China's biggest automotive recall is underway, affecting over four million vehicles, mostly from Tesla. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced the recall due to safety issues with hidden door handles that have caused problems in emergencies.
Starting January 1, 2027, new rules will require all cars sold in China to have mechanical door release mechanisms inside and out. This change comes after several incidents where hidden handles delayed rescues during accidents, raising safety concerns.
About three million of the recalled vehicles are Tesla models, which have been criticized for door handles that are hard to locate because they blend in with the car's design. SAMR highlighted that this could prevent quick escapes or hinder rescue efforts.
Xiaomi, XPeng, and Geely are also part of this recall, accounting for over 750,000 vehicles. The recall follows tragic incidents involving Xiaomi's SU7 model, which was involved in two fatal crashes in 2025 where doors failed to open due to electrical issues.
In one crash, three people died on a highway in Tongling city when doors didn't unlock after a collision. Xiaomi stated that their SU7 models include mechanical emergency release handles, but investigations continue.
Tesla has faced similar issues in the U. S., with lawsuits over door handle designs. A 2024 Cybertruck crash survivor claimed the design trapped passengers in a burning vehicle, arguing the lack of mechanical handles was dangerous.
Responding to concerns, the SAMR now requires manufacturers to add warning labels inside doors to guide passengers on opening them. Some vehicles will also get software updates to lower windows automatically in crashes.
Experts criticize these measures as inadequate. Engineering instructor Lim Hong Wee argues that relying on software for emergency access is risky. He insists that emergency access shouldn't depend solely on electronics.
Risk management consultant Gokul Krithivasan agrees, saying warning labels may not work in high-stress situations. In emergencies, people often act instinctively, not stopping to read instructions.
Hidden door handle issues aren't just a Chinese problem. The U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering requiring emergency exit systems in cars. European regulators are also working on standards to ensure handles work even if a car loses power.
As the auto industry faces these challenges, China's regulatory changes may influence global safety standards. Experts think safety requirements set in China could soon be adopted worldwide.
Tesla began selling the Model S with hidden door handles in China in 2014, and the company has faced scrutiny since. This latest recall is a major move to address safety concerns as electric vehicles become more common.
