Tesla is recalling nearly three million vehicles in China as authorities push automakers to address concerns that hidden emergency door releases could make it difficult for occupants to escape during crashes or fires.
The recall is part of a wider campaign involving 11 automakers in China, with nine companies, including Tesla, set to install warning labels to help drivers and passengers locate manual door releases. The affected manufacturers will also roll out software updates as part of the recall.
The issue stems from the growing use of electronic door latches and flush exterior handles, which allow drivers to unlock vehicles through smartphones, NFC cards or electronic controls but can become difficult to operate if a vehicle loses power or is involved in a serious collision.
While vehicles equipped with electronic latches typically have manual releases as a backup, safety concerns have emerged over their location. Some are tucked behind door panels or placed in areas passengers may not immediately recognise during an emergency.
China has taken a tougher position on the technology following a two-year review. In February, the country announced plans to prohibit hidden, electronically actuated exterior door handles from 2027.
Tesla is among several electric vehicle manufacturers affected by the latest action, alongside Xiaomi, Xpeng and Geely brands Zeekr and Lynk & Co.
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The development also adds to scrutiny of Tesla’s door-latching technology outside China. In the United States, the country’s top auto safety regulator opened an investigation into Tesla’s door-latching system last year and is considering changes to safety requirements for such systems.
Tesla is not the only automaker facing questions over hard-to-find emergency releases. Rivian also faced concerns over the manual release in its R1 vehicles, where rear passengers had to remove a panel and pull a cord to access the mechanism.
The company later moved the release to a more accessible position on its newer R2 model.
The recall highlights a broader safety challenge created by the shift from conventional mechanical door handles to electronically controlled systems, as automakers balance sleek vehicle designs and digital convenience with the need for passengers to escape quickly during emergencies.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
