Tesla and eight other automakers initiated a recall of approximately 4.3 million vehicles in China following concerns that electronic door handles may not open properly during emergencies. The announcement came on August 21, 2026, marking one of the largest auto recalls in the country’s history.
The affected automakers include Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, and Geely, among others. The recall stems from the design of the door handles, which sit flush with the vehicle body to enhance aerodynamics and provide a minimalist appearance. These handles extend electronically when the owner approaches the car and rely on buttons rather than traditional mechanical systems to function.
The issue has raised safety concerns, particularly regarding the ability to exit a vehicle quickly in an emergency. Tesla’s manual release mechanism is reportedly located either in the door pocket or beneath a panel without clear signage, while some other automakers use a system where an interior lever can be pulled twice to manually release the door. Complaints to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have included incidents where drivers were unable to remove children from a vehicle after exiting.
Regulators in China have taken a proactive stance, announcing in February 2026 that it would ban “hidden” door handles starting in 2027, becoming the first country to implement such a measure. Leapmotor, Xpeng, and Geely have since announced their largest recalls on record. In the United States, proposed legislation would require cars equipped with these handles to include a fail-safe manual door release. The NHTSA stated in July that the issue should be addressed through a potential new formal safety standard, following its denial of a petition seeking a recall of Tesla Model 3 sedans.
Globally, regulators have flagged the risks associated with electronic door handles as a priority. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe is drafting new standards to ensure these handles can be opened from both inside and outside if the vehicle loses electrical power. Industry consultants JD Power noted in 2023 that door handles were a growing problem area, with seven of the ten most problematic models in this category being electric vehicles.
Lawsuits have also alleged that Tesla’s door-handle designs have trapped drivers or passengers, leading to injuries or deaths in incidents where a vehicle was on fire.
