BEIJING: China has launched its largest-ever automotive recall campaign, with 11 carmakers, including Tesla and Xiaomi, announcing vehicle recalls and software updates over concerns about emergency door-release systems in electric vehicles.
The sweeping action comes as Chinese regulators increase scrutiny of vehicle safety and introduce tougher requirements for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry.
Most of the recalls involve emergency mechanical door handles that regulators say could be difficult for passengers or rescuers to locate and operate following an accident.
Nine of the 11 manufacturers involved, including Tesla and Xiaomi, will install warning labels free of charge to make emergency release handles easier to identify. Most of the companies will also provide over-the-air software updates to address related safety concerns.
The campaign reflects growing regulatory pressure on automakers as Chinese manufacturers continue introducing new vehicle technologies while competing aggressively in the world’s largest car market.
Tesla is recalling approximately 2.98 million imported and China-made vehicles, including Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X cars, beginning September 25, according to information submitted to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation.
Tesla said mechanical emergency door-release handles could be difficult to identify after a serious collision combined with an electrical system failure. The issue could potentially make it harder for passengers to escape or emergency responders to gain access to vehicles.
As part of the remedy, Tesla will add warning labels and provide an OTA software update designed to automatically lower vehicle windows following a collision.
At least six brands, including Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Zeekr and Lynk & Co, described the latest actions as their largest recalls on record, according to filings submitted to Chinese regulators.
The recall campaign comes ahead of a major regulatory change in China. Authorities plan to ban concealed or hidden vehicle door handles from 2027, making China the first country to phase out the increasingly popular design.
Hidden handles have become common on modern electric vehicles, allowing doors to be opened using key fobs, smartphones or press-operated mechanisms.
While the design has become popular for its sleek appearance and aerodynamic benefits, safety concerns have increased over whether occupants and rescuers can quickly find and operate the handles after serious crashes, particularly when a vehicle loses electrical power.
The latest recall campaign highlights the growing focus on EV safety standards as automakers introduce increasingly sophisticated technologies.
For manufacturers, the changes could mean higher compliance costs and further adjustments to vehicle designs. For consumers, regulators say the tougher requirements are intended to ensure that new vehicle technologies do not compromise basic emergency safety.
