China Launches Its Largest Car Recall Over Safety Concerns with Emergency Door Handles
China has launched its largest-ever automotive recall, with 11 automakers—including Tesla and Xiaomi—fixing emergency door-release systems in EVs. The campaign adds warning labels and OTA software updates that lower windows after collisions, ahead of a nationwide ban on hidden door handles starting in 2027.
BUSINESS NEWS
Aagahi Hub
8/21/20261 min read
In a massive safety action, eleven major car companies—including Tesla and Xiaomi—have launched China’s biggest-ever automotive recall campaign. Chinese safety regulators ordered the step to fix emergency door-release systems in electric vehicles (EVs).
The main goal is to ensure that passengers and rescue workers can easily open car doors during an accident or power failure.
Why Are Electric Cars Being Recalled in China?
Most electric cars use sleek, electronic door handles. However, if a car gets into a bad accident and loses battery power, electronic handles stop working. In these situations, passengers must use mechanical emergency levers to open the doors.
Chinese market regulators found that these manual emergency handles are often hidden or blend into the car's interior design, making them hard to find during an emergency.
To solve this issue, car manufacturers will take two main actions:
Warning Labels: Free stickers will be placed inside vehicles to clearly show where manual door handles are located.
Software Updates: Automatic system updates will lower car windows right after a collision to help people escape or get help quickly.
Tesla and Chinese EV Brands Affected
Tesla is leading the recall, affecting nearly 3 million vehicles in China—including Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. Tesla will begin fixing these vehicles starting September 25.
Other top Chinese electric vehicle brands—such as Xiaomi, Xpeng, Leapmotor, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co—have also joined the recall, marking the largest safety update in their company histories.
China to Ban Hidden Door Handles from 2027
This recall is part of a broader push by Chinese authorities to enforce stricter safety rules for electric vehicles.
Starting in 2027, China will completely ban hidden or concealed door handles on new vehicles, becoming the first nation in the world to end this design trend. Future cars will be required to have clear, easy-to-use mechanical handles that work even without electric power.
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