Due to the possibility that vehicle doors may be difficult to open in emergency situations, Tesla and eight other automakers will recall around 4.3 million vehicles in China.
This is the largest vehicle recall operation in China’s history.
An announcement from the State Administration for Market Regulation of China on the 21st showed that the involved automakers include Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, XPeng, Geely, Chery, Dongfeng Motor, BAIC BluePark, and China FAW.
Among them, Tesla accounts for the largest share of the recall. According to the announcement, starting from September 25, Tesla will recall 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles.
Xiaomi will recall about 390,000 vehicles, Leapmotor about 371,000, XPeng about 264,000, while the recall numbers for the other automakers are relatively smaller.
The announcement stated that the emergency mechanical handle inside the affected vehicles is similar in color to the interior and is not easy to identify or operate. In severe collisions leading to complete failure of the vehicle's low-voltage system and other extreme circumstances, this issue could hinder the rapid egress of occupants for escape or the rescue efforts of external personnel, posing a safety hazard.
The automakers will eliminate the risk by updating software, applying warning labels, and enhancing the visibility of door handle markings.
Accordingly, China has stipulated that the use of such door handles will be prohibited from 2027 onwards.