Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million cars in China due to hidden emergency door mechanisms
Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China as part of a nationwide campaign designed to inform owners and passengers about hidden manual emergency door-opening mechanisms. Such mechanisms may be necessary after an accident or fire, when passengers risk being trapped inside the vehicle.
According to TechCrunch, citing Reuters, 11 automakers in China have announced recalls due to this issue. Nine companies, including Tesla, will install warning stickers in their vehicles to help passengers locate the emergency door-opening mechanisms. Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely’s brands—Zeekr and Lynk & Co.—have also joined the campaign.
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All 11 manufacturers will also release software updates as part of the recalls. The issue stems from the widespread use of electronic door locks that allow users to unlock the car using a smartphone or an NFC card. However, in the event of a collision, these locks may malfunction. Manual mechanisms, which serve as a backup opening method, are often located in obscure places or behind door panels.
After a two-year review, China announced in February that it will ban hidden, electronically operated exterior door handles starting in 2027. Tesla, which popularized the use of hidden exterior door handles and electronic locks, has stated that it is working on redesigning its door handles.
