Tesla’s Door Handles Lead to Its Biggest Recall Yet
Tesla has issued its largest recall to date, affecting millions of vehicles in China due to safety concerns regarding flush door handles that can trap passengers during emergencies. The recall also includes a separate software update for assisted steering technology in imported models to improve driver monitoring.
Why it matters
This massive recall highlights the growing regulatory scrutiny of EV safety features and the challenges of balancing modern aesthetic design with emergency accessibility.
The handles have been blamed, in the US and in China, for making it difficult for passengers to quickly exit vehicles, and for impeding rescue efforts. A handful of crash victims’ families have even filed lawsuits against Tesla, alleging the door handle designs played roles in their loved ones’ deaths.
Now the door handles have led to Tesla’s largest recall ever—and China’s. The Chinese government is recalling more than 2.9 million Model 3s and Model Ys manufactured in China between 2019 and 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation announced Friday.
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