Tesla pulls nearly 3 million vehicles in China over concealed door handles

China’s market‑supervision regulator has ordered Tesla to recall almost three million cars after engineers discovered a hidden door‑handle design that could open unintentionally while the vehicle is in motion. The recall, one of the largest ever for an electric‑vehicle maker in the country, covers several Tesla models sold locally, including the Model 3, Model Y and Model S variants produced for the Chinese market.

Tesla said the defect stems from a concealed latch mechanism that, under certain conditions, may fail to stay fully engaged. If the handle were to open while driving, occupants could be exposed to the risk of injury or a sudden loss of cabin integrity. The company will replace the affected components at its service centers across China at no cost to owners and has pledged to complete the work within a 30‑day window.

The recall follows a broader sweep by Chinese authorities of electric‑vehicle safety issues. Earlier this year, the same regulator flagged similar door‑handle problems in vehicles from domestic manufacturers XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely, prompting those firms to launch their own corrective actions. While the exact numbers for the local brands have not been disclosed, officials confirmed that the issue is being addressed through coordinated inspections and parts replacements.

Industry analysts note that the scale of Tesla’s recall could pressure the company’s production targets in Shanghai, where it operates a large gigafactory. Supply‑chain partners may also feel the ripple effect as components are sourced and re‑engineered to meet the new safety standards. Nevertheless, Tesla’s swift response aims to preserve consumer confidence in a market that has become a cornerstone of its global sales.

Regulators have warned that further non‑compliance could trigger additional penalties, underscoring China’s tightening oversight of automotive safety. For owners, the recall process is expected to be straightforward: affected vehicles will be identified via VIN lookup, and service appointments can be booked through Tesla’s official app or local dealerships.

The episode highlights the growing scrutiny of EV manufacturers as the sector expands rapidly worldwide, with safety and reliability remaining paramount concerns for both regulators and consumers.