Tesla and 10 Automakers Recall Electric Vehicles in China Over Hidden Door Latches
Tesla is recalling nearly three million vehicles in China as part of a nationwide effort to address safety hazards surrounding hidden emergency door releases. The coordinated action involves 11 automakers responding to risks that vehicle occupants could become trapped inside following an accident or fire if electronic door latches fail.
What Happened
According to reports, 11 carmakers operating in China are conducting recalls linked to concealed manual door releases. Alongside Tesla, domestic electric vehicle brands including Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely subsidiaries Zeekr and Lynk & Co. are participating in the safety campaign.
To address the issue, nine manufacturers, including Tesla, will place physical warning labels inside vehicles to help drivers and passengers quickly find emergency door mechanisms. Additionally, all 11 automakers will distribute software updates across their affected fleets.
Electronic latches have grown widely popular across modern electric cars, allowing drivers to unlock and enter vehicles using smartphone connections or NFC key cards. However, these systems rely on electrical power and can malfunction during collisions. While manufacturers include manual release handles as mechanical backups, these levers are often placed in obscure locations or hidden behind trim panels, making them difficult for passengers to locate under duress.
Key Highlights
- Tesla is recalling just shy of 3 million imported and China-made vehicles.
- A total of 11 automakers are issuing recalls, with nine adding warning labels for emergency releases.
- All 11 manufacturers will deploy over-the-air software updates as part of the safety response.
- Recalled brands also include Xiaomi, Xpeng, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co.
- China announced in February, after a two-year assessment, that it will officially ban hidden, electronically-actuated exterior door handles beginning in 2027.
- In the United States, the primary automotive safety regulator launched an inquiry into Tesla door-latching systems late last year following media scrutiny, while lawmakers consider accessibility mandates.
Why This Matters
The safety push highlights a growing design challenge in modern automotive engineering. While flush handles and electronic latches improve vehicle aesthetics and support digital key technology, their reliance on electrical systems creates safety vulnerabilities when vehicles lose power or sustain crash damage.
Concerns over manual backups extend beyond China. In the United States, Rivian faced questions from staff and vehicle owners regarding its R1 line, which required occupants to pull a cord after removing a panel. Rivian subsequently repositioned the manual latch for its newer R2 model. Similarly, Ford temporarily paused sales and recalled the Mustang Mach-E in 2025 to mitigate the risk of electronic latches failing during power outages. Tesla has noted that it is working on redesigning its handle mechanisms for future models.
What to Watch Next
Regulators and manufacturers are moving toward stricter physical standards for passenger egress:
- Automakers in China must prepare for a 2027 standard that bans hidden, electronically-actuated exterior door handles.
- In the United States, regulators continue to evaluate safety criteria for electronic door systems, while proposed legislation aims to mandate that manual releases remain intuitive and readily accessible.
- Affected vehicle owners in China will receive software updates and interior warning stickers identifying emergency manual handles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tesla recalling nearly 3 million cars in China?
Tesla is recalling the vehicles because interior manual emergency door releases are difficult to locate, posing a risk that occupants could be trapped inside the vehicle during a fire or collision if electronic latches fail.
What are carmakers doing to address the door release issue?
Nine of the 11 affected carmakers, including Tesla, are installing visible warning labels to guide passengers to emergency releases. All 11 manufacturers are also issuing software updates.
Are other carmakers affected by door latch safety concerns?
Yes. Chinese automakers such as Xiaomi, Xpeng, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co. are participating in the recall. Outside China, manufacturers including Rivian and Ford have previously addressed design and operational concerns regarding electronic latches and manual emergency releases.
Source: Based on reporting by Reuters and TechCrunch.