China mandates recall of nearly 3 million Teslas over concealed door handles
The safety recall, affecting millions of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, also sees other Chinese automakers issuing similar alerts.
Chinese automotive regulators have ordered the recall of almost three million Tesla cars after discovering a design flaw involving hidden door handles that could compromise vehicle safety. The affected fleet includes a large number of Model 3 and Model Y units sold in the country, prompting Tesla to launch a coordinated service campaign to inspect and rectify the issue.
The recall is one of the largest ever issued for an electric‑vehicle brand in China, underscoring the regulator’s heightened focus on consumer safety as the market expands. Owners will be contacted by Tesla service centers and instructed to bring their cars in for a free inspection and, where necessary, a hardware update to ensure the door handles operate reliably.
In parallel with Tesla’s recall, several domestic manufacturers have announced their own safety alerts. Chinese‑based EV makers XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely have each issued statements indicating that certain models will be inspected for comparable concerns, though the specifics of those recalls have not been disclosed in detail.
Industry analysts note that the coordinated response reflects growing scrutiny of vehicle design standards in China’s fast‑moving electric‑vehicle sector. While the exact cause of the hidden‑handle problem remains under investigation, the swift action by regulators and manufacturers aims to prevent any potential incidents that could arise from a malfunctioning door mechanism.
Consumers are advised to monitor communications from their vehicle dealers and to schedule service appointments promptly. The recall process is expected to run for several months, with the goal of completing all necessary repairs before the end of the year.