In a significant move affecting the automotive industry in China, Tesla and eight other car manufacturers are set to recall approximately 4.3 million vehicles due to potential safety issues with emergency door-release handles. The recall, slated to commence on September 25, primarily concerns the difficulty of locating or operating these handles during accidents or electrical failures, raising serious safety concerns.
Tesla stands out as the largest contributor to this recall, with about 2.98 million vehicles affected. This includes a range of models such as the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, spanning both imported and domestically manufactured units. The corrective measures for these vehicles may involve actions like adding warning labels, enhancing handle markings, or implementing over-the-air software updates to address the issue.
Regulatory bodies have expressed worries that in the aftermath of severe collisions, the emergency mechanical door-release handles might be challenging to identify. This could potentially hinder the occupants’ ability to exit the vehicle or delay rescuers’ access, thus exacerbating the situation during emergencies.
Besides Tesla, other notable manufacturers involved in the recall include Xiaomi, with approximately 390,000 vehicles, Leapmotor with 371,000, and Xpeng affecting around 264,000 vehicles. This collective action comes as Chinese authorities have tightened vehicle safety standards, with plans to prohibit concealed door handles starting in 2027, aiming to enhance passenger safety amid growing concerns.