to identify the handles. Eight of the other 11 companies, including Xiaomi, will take the same measure.
Many of the manufacturers are also issuing software updates that will automatically lower a vehicle's windows after a collision, which could make it easier to evacuate passengers and assist rescue teams.
China will completely ban hidden door handles from 2027. New regulations will require mechanical release mechanisms on both the inside and outside of all vehicle doors that can operate without electrical power. Mechanical systems can be difficult to operate or even locate if a vehicle's electrical system fails, as demonstrated by recent incidents in China, including a fatal crash in a Xiaomi sedan in which bystanders were unable to open the doors to rescue the trapped driver.
In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into Tesla's electronic door handles over the same safety risk. Tesla has suggested the company is open to a redesign. Design Director Franz von Holzhausen indicated that the company is considering a new approach that combines electric and manual release mechanisms.
