Archive · 25 Aug 2026
China Orders Biggest-Ever Vehicle Recall Over Electronic Door Handles
China is recalling millions of cars because their outside door handles might not work after a serious crash.
These handles are usually flat against the car and use electricity.
If a crash cuts the power, people inside might have trouble opening the doors.
People outside might also be unable to help them.
Tesla has the largest number of cars in the recall.
Xiaomi, Leapmotor and several other carmakers are also affected.
Tesla plans to update software and add labels showing where manual door releases are located.
China will require new cars to have mechanical door releases starting in 2027, and other countries are considering similar safety rules.
China ordered the recall of about 4.3 million vehicles over electronic door handles that may fail after severe crashes.
Tesla accounts for roughly 2.98 million recalled vehicles, including Chinese-made and imported Model 3, Model Y, Model X and Model S cars.
Xiaomi is recalling 390,435 SU7 sedans, while Leapmotor is recalling 371,200 vehicles.
The recall follows crashes in which occupants reportedly struggled to escape or rescuers could not open damaged vehicles.
China will ban hidden or fully retractable exterior handles on new cars from January 1, 2027, while other countries consider similar rules.
- Who
- China’s State Administration for Market Regulation ordered recalls affecting Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor and several other automakers.
- What
- About 4.3 million vehicles are being recalled because flush-mounted electronic door handles may hinder escape or rescue after a crash disrupts the electrical system.
- When
- The recall was reported alongside China’s February rule change, which takes effect for new cars on January 1, 2027; related crashes cited include incidents in October, March 2025 and December 2023.
- Where
- China, with regulators in the United States, Europe and Australia also considering related safety measures.
- Why
- Electronic handles may fail when a severe collision cuts power, potentially trapping occupants or preventing rescuers from opening the doors.
- Vehicles recalled
- About 4.3 million, described as China’s largest-ever car recall.
- Tesla vehicles
- Roughly 2.98 million Chinese-made and imported Model 3, Model Y, Model X and Model S vehicles.
- Other major recalls
- Xiaomi: 390,435 SU7 sedans; Leapmotor: 371,200 vehicles.
- Safety concern
- Flush-mounted electronic handles may not work after a crash knocks out the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Tesla fix
- A software update will make windows lower automatically after a crash, and labels will identify manual releases.
- China’s new rule
- From January 1, 2027, new cars must have a mechanical release on every door, inside and outside.
- International response
- The United States, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and Australia are considering related safety measures.