Tesla and others begin record vehicle recall in China
Tesla and eight other automakers are recalling 4.3 million vehicles in China to address safety concerns regarding emergency door releases. Additionally, China announced a future ban on concealed door handles starting in 2027.
Why it matters
This represents the largest automotive recall in Chinese history and signals stricter regulatory oversight for EV design features in the world's largest car market.
China has said it will ban concealed door handles from 2027, making it the first country to phase out a design popularised by Tesla and widely adopted by domestic Chinese EV makers.
People work on the Tesla Model Y production line at the Tesla Gigafactory assembly plant during a media-organised tour, in Shanghai, Apri 14, 2026. (Photo: AP/Andy Wong)
BEIJING: Tesla and eight other automakers said on Friday (Aug 21) they will recall a total of about 4.3 million vehicles in China over concerns that doors may be difficult to open in an emergency, marking the country's largest automotive recall.
The recall remedies range from software updates to warning labels and improved markings around door handles.
Beijing has this year increased oversight of the EV industry and introduced tougher safety requirements, as automakers, locked in a fierce price war, roll out technologies in the world's largest vehicle market.
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