Tesla Recalls Nearly 3M Cars in China Over Emergency Door Release Safety

Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China as regulators push automakers to make emergency door releases easier to identify and operate after crashes or electrical failures.

The action covers about 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles, according to Reuters. Tesla’s recall begins Sept. 25 and is the largest among a broader group of automakers recalling roughly 4.3 million vehicles in China over door-safety concerns.

Tesla will add labels and update vehicle software.

Chinese regulators said Tesla’s mechanical emergency door releases can be difficult to identify after a severe collision or an electrical system failure, potentially delaying an occupant’s escape or a rescuer’s access.

Tesla plans to add warning labels identifying the emergency releases and deliver a remote software update that automatically lowers the windows following a collision. Other automakers involved in China’s broader recall campaign include Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng and Geely brands.

Electronic door systems have become common on electric vehicles because they can work with smartphones, key cards and powered latches. The safety concern emerges when electrical power is lost, and passengers must rely on mechanical backup releases that may be unfamiliar or difficult to locate.

China is moving against hidden door handles

The recalls follow China’s decision to phase out concealed door handles. Beginning in 2027, new vehicles sold in the country must use mechanical exterior and interior door releases that meet new accessibility requirements.

Tesla, which helped popularise flush exterior handles and electronically controlled latches, has faced similar scrutiny in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation in September 2025 after reports that electronic door handles on some Model Y vehicles became inoperative. Bloomberg reported on the federal investigation after previously documenting incidents in which occupants had difficulty escaping Tesla vehicles.

The broader safety concerns were examined in Bloomberg’s investigation into Tesla’s door systems.

U.S. policymakers are considering stronger requirements

Lawmakers have also proposed changes to U.S. vehicle standards. Rep. Robin Kelly introduced legislation that would require electric door systems to include a clearly labelled, intuitive, and readily accessible mechanical release, and to provide a way for emergency responders to enter vehicles after a power loss, according to Bloomberg.

The issue extends beyond Tesla. Ford recalled nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles in 2025 after identifying a condition in which an unexpected 12-volt battery discharge could leave electronic door latches locked and prevent occupants from being quickly reached from outside.

China’s latest recall shows regulators are increasingly treating emergency access as a safety issue across the industry, rather than a problem limited to one automaker or vehicle design.