Nearly three million Teslas recalled in China over hidden door handles
China has initiated a massive vehicle recall affecting nearly 3 million Teslas and other brands due to safety concerns regarding hidden door handles. The recall mandates warning labels and a software update to automatically lower windows during a collision.
Why it matters
This recall underscores the safety challenges associated with minimalist EV design trends and the regulatory scrutiny facing major automakers in the Chinese market.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images By Osmond Chia Business reporter Published 24 August 2026, 04:27 BST Updated 06:01 BST Minimalistic door handles became a signature feature of electric vehicles (EVs), but the controversial designs are now at the centre of China's biggest car recall, affecting more than 4 million vehicles.
The recall, which includes 2.98 million Chinese-made Teslas, follows safety concerns that the hidden door handles are difficult to locate and open in emergency situations.
Other brands affected by the recall include Chinese carmakers XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely.
The recalled vehicles will have a warning label stuck on the interior door and receive a software update to automatically lower the windows in a crash.
The designs have come under scrutiny after two fatal crashes in China involving Xiaomi EVs, in which power failures were suspected to have prevented doors from being opened.
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