Tesla, others recall China cars over door handles
Drivers and regulators are focused on whether electronic doors can open after power loss, with China moving to ban hidden handles and US and European rulemaking under review.
Saturday, 22 August 2026 09:16
Tesla and eight other automakers said on Aug. 21 they would recall about 4.3 million vehicles in China because electronic flush-style door handles may be difficult to open in an emergency, The Straits Times reported.
The Aug. 22 explainer, attributed to Reuters, said the handles have spread globally over the past decade, especially on electric vehicles. Popularised by Tesla, they sit flush with the door for a minimalist look and lower aerodynamic drag, then electronically extend outward, typically as the owner approaches.
The safety concern centres on doors that use electronic buttons instead of a traditional mechanical system. Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, said unclear manual releases can make it difficult for drivers or passengers to escape if a vehicle loses power in a life-threatening situation.
Some automakers use an interior lever that can be pulled twice to release the door manually, but Brooks said Tesla’s manual release is either in the door pocket or under a panel, without clear signage. JD Power said in 2023 that “the basic touch point of door handles is now a percolating problem area as manufacturers attempt to redesign them,” adding that seven of the 10 most problematic models in this area were EVs.
Tesla and several other automakers, including Xiaomi, launched software updates on Aug. 21 and said they would recall nearly 4.3 million vehicles. Leapmotor, Xpeng and Geely also announced their largest recalls on record, while Reuters said it could not determine the exact number of models using these handles globally.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said late on Aug. 21 that automakers had not notified it of plans for a similar US recall. China has said it will ban “hidden” door handles from 2027, while US and European regulators are considering or drafting rules to ensure electronic handles can be opened if a car’s electricity is cut off.
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