China launches biggest ever auto recall campaign over door handle safety

China has launched its most extensive automotive recall to date, encompassing eleven manufacturers, including prominent names like Tesla and Xiaomi. The campaign focuses on the safety of emergency door-release systems in electric vehicles, a sector under increasing regulatory scrutiny as automakers navigate a fierce price war in the world's largest auto market.

The core issue prompting the recall is the potential difficulty in locating or operating emergency mechanical door-release handles during critical situations. To address this, nine of the eleven automakers will provide free warning labels to clearly identify these handles. Additionally, most manufacturers will implement over-the-air (OTA) software updates to enhance vehicle safety features.

Tesla is recalling 2.98 million imported and China-made vehicles, including Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. The company informed the State Administration for Market Regulation that the mechanical emergency door-release handles might be hard to find after a severe collision or electrical system failure, potentially impeding occupant escape or rescue efforts. Tesla's proposed solution includes warning labels and an OTA update that automatically lowers vehicle windows post-collision.

This sweeping action coincides with Beijing's intensified oversight of the EV industry and the introduction of stricter safety requirements. Notably, China is set to ban concealed or "hidden" door handles starting in 2027, becoming the first country to phase out a design popularized by Tesla and widely adopted by domestic EV makers. This design has faced scrutiny in both China and the U.S. over concerns about accessibility during emergencies.

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The US automaker said mechanical emergency door-release handles may be difficult to identify following a severe collision and electrical system failure, potentially hindering occupants' escape or rescuers' access.