1 week ago
China Recalls Millions of EVs Over Hidden Door Handles
Many electric cars have door handles that sit flat inside the car’s body.
These handles can look neat, but they may be hard to find during a serious crash.
If the car loses electrical power, the doors may also be difficult to open.
China is recalling millions of vehicles because of this safety concern.
Tesla is recalling many Model 3 and Model Y cars made in China, along with some imported vehicles.
Several Chinese carmakers are taking similar actions.
Companies may add labels and software that lowers the windows after a crash.
China plans to require mechanical releases on both sides of new cars starting in 2027.
One expert said these fixes may be temporary rather than a permanent solution.
More than 4 million vehicles in China are being recalled over hidden or flush-fitting door handles that may be difficult to use during emergencies.
Tesla’s recalls cover about 2.9 million China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, plus roughly 46,000 imported Model 3, Model X and Model S cars.
Xiaomi, XPeng, Geely, Chery, Leapmotor, BAIC BluePark and other Chinese manufacturers also announced recalls involving similar risks.
Affected vehicles may receive warning labels and software updates that automatically lower windows after a crash.
China plans to require new vehicles sold from January 1, 2027, to have mechanical door releases inside and outside.
- Who
- Tesla and several Chinese automakers, including Xiaomi, XPeng, Geely, Chery, Leapmotor and BAIC BluePark, are involved, along with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation.
- What
- More than 4 million vehicles are being recalled over concealed door handles that may be difficult to identify or operate during emergencies.
- Where
- China, including China-made vehicles and some imported vehicles.
- When
- The recalls began or were scheduled to begin between Friday and Monday; Tesla’s main recall begins September 25, and new door-handle rules take effect January 1, 2027.
- Why
- A severe collision could cause a low-voltage electrical failure, making the handles difficult to use and potentially delaying escape or rescue.
Recall Measures Improve Emergency Access
Measures May Not Solve Design Risks
Warning labels and software
Recall Measures Improve Emergency Access
Labels can help occupants locate emergency releases, while automatic window-lowering software may help people escape or allow rescuers to reach them after a crash.
Measures May Not Solve Design Risks
Consultant Tu Le described the labels and software update as a possible “band-aid” rather than a permanent solution to the underlying door-handle concerns.
Hidden-handle design
Recall Measures Improve Emergency Access
Manufacturers introduced concealed handles partly for sleek styling and reduced drag, while recalls and future mechanical releases can address safety problems.
Measures May Not Solve Design Risks
The design may become difficult or impossible to operate after a collision or electrical failure, prompting scrutiny and China’s planned restrictions.
Scope of protection
Recall Measures Improve Emergency Access
China’s recall program covers vehicles from Tesla and several Chinese manufacturers currently sold in the country.
Measures May Not Solve Design Risks
It remains unclear whether Tesla and other affected manufacturers will introduce similar recalls or safety measures for vehicles sold outside China.
Key facts
- Vehicles affected
- More than 4 million vehicles in China, according to the reports
- Tesla China-made recall
- About 2.9 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles; another report gives the figure as 2.98 million
- Tesla imported recall
- About 46,000 imported Model 3, Model X and Model S vehicles
- Other manufacturers
- Xiaomi, XPeng, Geely, Chery, Leapmotor and BAIC BluePark were among the Chinese manufacturers named
- Planned remedy
- Warning labels near emergency handles and software that can lower windows after a crash
- New Chinese requirement
- From January 1, 2027, new vehicles sold in China must have mechanical releases inside and outside
- Additional Tesla recall
- Tesla is separately recalling 2.7 million China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over steering-assist monitoring issues; it was unclear whether the recalls overlap
Quotes
Tesla
Electric vehicle manufacturer issuing the recall statement
“In extreme situations such as a severe collision causing the vehicle's low-voltage system to fail, this could hinder occupants from quickly opening the doors to escape and impede rescue efforts by those outside the vehicle, posing a safety hazard”
wionews.com
“difficult to identify and operate because their colour is similar to the interior trim”
wionews.com
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation
China’s national market regulator that announced the vehicle recalls
“In extreme situations such as severe collisions causing the vehicle's low-voltage system to fail, (the handles) may affect passengers' ability to quickly open car doors for escape and rescue operations outside the vehicle.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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